Automatic detection and classification of non metallic inclusions in steel via image processing

Non-metallic chemical components (silicate, sulfide, alumina, globular oxide) originated from production process cause inclusions in steel. These inclusions are one of the important factors that directly affect quality of steel. Before raw steel is used, the detection and classification of the inclusions according to international standards ASTM E45 will prevent faults that may occur during or after production. In this paper, an accurate, fast and reliable image processing based system that automatically detects and classifies non metallic inclusions in steel according to ASTM E45 standards is developed. The system is tested for detection and classification of Type A inclusions and successful results are obtained.