Enabling Zero-Defect Manufacturing Through Thermographic Data Analysis: a Steel Industry Use Case

This paper presents the integration of two thermographic Non-Destructive Inspection systems (NDIs) into the production line of trailer suspension components, a high-temperature industrial process. The NDI positioned at the exit of the induction furnace provides indications of the uniformity of heating, the presence of oxide scales, and, together with the NDI positioned at the exit of the descaling unit, the overall process efficiency, improving both product and process diagnosis. Oxide scales detection upstream and downstream of the descaling unit allows real-time adjustments to the process, which is energy-intensive, to reduce its consumption while maintaining process performance. The use of data generated by the NDIs enables Zero-Defect Manufacturing (ZDM) strategies to be implemented. This work demonstrates that infrared thermography can significantly enhance in-line quality control and sustainability in industrial manufacturing.