Steel Surface Defect Recognition in Smart Manufacturing Using Deep Ensemble Transfer Learning-Based Techniques

Smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 are transforming traditional manufacturing processes by utilizing innovative technologies such as the artificial intelligence(AI)and internet of things(IoT)to enhance efficiency,reduce costs,and ensure product quality.In light of the recent advancement of Industry 4.0,identifying defects has become important for ensuring the quality of products during the manufacturing process.In this research,we present an ensemble methodology for accurately classifying hot rolled steel surface defects by combining the strengths of four pre-trained convolutional neural network(CNN)architectures:VGG16,VGG19,Xception,and Mobile-Net V2,compensating for their individual weaknesses.We evaluated our methodology on the Xsteel surface defect dataset(XSDD),which comprises seven different classes.The ensemble methodology integrated the predictions of individual models through two methods:model averaging and weighted averaging.Our evaluation showed that the model averaging ensemble achieved an accuracy of 98.89%,a recall of 98.92%,a precision of 99.05%,and an F1-score of 98.97%,while the weighted averaging ensemble reached an accuracy of 99.72%,a recall of 99.74%,a precision of 99.67%,and an F1-score of 99.70%.The proposed weighted averaging ensemble model outperformed the model averaging method and the individual models in detecting defects in terms of accuracy,recall,precision,and F1-score.Comparative analysis with recent studies also showed the superior performance of our methodology.

Quickly obtaining densely dispersed coherent particles in steel matrix and its related mechanical property

Densely distributed coherent nanoparticles(DCN)in steel matrix can enhance the work-hardening ability and ductility of steel simultaneously.All the routes to this end can be generally classified into the liquid-solid route and the solid-solid route.However,the formation of DCN structures in steel requires long processes and complex steps.So far,obtaining steel with coherent particle enhancement in a short time remains a bottleneck,and some necessary steps remain unavoidable.Here,we show a high-efficiency liquid-phase refining process reinforced by a dynamic magnetic field.Ti-Y-Mn-O particles had an average size of around(3.53±1.21)nm and can be obtained in just around 180 s.These small nanoparticles were coherent with the matrix,implying no accumulated dislocations between the particles and the steel matrix.Our findings have a potential application for improving material machining capacity,creep resistance,and radiation resistance.

Novel Methodologies for Preventing Crack Propagation in Steel Gas Pipelines Considering the Temperature Effect

Using the software ANSYS-19.2/Explicit Dynamics,this study performedfinite-element modeling of the large-diameter steel pipeline cross-section for the Beineu-Bozoy-Shymkent gas pipeline with a non-through straight crack,strengthened by steel wire wrapping.The effects of the thread tensile force of the steel winding in the form of single rings at the crack edges and the wires with different winding diameters and pitches were also studied.The results showed that the strengthening was preferably executed at a minimum value of the thread tensile force,which was 6.4%more effective than that at its maximum value.The analysis of the influence of the winding dia-meters showed that the equivalent stresses increased by 32%from the beginning of the crack growth until the wire broke.The increment in winding diameter decelerated the disclosure of the edge crack and reduced its length by 8.2%.The analysis of the influence of the winding pitch showed that decreasing the distance between the winding turns also led to a 33.6%reduction in the length of the straight crack and a 7.9%reduction in the maximum stres-ses on the strengthened pipeline cross-section.The analysis of the temperature effect on the pipeline material,within a range from-40℃ to+50℃,resulted in a crack length change of up to 5.8%.As the temperature dropped,the crack length decreased.Within such a temperature range,the maximum stresses were observed along the cen-tral area of the crack,which were equal to 413 MPa at+50℃ and 440 MPa at-40℃.The results also showed that the presence of the steel winding in the pipeline significantly reduced the length of crack propagation up to 8.4 times,depending on the temperature effect and design parameters of prestressing.This work integrated the existing methods for crack localization along steel gas pipelines.

