RTC chair Kyle Sims (left) presented a plaque of appreciation to Mike Reidy (right), California Steel Industries Inc., for hosting the committee’s tour of California Steel Industries Inc.

The RTC met 7–8 November 2023, Ontario, Calif., USA.
The Rolls Technology Committee convened for their fall meeting on 7 November 2023 in Ontario, Calif., USA, with a subsequent tour of California Steel Industries Inc. on 8 November 2023. The meeting, led by committee chair Kyle Sims, commenced with a warm welcome to all attendees.
A significant portion of the meeting centered around updates on the RTC’s sessions at the upcoming AISTech 2024 conference, scheduled for 6–9 May 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. Currently, seven abstracts are organized into two sessions, with Sean McHugh and Dan Grenough volunteering as session chairs for the AISTech 2024 Rolls sessions.
The committee also reviewed the Call for Papers for AISTech 2025, reaching a consensus to incorporate “automation in roll shops” as a noteworthy theme.
Two insightful presentations enriched the meeting: “Handheld Ultrasonic Usage” by Sam Watters and Will Haworth of Sonatest, and “Grinding Wheel Technology” by George Issac of Precision Abrasives.

Jochen Muenker (right) presented Kyle Sims (left) with the RTC service plaque.

The RTC met 8 May 2023, Detroit, MI, USA.
The following officers were elected:

• Chair: Kyle Sims - Gontermann-Peipers GmbH

• Vice Chair: Jochen Muenker - GEORG North America

• Papers Chair: Robert Curler - Herkules North America

• Membership Chair: Lydia Stromei - DeAmicis & Associates LLC

• Young Professional Chair: Sean McHugh - LISMAR Inc.

• Digitalization Liaison: Justin Snedeker - Herkules North America

The RTC met 11–12 October 2022, Memphis, Tenn., USA
Jochen Muenker reviewed the five abstracts available to the RTC for AISTech 2023 and asked for more submissions. He also asked for session chair volunteers and received nine volunteers. The AISTech 2024 Call for Papers text was discussed and approved. Muenker will coordinate the selection process for the 2023 Rolls Technology Committee Best Paper Award.
The RTC discussed creating a Roll Shop Roundup. The producer members see value in being able to share information, particularly about spare parts.
Kyle Sims then led a discussion about safety with many of the attendees sharing experiences within their facilities.
Presentations:

• “Latest EDT Technology and EDC for Extended Textured Roll Campaigns,” by Chris Childs, Sarclad.

• “Laser Texturing Technologies,” by Alfredo Brambilla, Tenova.

• “Development of New Double-Poured and Forged Backup Rolls,” by Raphael Steinhagen, Gontermann-Peipers.

The attendees toured Nucor Steel–Arkansas’ specialty cold mill complex.

Kyle Sims (right) presented a plaque of appreciation to Joe Strop (left) for hosting the RTC’s tour of Nucor Steel–Arkansas.

Kyle Sims (right) presented Chris Hrizo (left) with the RTC  service plaque.

The RTC met 16 May 2022, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
The following officers were elected:

• Chair: Kyle Sims  /  Cleveland-Cliffs Burns Harbor

• Vice Chair: Jochen Muenker  /  GEORG North America

• Papers Chair: Robert Curler  /  Herkules North America

• Membership Chair: Lydia Stromei  /  DeAmicis & Associates LLC

• Young Professional Chair: Sean McHugh  /  Vollmer America

• Digital Transformation Liaison: Justin Snedeker  /  Herkules North America

The RSTC met 3 March 2022, virtual meeting.
 Chris Hrizo, RTC chair, opened and led the virtual meeting for the 21 members in attendance. The group first discussed the latest Steel Industry Fatalities report.
The group finalized its two RTC-sponsored sessions for AISTech 2022 and topics for its grinder rebuild panel discussion. Committee officers for the 2022–2023 term were nominated, and elections scheduled for the RTC’s next meeting at AISTech 2022.

The HSRTC and RTC met 27 October 2021, Warrendale, Pa., USA
During the last week of October, the RTC and HSRTC held separate business meetings and then combined into a joint technical presentation session at AIST headquarters. RTC chair Chris Hrizo welcomed 20 in-person attendees and seven virtual attendees while HSRTC chair Rob Brunelli welcomed 13 in-person attendees and six virtual attendees.

