The rolling of steel transforms certain defects formed during the steelmaking operation into other, outwardly similar defects (such as blowholes, longitudinal cracks, and folds). Like steelmaking defects, the defects formed during rolling cannot always be unambiguously evaluated by visual inspection and distinguished from the flaws formed during production of the steel. For example, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish laps from rolled-in cracks or to distinguish rolled-in scabs from folds. Accurate classification of surface defects on rolled products according to their causes and the stage of the production process in which they were formed is essential to improving product quality and reducing the cost of producing steel and rolled products, since it makes it possible to promptly make corrections to the process. The degree of accuracy with which the origin of a given defect is determined depends on the degree of perfection and reliability of the inspection methods and equipment used, as well as on the system implemented to monitor the production process.

In a collaboration with the Moldavian Metallurgical Plant, VNIIMETMASh has used the results of studies of the design elements of continuous-caster molds to develop and succesfully produce a new liner for such molds — the VM-sinus. The main feature of this liner is the presence of convexity on the central sections of its walls. The convexity makes it possible to center the solidifying skin of the casting inside the liner when the skin is just beginning to form. Gradual straightening of the sinusoidal sections of the skin miminizes the size of the gas-filled gap between the skin and the walls of the liner. Gap size is minimized not only along the surfaces of the liner, but also at the corners. The new liners are being made at the pilot plant operated by VNIIMETMASh.

A recent increase in the percentage of high-quality grades of steel being cast on continuous casters at lower speeds has lengthened the casting operation, with casting time now approaching the average amount of time it takes to make a heat of steel. This development has also led to more downtime for arc steelmaking furnaces, since the casters are not ready to receive newly made steel. Thus, it has become necessary to increase the productivity of the casters. The system MNC was introduced at the Moldavian Metallurgical Plant. This system makes it possible to increase caster productivity, stabilize the casting process, and increase the output of useable metal by replacing the tundish nozzles without any interruption in casting operations.