Por: FERNANDO EMERSON VIANA SOUSA (ARCELORMITTAL PECÉM S.A.), Carlos Alexandre Azevedo (ARCELORMITTAL PECÉM S.A.), Giana Carla Silva Neves (ARCELORMITTAL PECÉM S.A.), Hana Lívia Frota Coelho (ARCELORMITTAL PECÉM S.A.), Francisco Necy Alves Júnior (ARCELORMITTAL PECÉM S.A.), Carlos Henrique Lopes (ARCELORMITTAL PECÉM S.A.), Alex Maia do Nascimento (ARCELORMITTAL PECÉM S.A.), Paula Reneé de Macedo Costa (ARCELORMITTAL PECÉM S.A.), Lucas Sousa Uchoa (ARCELORMITTAL PECÉM S.A.), Aline Meneses Dias (ARCELORMITTAL PECÉM S.A.)
Resumo:
A case study was conducted at ArcelorMittal Pecém, highlighting the evolution of quality control for carbon steel slabs intended for several industrial applications, including automotive, oil and gas, energy, and structural sectors. Initially, there was a considerable number of complaints, scrap, and rework in the early years of operation. Through the application of Total Quality Management (TQM) tools such as brainstorming, cause-and-effect diagram, risk matrix, and Pareto’s analysis, the main reasons behind the quality issues of the slabs were identified, including surface defects, dimensional issues, and identification errors. Throughout the study, appropriate actions were implemented to address these issues, such as poka-yokes. Even with the introduction of high-added-value steels, the use of TQM tools allowed for a gradual reduction in complaints, rework, and scrap. This reduction is linked to cost savings, increased productivity, and improved customer satisfaction.