Slab thickness measurement | Ultra-precise radar sensor | Rolling mill

The precise thickness measurement of slabs or other semi-finished metal is essential to achieve reliable product quality at all times in rolling mills and continuous casting plants. Our radar sensor solution determines the thickness and the thickness profile of steel slabs, strips or plates (up to 1600 °C hot) with an accuracy of up to ±10 µm on the roller conveyor. Thanks to robust radar technology, sophisticated signal processing and intelligent radar algorithms, OndoSense radar sensors achieve this high level of precision in slabs thickness measurement even under the difficult production conditions of the steel industry with smoke, steam, dirt, vibrations, fire and extreme temperatures. Good to know: Material thickness, alloy, metal type (e.g. aluminum, copper, steel, etc.) and metal properties have no influence on the accuracy of the slab thickness measurement.

This makes the OndoSense radar sensor solution an attractive alternative to radiometric thickness measurement of slabs or semi-finished steel products: These measuring systems based on radioactive isotope or X-ray emitters are expensive - both in procurement and in operation. They also require complex radiation protection and intensive maintenance.

Profitable.
Reduced operating costs with radar.
- Minimal maintenance: Radar has no moving parts, works contactless, requires almost no cleaning and does not need radiation protection.
- Thanks to accurate slab thickness measurement, product tolerance can be reduced: This saves raw material and decreases the rolling mill's CO2 emissions.
Reliable.
Error-free thickness measurement.
- Reliable slab thickness measurement even with steam, dust, reflections – regardless of alloy, metal type and metal properties.
- Reduced scrap and increased product quality because reliable measurement results are available early in the production process.
Productive.
High productivity, low waste.
- Optimum product quality thanks to high measurement accuracy: Product defects are detected early and damage to the rolling system is prevented.
- Higher productivity through better steel plant utilization as well as avoidance of unplanned downtime and product scrap.

Thickness measurement steel & metal
Measurement accuracy	Sub-millimeter: up to ±10 µm
Measurement range	0.2 to 1.4 m
Measurement rate	up to 500 Hz
Possible environmental conditions	Water vapour, smoke, dust, dirt, vibration, heat & cold, reflections, difficult lighting conditions
Outputs & interfaces	RS485, analog current loop (4–20 mA), digital switching outputs (3x push-pull), RS485
Measured product	Up to 1600 °C hot slabs, steel girders, long and flat steel, steel sheet piling and other semi-finished metal products; measuring accuracy independent of metal type, alloy, material thickness or surface