Analyze Steel Inclusions Using Automated SEM

For years, inclusion analysis has been at the forefront of investigative work to determine castability issues and improve product quality. The control of inclusions relies on accurate knowledge about the phase changes and their compositional relation under various chemical and thermal conditions during processing. Given the direct link between the inclusion content and the steel production process, manufacturers of steel demand an analyzer that can operate under adverse conditions—and still provide process specific metrics.

The ASPEX^® Metal Quality Analyzer (MQA™) provides up-to-date information of the inclusion compositional on lollipop, as cast, and final product samples. Once fully implemented through our support network, the MQA™ provides the necessary information that can result in savings of over $1,000,000 per year, whether through energy savings or consumable consumption.

Published literature reveal various approaches for addressing inclusion investigations. Two main goals are featured throughout: (1) Inclusion engineering and (2) Determining detrimental inclusions types. The MQA™ is the first dedicated SEM/EDS system for process control in steel mills.

Most EDS-based analyzers are found in research laboratories and not at the production floor, largely due to their inability to handle adverse environments. In addition, the skill set of the operators needs to be such that they are SEM and EDS experts.

When you require more than an SEM/EDS system can offer, the MQA^™ relies on turnkey solutions to provide the customized information you desire. Whether it’s heat trending or inclusion chemistry, the MQA™ provides the information you need when you want it.

The Metals Quality Analyzer^™ (MQA) has broken through with industry leading performance capabilities. Modern steel making practices can now rely on the MQA not only for process monitoring but also non-metallic inclusion cleanliness ratings to make critical decisions. ASPEX MQA-Metals Cleanliness Rating^™ (MQA-MCR) software affords the operator the ability to rapidly scan polished steel samples and characterize inclusions for their morphology and chemistry.

Resolve Inclusions

The need for routine investigations of non-metallic inclusions is critical to the production steel. Unlike optical microscope rating systems, the Personal SEM®-EDS system equipped with ASPEX's Automate Feature Analysis™ allows for improved reliability of analysis with a compact and industrialized packaging. Inclusions down to 100 nm can be detected and monitored in the process. For product inspections, the large chamber design and customizable sample holders afford the user the ability to easily resolve inclusions and characterize them. The Ease-of-Use offered by ASPEX analysis software and single-click reporting functions allow metallurgists at the Steel Mill to product reliable and reproducible cleanliness ratings in an unattended 24/7 operational environment.

Improve Productivity

Why dedicate your personnel to manually rating inclusions when you can automate the process and allow them to be performing other duties. The MCR Software allows the user to run multiple samples at the same time, review the data and report the cleanliness ratings.

Standardized Reporting

Relevant international standards can be selected and reported in the proper formats. Utilizing stringer building software, the user has the ability to review and confirm inclusions prior to reporting. In addition, the classification of inclusions can be changed after the original analysis is complete – improving the review and accuracy of the results without analyzing a sample multiple times. Among the currently supported standards are ASTM E45 and E2142, JIS G 0555 and ISO 4967.

Metals Quality Analyzer^™ with Metals Cleanliness Rating^™ Software

The Metals Quality Analyzer^™ (MQA) has broken through with industry leading performance capabilities. Modern steel making practices can now rely on the MQA not only for process monitoring but also non-metallic inclusion cleanliness ratings to make critical decisions.

ASPEX MQA-Metals Cleanliness Rating^™ (MQA-MCR) software affords the operator the ability to rapidly scan polished steel samples and characterize inclusions for their morphology and chemistry.

Reporting Capabilities:

• Fully Customizable to Meet Your Needs
• Trending
• Histograms
• Colorized Ternaries
• Automatic Pass/Fail Warnings
• Data Interpretation
• Inclusion Images/Spectra
• Batch Processing
• ASTM E2142
• ASTM E45
• JIS G 0555
• ISO 4967