Sean McHugh (left) presented Michael Chociej Jr. (right) with a plaque of appreciation for hosting the RTC’s tour of Herkules North America

The HSRTC has begun planning the Hot Sheet and Plate Rolling Fundamentals — Practical Training Seminar, which is scheduled for the fall of 2022. Nancy Hake, HSRTC education chair, is leading the effort to organize this seminar. The Plate Rolling Technology Committee has a similar education subcommittee led by Qiulin Yu to organize the Plate portion of the seminar. Papers chair Ashish Singh outlined abstracts for three sessions at AISTech 2022.
The RTC is continuing to produce a strong list of technology-focused content highlighting both safety and digitalization in  North American roll shops. Papers chair Jochen Münker is arranging the AISTech 2022 abstracts. The RTC’s programming will include a panel discussion on the topic of grinder rebuild and new installation of grinders and service.
Young Professionals Subcommittee chairs Sean McHugh and Jorge Fernandez described the new activities that have been rolled out during the pandemic and upcoming programs expected before AISTech.
In the afternoon, members enjoyed technical presentations from Michael Chociej Jr., Herkules North America; Reginald Snyder, TMEIC Corp. Americas; Dave Mann, Innerspec Technologies Inc.; and Rajat Bathla, Cleveland-Cliffs Burns Harbor.
The two Technology Committees wrapped up their fall meeting the following day with tours of Cleveland-Cliffs Butler Works and Herkules North America.

Rob Brunelli (left) and Lydia Stromei (right) presented Bob Ladesic (center) with a plaque of appreciation for hosting a tour of Cleveland-Cliffs Butler Works for the HSRTC and RTC.

The RSTC and LSRTC met jointly 7 October 2021, Colorado Springs, Colo., USA.
The committee members along with the attendees from the Secondary Steelmaking Refractories — A Practical Training Seminar toured Evraz Rocky Mountain Steel. After the tour, the LSRTC and RSTC met for their meeting, which included a safety discussion of steel industry fatalities focused on how more people are traveling now and coming in and out of facilities after a long time of mills being restricted on visitors; the main idea was to be aware and keep an eye out for everyone.
Both groups discussed their AISTech sessions as well as a potential joint session between the two committees.
The location for the October 2022 Secondary Steelmaking Refractories course will be Orlando, Fla., USA, with a tour of Nucor Steel Florida.
The RSTC is also working on dates for its Study Tour across Japan visiting a number of steel mills and refractory companies.
The second half of the meeting focused on refractory scanning for vessel life including ladles, furnaces and well blocks to determine efficient sand usage, etc. Presentations were given by Alan Stauffer, Nucor Steel–Texas, and David Thomas, MINTEQ; Sean Guy, Process Metrics/Vesuvius; and Jamie Lash, AJF Refractories.

Chris Hrizo received the RTC service plaque at AISTech 2021.

The RTC met 29 June 2021, Nashville, TN USA.
The following officers were elected:

• Chair: Chris Hrizo, WHEMCO Inc.

• Vice Chair: Kyle Sims, Cleveland-Cliffs Burns Harbor

• Papers Chair: Jochen Muenker, GEORG North America

• Membership Chair: Lydia Stromei, DeAmicis & Associates LLC

• Young Professional Chair: Sean McHugh, Vollmer America

• Rolls Technology Best Paper Award

• “Development of Electrical Discharge Coating for Extended Textured Roll Campaigns”

• Chris R. Childs, Head of Research and Development, Sarclad Ltd.

• Tom Lowbridge, Applications Service Engineer, Sarclad Ltd.

• Gareth Evans, Research Project Manager, Sarclad Ltd.

