Machine Learning Methods for the Prediction of the Inclusion Content of Clean Steel Fabricated by Electric Arc Furnace and Rolling

Machine Learning classification models have been trained and validated from a dataset (73 features and 13,616 instances) including experimental information of a clean cold forming steel fabricated by electric arc furnace and hot rolling. A classification model was developed to identify inclusion contents above the median. The following algorithms were implemented: Logistic Regression, K-Nearest Neighbors, Decision Tree, Random Forests, AdaBoost, Gradient Boosting, Support Vector Classifier and Artificial Neural Networks. Random Forest displayed the best results overall and was selected for the subsequent analyses. The Permutation Importance method was used to identify the variables that influence the inclusion cleanliness and the impact of these variables was determined by means of Partial Dependence Plots. The influence of the final diameter of the coil has been interpreted considering the changes induced by the process of hot rolling in the distribution of inclusions. Several variables related to the secondary metallurgy and tundish operations have been identified and interpreted in metallurgical terms. In addition, the inspection area during the microscopic examination of the samples also appears to influence the inclusion content. Recommendations have been established for the sampling process and for the manufacturing conditions to optimize the inclusionary cleanliness of the steel.