Investigation of Luders Band Defects in Cold Rolling of Ferritic Stainless Steel Sheet Surface

Abstract

The production lines of the Iron and Steel Industry can realize high quality, high speed, and punctual production thanks to the harmonious coordination of various equipment and systems. However, due to the numerous variables arising from feedstock, machinery, or operators, productivity can decrease, resulting in poor-quality products and, eventually, a loss of profitability, which can even lead to a shutdown of the business. Therefore, it is crucial for production lines affected by multiple variables to continuously analyze and optimize these factors in order to improve efficiency and maintain competitiveness. This paper aims to focus specifically on the effect of Luders Bands on the surface of rolled sheets in a stainless steel sheet cold rolling mill, providing a practical application to the existing body of knowledge. Luders Bands are elongated plastic deformation zones that can form on the surface of rolled sheets during the cold rolling process. They can significantly impact the quality and appearance of stainless steel sheets, leading to customer dissatisfaction and potential product rejection. By investigating and clarifying the impact of Luders Bands, this study aims to contribute to the understanding of this phenomenon and provide valuable insights for process optimization. The paper will propose potential strategies and techniques to mitigate or eliminate Luders Bands, thereby improving the overall quality of the rolled sheets.