The RTC held a virtual meeting 17 February 2021.
RTC chair Chris Hrizo welcomed everyone to the meeting and touched base with the attendees on COVID-19-related issues affecting their professional communities.
Papers chair Jochen Muenker provided a report on the RTC’s technical paper sessions for AISTech 2021. He outlined the nine presentations planned for two sessions, one on Tuesday afternoon and one on Wednesday morning, with session chairs duties emphasized. The RTC’s Best Paper Award Selection Committee was in process of finalizing a recipient, who will be announced at AISTech 2021.
Young Professional chair Sean McHugh updated the RTC on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this group’s activity and noted the primary focus for meeting in person has been supported with virtual programming during the preparations for AISTech 2021.
The committee then plotted a course of action for the coming months.
Presentation:

• • “Benefits of Automated Roll Inspection,” by Sean McHugh, Vollmer America Inc., highlighted the role of integrated rolls inspection systems in terms of safety and economics.

The RTC held a virtual meeting 13 August 2020.
RTC chair Chris Hrizo opened the meeting by posing a question for all attendees on current business- and health-related conditions being experienced at each workplace. Hrizo emphasized the importance of maintaining AIST membership via social media and email channels.
Membership chair Lydia Stromei reported that the current number of RTC members is topping 140. She is working with a small group within the RTC to draft a new member contact letter to use in increasing the number of RTC members. Despite some employers not offering to reimburse the AIST membership fee, individuals are still choosing to stay active, even at their own cost. Stromei noted that the meeting at Purdue University Northwest brought a number of non-members to the event.
Sean McHugh commented that the RTC might consider the success of a recent meeting he attended, which was a joint meeting between the Cold Sheet Rolling and Galvanizing Technology Committees and the Sensors Subcommittee in Louisville, Ky. This event, in McHugh’s opinion, did an excellent job of limiting commercialism in the presentations, including two competitors who agreed to co-present in one session. The focus was clearly aimed at educating the attendees.
McHugh also gave an update on the Young Professionals activities.
Ideas for the next RTC meeting included creating a virtual meeting to support its new papers chair Jochen Muenker, and to reach out for specific technical topics for use in virtual meetings. Noting the success of joint committee meetings, a joint virtual meeting was also considered.
The group held a safety discussion focused on the age bracket portion of the Steel Industry Fatalities report. Comments included ways to address the possible complacency being experienced with team members who are seasoned and well-trained, yet have become too accustomed to normal working conditions to remember implementing safety steps on a regular basis.

The RTC had a virtual meeting 12 May 2020.
The RTC started the meeting by reviewing the mission statement and the AISTech 2021 Call for Papers. The group then brainstormed ways for the committee to engage members during the COVID-19 pandemic and encourage new member participation.
The committee finished their meeting by holding elections for their 2020–2021 officers. The new officers are:

• Chair: Chris Hrizo, WHEMCO Inc.

• Vice chair: Kyle Sims, ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor.

• Papers chair: Jochen Muenker, Georg Capco Inc.

• Membership chair: Lydia Stromei, DeAmicis & Associates LLC.

• Digitalization liaison: Christopher Pace, ArcelorMittal Cleveland.

• Young Professional liaison: Sean McHugh, Vollmer America Inc.

The RTC met 11–12 March 2020, Memphis, Tenn., USA.
The RTC met during a week of unprecedented historical nature due to the COVID-19 health precautions overtaking the country. Even with the rapidly changing governmental and business travel rules, the meeting had 22 committee members in attendance.
Papers chair Raphael Steinhagen reviewed the RTC’s technical paper sessions for AISTech. Membership chair Lydia Stromei provided trending information on past meeting attendance.
Presenters from Nucor Steel–Indiana and ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor discussed new safety procedures being implemented through solid capital expenditure commitments. Greg Boyd and Craig Heldt from Neo Industries Inc. discussed electrical discharge texturing and chrome plating of rolls for cold mill applications.
The RTC discussed officer positions for 2020–2021. Sean McHugh will represent the RTC on the Young Professional Steering Committee. 

The RTC met 29–30 October 2019, Lima, Ohio, USA
Raphael Steinhagen reviewed the RTC’s two sessions for AISTech 2020 and volunteers for the session chairs were sought. The RTC discussed the appointment of new officers, including papers chair. The committee reviewed and approved the AISTech 2021 Call for Papers. Christopher Pace could not attend but provided an update from the Digital Transformation Steering Committee.
The RTC engaged in a discussion on mill updates and safety. Topics discussed were sample taking, safe ways to approach and examine rolls, and “no touch” practice and safe handling of grinding wheels.
The 2020 Rolls Technology Committee Best Paper Award winner was in the process of being determined. The award will be presented at AISTech 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
The meeting concluded the next day with a tour of WHEMCO’s Ohio Foundry Division.
Presentations:

• “Grinding 101 for Steel Mills and Foundry,” by Eric Ludwick and Bob Herrod, Radiac Abrasives/National Wheel.

