Abstract: A monitoring system for determining a cross-sectional shape or profile of a steel strip. The monitoring system includes a scan unit that traverses back and forth across the width of the strip as the strip moves through a plating line. The scan unit includes a radiation source for directing a radiation beam toward a surface of the strip and a photodetector for monitoring radiation reflected from the surface of the strip. Using optical triangulation, the distance to the surface of the strip is obtained and collected by a computer. The computer co-ordinates the scan data with the position of the scan unit relative to the strip and displays data corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the strip.

Abstract: A method for eliminating the problem of head or lead end creasing in coiled materials includes fitting a coiling mandrel with a mandrel sleeve adaptor. The sleeve adaptor includes a narrow soft zone which is more compressible than the remainder of the outer surface of the adaptor. When the head end of the material to be coiled nests in the narrow soft zone during coiling the problem of creasing is eliminated.