Identification of influential functional process variables for surface quality control in hot rolling processes

This paper focuses on surface quality improvement in hot rolling processes. A systematic method based on functional data analysis is developed to identify the key influential process variables. It provides guidelines for hot rolling process control and can also be expanded to generic scenarios of functional variable selection. Note to Practitioners - Surface defects have been a long-term troubling issue in hot rolling processes. In this paper, functional data analysis and rigorous statistical testing are integrated to identify the process variables that significantly influence the surface quality of the finished products. The results can provide guidelines for root cause identification and surface quality improvement in hot rolling processes.