• “Introduction to Whemco Ohio Foundry Division Facilities,” by Thomas Kane and John Hribar, Whemco Ohio Foundry Division.

RTC papers chair Raphael Steinhagen presented a thank-you plaque to WHEMCO Inc. for hosting a tour of WHEMCO Ohio Foundry Division on 30 October 2019 (left to right): Steinhagen, RTC vice chair Chris Hrizo, John Hribar and Thomas Kane.

The RTC met 6 May 2019, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
The following officers were elected:

Chair: Heather Creely, Nucor Steel–Indiana

Vice chair: Chris Hrizo, WHEMCO Inc.

Papers chair: Raphael Steinhagen, Gontermann-Peipers America Inc.

The RTC and SHTC met 22–23 January 2019, Charleston, S.C., USA. 

RTC Highlights:
RTC vice chair Chris Hrizo reported on the RTC’s AISTech 2019 technical sessions. There is enough interest in presenting material in the Rolls session at AISTech that the RTC is considering a second session.
The winner of the Rolls Technology Best Paper Award was chosen. This award will be presented during the RTC meeting at AISTech 2019.
The Fall 2019 meeting location and tour site was discussed extensively, with tentative dates recommended in October.
A discussion of the upcoming Reliability Achievements Award application deadline was held. Attendees were encouraged to have mills consider submitting projects for the award. 
Membership chair Lydia Stromei spoke about the AIST Foundation Scholarships that are available as well as the T.C. Graham Award, which led to an enlightened discussion about recent recipients of the US$20,000 prize.
Stromei updated the group on the AIST 2018 European Steel Forum, which was held 3–5 October in Udine, Italy. The Forum brought together European industry representatives for three days of knowledge sharing and networking. Topics covered included the recent tariffs on steel in the U.S. and women in the steel industry from a European viewpoint.
There was much discussion about the inaugural Digital Transformation Forum for the Steel Industry and the AIST Digital Transformation Task Force. Christopher Pace will represent the RTC on the Task Force.
The following morning, the RTC toured Nucor Steel–Berkeley.

RTC chair Heather Creely (right) presented a plaque of appreciation to Jimmy Black (left) for hosting the RTC’s tour of Nucor Steel–Berkeley during its January meeting.

SHTC Highlights:
The SHTC reviewed the 2018 Steel Industry Fatalities, followed by a safety roundtable discussion. The committee suggested a new fatality tab showing relatable fatalities not associated with the steel industry. There was interest in collaborating with the Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA) to develop steel producer safety benchmarking. 
Ricky Rollins, papers chair, reviewed the SHTC’s AISTech 2019 sessions. The SHTC has three sessions scheduled. He also reviewed the instructions for session chair and papers chair.
Nominations were taken for SHTC officers for the 2019–2020 term.
Brad Bray and Malcom Dunbar provided an update on the 2020 Leading Safety Into the Future conference, which will be held 21–24 June 2020 in Philadelphia, Pa., USA.
Steel Dynamics Inc. – Flat Roll Group Butler Division will host the tour for the SHTC’s Fall 2019 meeting. As of this writing, the date was still to be determined.
The SHTC reviewed the schedule for Safety First articles in Iron & Steel Technology, and SHTC members were encouraged to contribute an article, or to reach out to colleagues for one.
Brad Bray and Justin Hoover will represent the SHTC at the Digital Transformation Task Force meeting at AISTech 2019.
The following morning, the SHTC toured SafeRack.

Justin Hoover, SHTC vice chair, presented Kenny Rogers, SafeRack, a plaque of appreciation (left to right): Jeff Gilbert, Charlie Droessler, Paul Thurber, Jason Merschat, Hoover, Rogers, Rob Honeycutt and Jeff Reichert.

