Intelligent prediction, control, and optimization of mechanical properties and microstructure in hot rolling

The X-Pact® Microstructure Property Model (MPM) revolutionizes how steel producers develop, predict, and control material properties in hot rolling. By integrating online and offline calculations of mechanical properties such as yield strength and tensile strength, MPM ensures reliable results and shortens time-to-market for new grades.
Through real-time monitoring, digital twin simulation, and process optimization, MPM provides full transparency of strip and plate properties, enabling faster corrective actions, reduced sampling, and significant cost savings.
This advanced metallurgical model paves the way toward fully automated flat rolling, helping producers achieve superior quality, optimized alloy usage, and higher production efficiency. 

Customer challenges addressed

  • Unreliable prediction and control of mechanical properties in strip production
  • Time-consuming and expensive grade development and alloy optimization
  • Production losses caused by off-spec mechanical properties
  • High laboratory and sampling costs delaying release and throughput
  • Lack of integrated, real-time feedback for process adjustments

Key features

  • Real-time prediction of mechanical properties with the MPM Monitor for faster decision-making
  • Digital twin simulation via MPM Simulator accelerates alloy and grade optimization
  • Automatic process optimization with the MPM Optimizer ensures consistent, target-compliant hot coils
  • Reduced material sampling and lower lab costs through reliable virtual property prediction
  • Optimized production that cut alloying costs and improve yield
  • Foundation for fully automatic flat rolling, maximizing efficiency and process stability

Highlights

  • MPM Monitor

    Real-time property calculation

    The MPM Monitor delivers direct calculation of mechanical properties for finished coils, enabling faster release and streamlined quality checks. Its accurate predictions serve as a reliable basis for subsequent processing steps, reducing delays and improving overall production efficiency.

    MPM Monitor

  • MPM Simulator

    Accelerated grade development

    The MPM Simulator predicts mechanical properties for new process conditions and grades, including optimized pass schedules and cooling patterns. This powerful tool speeds up time-to-market, enhances existing products, and enables alloy composition optimization for cost-effective, high-quality production.

    MPM Simulator

  • MPM Optimizer

    Intelligent process adjustment

    The MPM Optimizer calculates mechanical properties of the final product before it is rolled in the finishing mill and suggests corrective cooling conditions if targets are not met. This proactive approach prevents costly production losses, ensures compliance with specifications, and supports fully automated, stable rolling processes.