Microstructure and high temperature tribological behavior of laser cladding Ni60A alloys coatings on 45 steel substrate

The crack-free Ni60 A coating was fabricated on 45 steel substrate by laser cladding and the microstructure including solidification characteristics, phases constitution and phase distribution was systematically investigated. The high temperature friction and wear behavior of the cladding coating and substrate sliding against GCr15 ball under different loads was systematically evaluated. It was found that the coating has homogenous and fine microstructure consisting of γ（Ni） solid solution, a considerable amount of network Ni-Ni3 B eutectics, m^23C6 with the floret-shape structure and Cr B with the dark spot-shape structure uniformly distributing in interdendritic eutectics. The microhardness of the coating is about 2.6 times as much as that of the substrate. The coating produces higher friction values than the substrate under the same load condition, but the friction process on the coating keeps relatively stable. Wear rates of the coating are about 1/6.2 of that of the substrate under the higher load（300 g）. Wear mechanism of the substrate includes adhesion wear, abrasive wear, severe plastic deformation and oxidation wear, while that of the coating is merely a combination of mild abrasive wear and moderate oxidation wear.

Effect of heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical property of Ti-steel explosive-rolling clad plate

The effect of heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of the Ti-steel explosive-rolling clad plate was elaborated by optical microscopy （OM）, scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, X-ray diffraction （XRD）, transmission electron microscopy （TEM）, micro-hardness test and shear test. The composites were subjected to heat treatment at temperature of 650-950 ~C for 60 min. The results show that the heat treatment process results in a great enhancement of diffusion and microstructural transformation. The shear strength decreases as the treatment temperature increases. Heated at 850 ℃ or below, their shear strength decreases slowly as a result of the formation of TiC in the diffusion interaction layer; while at the temperature of 850 ℃ or above, the shear strength decreases obviously, which is the consequence of a large amount of Ti-Fe intermetaUics （Fe2Ti/FeTi） along with some TiC distributing continuously at diffusion reaction layer.

Preparation of ultra-fine grain Ni-Al-WC coating with interlocking bonding on austenitic stainless steel by laser clad and friction stir processing

The ultra-fine structured Ni?Al?WC layer with interlocking bonding was fabricated on austenitic stainless steel by combination of laser clad and friction stir processing (FSP). Laser was initially applied to Ni?Al elemental powder preplaced on the austenitic stainless steel substrate to produce a coating for further processing. The as-received coating was subjected to FSP treatment, processed by a rotary tool rod made of WC?Co alloy, to obtain sample for inspection. Microstructure, phase constitutions, hardness and wear property were investigated by methods of scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) microanalysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD), hardness test alongside with dry sliding wear test. The results show that the severe deformation effect exerted on the specimen resulted in an ultra-fine grain layer of about 100μmin thickness and grain size of 1?2μm. Synergy between introduction of WC particles to the deformation layer and deformation strengthening contributes greatly to the increase in hardness and friction resistance. An interlocking bonding between the coating and matrix which significantly improves bonding strength was formed due to the severe deformation effect.

Microstructure and properties of laser cladding of 316L stainless steel on hydraulic support tube

In consideration of the special environmental conditions of coal equipment in mining, the seamless steel tube of hy-draulic prop made of 20^# carbon steel was taken as the substrate, and 316L stainless steel powder was used to clad the sub-strate by a fiber-coupled semiconductor laser. The microstructure of the cladding layer was determined by metalloscope. The hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the cladding layer were measured. The results show that metallurgy bind-ing interface between the cladding layer and the substrate is obtained without defects such as cracks and pores. The hardness of the cladding layer is much higher than that of the matrix, and the wear resistance and corrosion resistance are simultaneously better. According to the analysis, it is summarized that the improvement in performance of the cladding layer is closely related to the change of microstructure and the thermal effect in the cladding process. The maximum hardness occurs in the equiaxed zone, and with the grain coarsening, the hardness reduces simultaneously. In addition, the precipitated phase, hard particles and trace elements also have a great influence on the properties of the cladding layer, and they will prevent the surface from ab-rasion and reduce the plastic deformation of the matrix. It is verified that the 316L stainless steel is suitable for the 20^# steel in laser cladding repairing process. Since this study focused on coal machine equipment parts, it has certain practical significance for the repair of hydraulic equipment.