Joint Meeting Activities:
The RTC and SHTC convened on 22 January 2019 for the following technical presentations:

• “Why People Do What They Do? Complacency Curve/Rethinking Safety,” by Gary Higbee, Safe Start.

• “Applications With Safety: Positioning Systems in the Roll Shops,” by Franco LaBruna, Janus Automation.

• “Roll Shop Equipment and Mill Safety Equipment,” by Jeremy Bultema, AIM Machinery.

The HSRTC and RTC met 25–26 September 2018, Hammond, IN, USA
The two-day joint meeting was held at Purdue University Northwest. The meeting included tours of the 80-Inch Hot Strip Mill at ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor and ANDRITZ Herr-Voss Stamco Inc. The tour of ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor also included its roll shop. The six-person committee that planned this joint meeting received a hearty thank-you from the attendees.
At the HSRTC meeting, Nancy Hake gave an overview of Hot Sheet and Plate Rolling Fundamentals — Practical Training Seminars, which was held in Mobile, Ala., USA, 25 February–1 March 2018. Due to industry demand, this training will be offered every 18 months instead of every 24 months. The next installment is being planned for the Hammond, Ind., USA, area in October 2019. The planning committee for this conference is working to eliminate topic overlap, expand the reliability section, and include more videos and visuals in the presentations.
There was discussion on the Hot Sheet Rolling Best Paper Award. A motion was recently passed that allows a paper presented under a different Technology Committee to be eligible for the Hot Sheet Rolling Best Paper Award, providing the paper is relevant to the HSRTC. Seven papers are under consideration for the award this year. Volunteers were taken for the award selection committee.
At the RTC’s meeting, Raphael Steinhagen, RTC papers chair, reviewed the AISTech 2019 abstracts being selected for a stand-alone RTC session. He also collected names of session chair volunteers. He then touched on the Rolls Technology Best Paper Award, which will be presented at AISTech 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pa., USA.
Presentations were given by the following attendees:

• Nancy Hake, NLMK Indiana.

• Heather Creely, Nucor Steel–Indiana.

• Jason Reiner, Nucor Steel–Arkansas.

• Max Blunt and Mehul Patel, ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor.

• Bill Seres, Steel Dynamics Inc. – Flat Roll Group Columbus Division.

• Dave Hamblin, Nucor Steel–Berkeley.

• Bill Remley, U. S. Steel – Great Lakes.

• Bobby Hines, Nucor Steel Gallatin.

•  Ron Umbright, Anchor Seals.

• Ryan Grundza, SMS Millcraft.

• Gary Swinford, Chrome Deposit Corp.

A roundtable discussion was held, moderated by Chris Hrizo, RTC vice chair from WHEMCO. Isaac Garcia, University of Pittsburgh; Ian Ward, Primetals Technologies, Konstantin Redkin, WHEMCO; and Homero Ortiz, ArcelorMittal USA, participated in the panel.
Presenters highlighted their roles in the production of advanced high-strength steel. The major theme from the discussion is that producers are pushing the limits and capabilities of their mills, most of which were built in the 1950s and 1960s. There is an urgent need for greater communication between all parties.
In addition to the tours on the second day, the group enjoyed student presentations, with hands-on demonstrations in the Purdue University Northwest Center for Innovation Through Visualization and Simulation.

1. Heather Creely (left) presented a plaque of appreciation to Bill Donaldson (right), plant manager, ANDRITZ Herr-Voss Stamco Inc. 2. Heather Creely (left) presented a plaque of appreciation to Chenn Zhou (right), director, Center for Innovation Through Visualization and Simulation, Purdue University Northwest.

Heather Creely (left) and Bill Seres (right) presented a plaque of appreciation to Brian Warnock (center), division manager, 80-Inch Hot Strip Mill at ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor (East).

Chris Hrizo (left) and Heather Creely (center) presented Paul Fleiner (right) with the RTC service plaque at AISTech 2018.

The RTC met 7 May 2018, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
The following officers were elected:

• Chair: Heather Creely, Nucor Steel–Indiana

• Vice chair: Chris Hrizo, WHEMCO Inc.

• Papers chair: Raphael Steinhagen, Gontermann-Peipers America Inc.

