Case Study: OneSteel reduces rod scale and boosts yield with Minitab

OneSteel saves $275,000 annually reducing scale with Minitab

OneSteel, an Australian steel manufacturer, faced a challenge with excessive "mill scale" on steel rods produced at its Laverton Rod Mill. This scale caused significant yield loss and increased costs at their downstream Geelong Wire Mill. To address this, the company used Six Sigma methodologies and Minitab Statistical Software to analyze the problem and find a solution.

Using Minitab, OneSteel's team analyzed data and ran experiments to identify key factors affecting scale, such as cooling conveyor parameters and laying head temperature. After implementing process improvements, Minitab analysis confirmed a significant reduction in rod scale weight. This resulted in annual savings of over $275,000, decreased machinery wear, and a visibly superior product for the wire mill.

OneSteel