Wear and corrosion resistance of laser-cladded Fe-based composite coatings on AISI 4130 steel

The wear and corrosion resistance of Fe_（72.2）Cr_（16.8）Ni_（7.3）Mo_（1.6）Mn_（0.7）C_（0.2）Si_（1.2） and Fe_（77.3）Cr_（15.8）Ni_（3.9）Mo_（1.1）Mn_（0.5）C_（0.2）Si_（1.2） coatings laser-cladded on AISI 4130 steel were studied.The coatings possess excellent wear and corrosion resistance despite the absence of expensive yttrium,tungsten,and cobalt and very little molybdenum.The microstructure mainly consists of dendrites and eutectic phases,such as duplex（γ＋α）-Fe and the Fe–Cr（Ni）solid solution,confirmed via energy dispersive spectrometry and X-ray diffraction.The cladded Fe-based coatings have lower coefficients of friction,and narrower and shallower wear tracks than the substrate without the cladding,and the main wear mechanism is mild abrasive wear.Electrochemical test results suggest that the soft Fe_（72.2）Cr_（16.8）Ni_（7.3）Mo_（1.6）Mn_（0.7）C_（0.2）Si_（1.2） coating with high Cr and Ni concentrations has high passivation resistance,low corrosion current,and positive corrosion potential,providing a better protective barrier layer to the AISI 4130 steel against corrosion.

Effect of interface morphology on the mechanical properties of titanium clad steel plates

Interface morphology has important influence on the bond quality of titanium clad steel plates. The mechanical properties of titanium clad steel plates with wavy and straight interfaces were investigated by tensile-shear tests and bending tests. The interface morphology of the plates was examined by optical microscopy （OM） and scanning electron microscopy （SEM）. The experimental results show that the shear strength of a wavy interface is higher than that of a straight interface. A wavy interface is the guarantee for obtaining high shear strength to provide a greater shear resistance. During the maerobending process, cracks appear in the swirl of the wave tip and ferrotitanium intermetallies. For in-situ observing the bending process by SEM, the wave tip of a wavy interface and the massive ferrotitartium intermetallies of a straight interface are places where cracks initiate and propagate. The results are the same as those observed in the macrobending process. Became of high hardness, the wave tip and the massive ferrotitanium intermetallies are hard in terms of compatible deformation.

Characterization of Fe_3Si-based coatings on low silicon steel by pulsed Nd:YAG laser cladding

The Fe3Si based coating was produced on the Fe-1 Si steel surface by a pulsed Nd：YAG （yttrium aluminum garnet） laser. Its phase constitution and microstructure were characterized by using X-ray diffraction （XRD）, optical microscope （OM）, and field emission scanning electron microscope （FESEM） with associated energy dispersive spectroscopy （EDS） and transmission electron microscopy （TEM）. The hyperfine structure of the coating was studied by Mrssbauer spectra （MS） and the magnetic property was also measured at room temperature by a vibrating sample magnetometer （VSM）. The obtained coating is pore and crack-free with dense microstructure and high Si content. The metallurgical bonding between the coating and the substrate was realized. The microstructure of the coating is typical fine dendrites. The major phase was confirmed by XRD and TEM to be the ordering D03 structured Fe3Si phase. In addition, there were smaller amounts of the Fe5Si3 phase and the γ-Fe phase in the coating. Compared with the substrate, the laser cladding coating has a lower saturation magnetization and a higher coercive force. The poor magnetic property might be because of rapid solidification microstructure and phase constitution in the coating.

Pulsed Nd:YAG laser cladding of high silicon content coating on low silicon steel

A pulsed Nd：YAG （yttrium aluminum garnet） laser-based technique was employed to clad low silicon steel with preplaced Si and Fe mixed powders for high Si content. The surface morphology, microstructural evolution, phase composition, and Si distribution, within the obtained cladding coatings, were characterized by optical microscopy （OM）, field emission scanning electron microscopy （FE-SEM）, with associated energy dispersive spectroscopy （EDS）, transmission electron microscopy （TEM）, and X-ray diffraction （XRD）. The microhardness was also measured along the depth direction of the specimens, A crack- and pore-free cladding coating through excellent metallurgical bonding with the substrate was successfully prepared on low silicon steel by means of optimized single-track and multi-track laser cladding. The phases of the coating are a-Fe, T-Fe, and FeSi. The high microhardness of the lasercladding zone is considered as an increase in Si content and as the refined microstructure produced by the laser treatment. The Si contents of the cladding coatings were about 5.8wt% in the single-track cladding and 6.5wt% in the multi-track cladding, respectively.