The RTC met 30–31 January 2018, Memphis, Tenn., USA. There were 42 members in attendance, 13 of which were producers.
The RTC received nominations for committee officers for the 2018–2019 term.
A healthy discussion centered on a formal presentation given by Lydia Stromei, membership chair, which showed attendance at past RTC meetings. She encouraged everyone to suggest ways to engage more members. Joint meetings, like what the RTC has arranged in the past, are being received with great enthusiasm. And, committee officers are now working on a communication piece, intending to send it to a larger audience with some of the ideas developed during this meeting.
There was a lengthy discussion on future meeting sites, and this included a definite interest for visiting producer sites. A unique feature could include holding these meetings inside the host mills. This would provide an opportunity to open up attendance to more mill personnel, while keeping the travel expenses and time away from the job to a minimum.
The RTC then discussed its technical session for AISTech 2018.
During the tour of Big River Steel, the attendees spent considerable time in the EAF, RH vacuum degasser and slab caster front-end of the operations. Foundations for the second EAF and caster systems were visible and pointed out by mill staff.
A group dinner arranged during the meeting was appreciated for extended networking.
The following presentations were given:

•  “MORGOIL^® Bearings — Upgrades, Maintenance and New Developments,” by Ian Ward, Primetals Technologies.

•  “Latest Developments in Work Roll Bearings,” by Andrew Layne, SKF.

Paul Fleiner (right), RTC chair, and Heather Creely (left), RTC vice chair, presented a plaque of appreciation to Tommie Kifer (center) for hosting the RTC’s tour of Big River Steel.

The RTC met 26–27 September 2017, Holland, Ohio, USA. Chris Hrizo, papers chair, led the AISTech 2018 session development discussion. The RTC selected session chairs and reviewed session chair responsibilities.
Hrizo also noted that the Rolls Best Paper Award planning was underway and the winner would be awarded during the RTC meeting at AISTech 2018 in Philadelphia, Pa., USA.
The meeting continued with a review of the 2017 Steel Industry Fatalities report and a roundtable discussion.
The following presentations on roll shop management systems were given:

• RSMS at Columbus Roll Shop,” by Gary Swinford, Chrome Deposit Corp.

• North Star BlueScope RMS System,” by Joe Porter, North Star BlueScope Steel LLC.

• New Web-Enabled RMSTrax System,” by Ken Hutchinson, AS&E.

• Backup Roll Inventory Management,” by Jim Slawinski, Union Electric Åkers.

The meeting concluded and the group had a tour of the North Star BlueScope Steel in Delta, Ohio, USA.

Paul Fleiner (left) presented Joe Porter (right), roll shop supervisor at North Star BlueScope Steel, with a plaque of appreciation for hosting the RTC.

	Paul Fleiner (right) presented Terry Boyd (left) with the RTC service plaque.

The RTC met 8 May 2017, Nashville, Tenn., USA.

The following officers were elected:

• Chair: Paul Fleiner, Hitachi Metals America LLC

• Vice chair: Heather Creely, Nucor Steel–Indiana

• Papers chair: Chris Hrizo, WHEMCO Inc.

The RTC and HSRTC met 24 January 2017, Columbus, Miss., USA. The committees reviewed the 2016 Steel Industry Fatalities report, followed by a safety roundtable discussion. Afterward, the groups split to work on individual committee business.
For the HSRTC, papers chair Michael Peretic reviewed their AISTech 2017 paper sessions and identified session chair volunteers.
Committee officers for 2017–2018 were discussed and elections will take place during the HSRTC meeting at AISTech 2017. Other discussion items included: Hot Flat Rolling Fundamentals — A Practical Training Seminar, which will take place in spring 2018; the Hot Sheet Rolling Best Paper Award, which will be awarded for the first time at AISTech 2017; locations for the fall meeting locations were discussed and it was agreed to hold it in conjunction with one of the new specialty training conferences.
The HSRTC brainstormed on topics for future meetings and decided to conduct a survey at the next meeting. The results will guide future planning especially in prioritizing tour locations and lining up quality technical presentations.  
For the RTC, committee officers for 2017–2018 were discussed and elections will take place during the RTC meeting at AISTech 2017.
Lydia Stromei shared membership information and led a group discussion on how to bring in new members like having “mini meet-and-greet” visits at roll shops, allowing members to bring a guest to the meeting, and ways to get more involvement from companies like United States Steel Corporation and ArcelorMittal.
Other discussion items at the RTC meeting included the Rolls Best Paper Award and the RTC’s AISTech sessions; discussion of a Roll Shop Roundup, which was tabled; future meetings, including possible joint meetings with the Safety & Health and Maintenance & Reliability Technology Committees.
Pending confirmations, the RTC’s fall meeting is planned for 22–23 August 2017 in Ohio to tour NorthStar BlueScope Steel, along with a second possible location in the area such as the Jeep plant or Worthington Steel. The technical topic of this meeting will be roll shop management systems and a tentative lineup of presentations was proposed.
The two committees rejoined for the rest of the afternoon for a networking lunch, technical presentations and a plant tour of Steel Dynamics Inc. – Flat Roll Group Columbus.

