Russian Steelmakers Automate Quality Control for Tinplate

Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works has launched a custom digital system to inspect tinplate quality, promising faster checks and fewer defects.

Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK) has introduced its own software solution for monitoring the production quality of electrolytic tinplate. The application was developed in-house by MMK-Informservice. Quality control and product acceptance teams now use it via rugged industrial tablets on the shop floor.

The new control system is designed to streamline workflows and reduce production losses. One key goal is to eliminate customer complaints about defects in the tinplate. While the number of inspections is set to increase, the speed of each check will be significantly improved.

Electrolytic tinplate—commonly used in food-grade packaging like canned goods—requires especially high manufacturing standards. MMK is the largest producer of this type of tinplate in the former Soviet Union and the only one in Russia. Last year alone, the company produced over 158,000 tons.