Microstructure,strength and welding window of aluminum alloy-stainless steel explosive cladding with different interlayers

Aluminum 5052(Al 5052)-stainless steel 316(SS 316)plates were explosively cladded with Al 1100,pure copper and SS 304 interlayers.The operational parameters viz.,standoff distance,explosive mass ratio(mass ratio of the explosive to the flyer plate)and inclination angle were varied and the results were presented.The advent of interlayer relocates the lower boundary of the welding window,and enhances the welding regime by 40%.A triaxial welding window,considering the influence of the third operational parameter,was developed as well.Use of interlayer transforms the continuous molten layer formed in the traditional Al 5052-SS 316 explosive clad interfaces into a smooth interface devoid or with a slender presence of intermetallic compounds.The microhardness,ram tensile and shear strengths of the interlayered clads are higher than those of the traditional explosive clads,and the maximum values are witnessed for stainless steel interlaced Al 5052-SS 316 explosive clads.

Study on the interface of direct hot rolling titanium-clad steel plates

In this study,the interface characteristics of a direct hot rolling titanium-clad steel plate were analyzed, and the mechanism of interface cracking was explored. The detrimental effect from the formation of TiFe ,TiC,and a Si-enriched layer on the bonding strength was clarified, and an industrial-scaled titanium-clad steel plate with shear strength over 200 MPa was produced with a carefully set schedule accordingly. It was found that hot rolling titanium-clad steel plates had a flat interface without obvious cracks. In the rolling process,both Ti and Fe atoms interdiflhsed,but Fe difthsed much faster than Ti. The Fe-diffused area consisted of three regions. After a high temperature heat treatment, the diffusion depth of Fe and Ti elements increased significantly and evident Si segregation and TiFe layers were identified. Thermal cracking initiated in the Si segregation layer and then propagated along the TiFe layer and Fe-diffused layer on the titanium side.

A STUDY OF CONTINUOUS EXTRUSION-CLADDING PROCESSFOR PRODUCTION OF ALUMINUM-CLADDING STEEL WIRE

In this study the process of cladding steel wires with aluminum is investigated experimentally. It is studied how the cladding process and the quality of products are influenced by the aluminum deformation temperature, the wheel speed, the temperature of steel wire, the wire speed and the steel wire tensile force. The relation among the process parameters above is discussed, and the effect of the aluminum deformation temperature on the coating microstructure is analyzed. This paper suggested a reasonable range of process parameters for producing aluminum cladding steel wires.

A novel diffusion model considering curvature radius at the bonding interface in a titanium/steel explosive clad plate

This article introduces an element diffusion behavior model for a titanium/steel explosive clad plate characterized by a typical curved interface during the heat-treatment process. A series of heat-treatment experiments were conducted in the temperature range from 750℃ to 950℃, and the effects of heat-treatment parameters on the microstructural evolution and diffusion behavior were investigated by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and electron-probe microanalysis. Carbon atoms within the steel matrix were observed to diffuse toward the titanium matrix and to aggregate at the bonding interface at 850℃ or lower; in contrast, when the temperature exceeded 850℃, the mutual diffusion of Ti and Fe occurred, along with the diffusion of C atoms, resulting in the for- marion of Ti-Fe intermetallics （Fe2Ti/FeTi）. The diffusion distances of C, Ti, and Fe atoms increased with increasing heating temperature and/or holding time. On the basis of this diffusion behavior, a novel diffusion model was proposed. This model considers the effects of various factors, including the curvature radius of the curved interface, the diffusion coefficient, the heating temperature, and the holding rime. The experimental results show good agreement with the calculated values. The proposed model could clearly provide a general prediction of the elements＇ diffusion at both straight and curved interfaces.

