Prediction of shape defects over length of cold rolled sheet using artificial neural networks

Abstract

A model based on an artificial neural network (ANN) has been developed for prediction of flatness of cold rolled (CR) sheet in a tandem cold rolling mill for white goods applications. Various process parameters including roll bending, roll shifting, tensions between stands etc., which affect flatness of CR sheet are considered in the model. Substantial amounts of data are obtained from level II automation of PL-TCM of TATA Steel to develop the prediction model. The developed ANN model, based on back propagation algorithm, is able to predict the flatness defects like edge buckles, centre buckles for a given set of rolling parameters. The model involves a large number of process parameters and application of ANN to such kind of problems is successfully demonstrated in the present study. The model is in good agreement with the observed flatness values at different locations across the width. High coefficient of determination close to 0·919 is achieved for the prediction of flatness at edges.