RAMON Steel Scrap Intelligent Grading System Deployed Globally

In January 2024, Tokyo Steel Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and NatSteel Holdings successively inked a deal to adopt the RAMON system to realize the unmanned grading of steel scrap and the automation of the steel scrap settlement process.

The former is a cornerstone of the Japanese steel industry as the largest electric furnace steel mill. Its daily consumption of steel scrap steel is massive, and the site features intricate operations, such as covering wharf loading, dumping unloading, semi-trailer unloading, non-fixed unloading and other application scenarios. Therefore, the enterprise eagerly sought an intelligent steel scrap grading technology that could automate both grading and settlement processes, eliminating the need for manual intervention.Which supplier did they ultimately choose? The company did not make a hasty decision. After more than two years of thorough investigation, exchanges, product comparisons, and over 20 rounds of scheme modifications, they ultimately selected the RAMON steel scrap intelligent grading system.

A similar scenario unfolded at another facility - an electric furnace steel plant primarily using steel scrap as raw material. This plant has an enormous demand for steel scrap, mostly consisting of light steel scrap that is challenging to classify. This company was also eager to implement an intelligent grading system for steel scrap. After evaluating and investigating numerous suppliers, they too chose RAMON's technology and products.

The signing of the contract with Tokyo Steel Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and NatSteel Holdings signifies that the intelligent grading system for steel scrap has achieved the greatest industrial adoption among iron and steel plants (excluding minor scrap grading projects by suppliers), encompassing a wide range of material yards and unloading methods. This system boasts the largest database of steel scrap types, the most extensive labeled image library, and the highest number of official online projects, making it the most advanced grading system for steel scrap in steel mills.

Previously, the first overseas installation of the intelligent grading system for steel scrap was successfully commissioned at CHIYODA STEEL CO., LTD. in February 2023, and by June 2023, it had achieved full plant coverage. This system guarantees a stable grading accuracy of over 93% for steel scrap and a weight deduction accuracy of approximately 95%, effectively replacing manual grading with AI-driven automation across all weather conditions and times. This not only significantly reduces the labor intensity for employees but also enhances the safety, accuracy, and efficiency of steel scrap inspection processes. The comprehensive implementation of the intelligent grading system for steel scrap across CHIYODA STEEL CO., LTD. has solidified a long-term strategic partnership between RAMON and CHIYODA STEEL CO., LTD.

The official launch of the RAMON steel scrap intelligent grading system has garnered widespread recognition from steel enterprises globally, further driving the intelligent development of the steel industry. During the cooperation, the two parties not only agreed upon the intelligent grading system for steel scrap but also delved into the informationization of vehicle logistics and automation of steel scrap inventory management. These efforts have introduced more efficient and precise solutions for steel scrap management, enhancing enterprises' productivity, competitiveness, and contributing to the sustainable growth of the iron and steel industry.

RAMON's steel scrap intelligent grading system has been under research and development since mid-2017, boasting six years of expertise. Its rich experience in implementing intelligent grading in electric arc furnace steel plants sets it apart in the industry and has garnered recognition from numerous steel enterprises. After six years of relentless refinement, the RAMON steel scrap intelligent grading system has become increasingly sharp and effective. Globally, it is operational in 21 steel mills, spanning 168 locations, and has graded a total of 283,210 vehicles. This system is designed for rapid deployment, enabling online usage within just one month. It boasts a single steel scrap identification accuracy of up to 93%, supporting manual measurement for added precision. Furthermore, it achieves a material type recognition rate of 95% and a vehicle-level accuracy rate of 97%.

△ Steel Scrap Identification Diagram

To align with users' grading standards, RAMON research team engaged seasoned steel scrap graders from steel mills to provide guidance. Regular steel scrap process seminars, group leader teaching sessions, and systematic management of each grading operator ensure consistency and accuracy. Currently, the RAMON grading team has graded an impressive 473,757 steel scrap images, encompassing a total of 9,208,313 individual pieces of scrap steel.