Effect of Copper and Bronze Addition on Corrosion Resistance of Alloyed 316L Stainless Steel Cladded on Plain Carbon Steel by Powder Metallurgy

A sandwich structure with cladding alloyed 316L stainless steel on plain carbon steel was prepared by means of powder metallurgy (PM) processing. Electrolytic Cu and prealloyed bronze (95Cu wt pct, 5Sn wt pct) were added in different contents up to 15% into the surface cladded 316L layers and the effect of alloying concentrations on the corrosion resistance of the 316L cladding layers was studied. The corrosion performances of the cladding samples were studied by immersion tests and potentio-dynamic anodic polarization tests in H2S04 and FeCI3 solutions. Both 316L and alloyed 316L surface layers with 1.0 mm depth produced by PM cladding had an effect to improve corrosion resistance in H2SO4 and FeCI3 solutions. Small Cu and bronze addition (4%) had a positive effect in H2SO4 and FeCI3 solutions. 4% Cu alloyed 316L surface layer produced by PM cladding showed similar anodic polarization behaviour to the 316L cladding layer in H2SO4 and FeCl3 solutions.

Microstructure and corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel electroslag strip cladding

The 304 stainless steel strips were deposited one layer on carbon steel base metal by electroslag strip cladding （ESC） and submerged arc cladding （SAC）, respectively. The solidification microstrueture of ESC metal was analyzed by the optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The corrosion resistance studies of strip cladding metals were carried out in 10% oxalic acid electrolytic etching test. The results showed that the cladding metal obtained by ESC presented low content of C, high content of Cr and enough alloying element of Ni in the chemical composition. The transition zone of ESC with small width was almost parallel with the base metal, leading to a lower dilution. There are three types of solidification modes （ A→AF→FA ） occurred in the ESC metal due to the decrease of cooling rate and degree of dilution from the transition zone to the top of ESC metal. As a result, the microstructure of ESC metal exhibited mainly austenite with a small amount of ferrite, contributing to achievement of better corrosion resistance.

Development of a roll-bonded UNS N08825 alloy clad pipeline steel in Baosteel

In this study, a roll-bonded UNS N088225 alloy clad pipeline steel was investigated and developed in Baosteel. Based on the requirements of a number of potential projects, we performed a series of strict evaluations including mechanical and corrosion tests. The results show the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of this clad steel to be excellent and to meet the requirements of all the design parameters.

Microstructure and properties of S30403+Q345R roll-bonded clad steel plate for pressure vessels

To meet the demand of the domestic pressure vessel industry for roll-bonded clad steel plates, Baosteel has developed an S30403 ＋ Q345R roll-bonded clad steel plate. Comprehensive inspections of the composition, microstructure, and properties are made to systematically evaluate the steel plate in the normalized and normalized ＋ stress relieved states. The results show the cladding interface of the S30403 ＋ Q345R roll-bonded clad steel plate has high shear strength, the base metal has good properties, and the mechanical properties of the steel plate head and tail are uniform. The performance is fully consistent with the technical requirements of the roll-bonded clad steel plate for pressure vessels.

Development of SA-533 Type B CL. 1+SA-240 Type 304L roll-bonded clad steel plate for safety injection tank of CAP1400 nuclear power plant

Aiming to meet the demand of the country＇ s nuclear demonstration project on the CAP1400 nuclear power plant, Baosteel uses the roll-bonding technology and develops the SA-533 Type B CL. 1 ＋ SA-240 Type 304L high-strength and high-toughness clad steel plate with a shear strength of over 310 MPa for the nuclear power plant＇ s safety injection tank. The properties of the quenched and tempered and the simulated post-weld heat treatment states are systematically studied herein through a comprehensive inspection and evaluation of the composition,microstructure,and properties of the clad steel plate. The results show that the bonding interface has high shear strength and that the base metal has high strength and good toughness at low temperatures. Hence, the performance fully meets the technical requirements of the CAP1400 nuclear power plant＇ s safety injection tank in the country＇ s nuclear demonstration project. The roll-bonded clad steel plate can be used to manufacture the safety injection tank of the CAP1400 nuclear power plant.