Technical presentations included:

• “New Technology to Check for Roll Defects While Grinding Rolls,” by Frank Weinmeister, Innerspec.

• “Alignment and Wear Studies — Improve Quality and Reliability,” by Nancy Hake, Falk PLI.

• “Overhead Crane Safety Lighting Innovations,” by Robert Brock, Steel Dynamics Inc. – Flat Roll Group Columbus.

• “Work Roll Cooling and the Effects It Has on Quality Within Hot Strip Mills,” by Ross Vidal, Lechler.

Randy Patterson (left), HSRTC chair, and Terry Boyd (right), RTC chair, presented Bill Seres (center), hot mill manager at Steel Dynamics Inc. – Flat Roll Group Columbus with a plaque of appreciation for hosting a tour during the HSRTC and RTC’s joint meeting.

The RTC and CSRTC met 31 August—1 September 2016, Terre Haute, IN, USA. The committees reviewed the 2016 Steel Industry Fatalities report, followed by a safety roundtable discussion. Terry Boyd, RTC chair, gave a presentation on safety practices and improvements at Nucor Steel–Arkansas.
The group split into separate rooms to work on committee-specific items. Both committees reviewed their AISTech 2017 paper sessions, selected session chairs, finalized their AISTech 2018 Call for Papers verbiage and discussed items to be brought up at the AIST Leadership Conference.
The RTC selected volunteers to select the recipient of the Rolls Technology Award for Best Paper. The committee also created a subcommittee for the creation of a Roll Shop Roundup.
The CSRTC nominated and confirmed Bob Waldron of Nucor Steel–Berkeley as its vice chair.
The committees rejoined for a networking lunch followed by technical presentations in the afternoon.
The following presentations were given:

• “Roll Cooling,” by Oldair Sasso, Spraying Systems Co.

• “Forged HSS Roll Technology,” by Jim Slawinski, Union Electric Åkers.

• “Quality Improvements & Energy Optimization,” by Adam Trinks, Silvent.

• A plant overview as given by Brock Miller, CSN.

The meeting concluded the following day with a full tour of CSN’s cold sheet rolling facility in Terre Haute.

Terry Boyd (right), RTC chair, presented Brock Miller (left) with a plaque of appreciation for hosting the CSRTC’s and RTC’s tour of CSN.

The RTC service plaque was presented to Terry Boyd (left to right): Paul Fleiner, Boyd and Homero Ortiz.

The RTC met 16 May 2016, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

The RTC met 26–27 January 2016, Lafayette, Ind., USA. The RTC finalized its three technical sessions for AISTech 2016, which are “Hot Mill Technologies” on Monday afternoon, “Cold Mill Technologies” on Tuesday morning and “New Developments in Roll Reprocessing Technologies” on Tuesday afternoon.
The RTC discussed the nominations for committee leadership for the 2016–2017 term. 
A template for a Roll Shop Roundup was established. The intent will be to have each lathe and grinding machine identified by the RTC meeting at AISTech.
The following technical presentations were given:

• “Grinding Wheel Technologies,” by Lou Divers of Precision Abrasives and Kelly Pica of Saint-Gobain Abrasives.

•  “Herkules MACHtechnology — Superior Grinding,” by Bob Curler of Herkules.

Terry Boyd presented a plaque of appreciation to Dan Gilbert for hosting the RTC’s tour of Wabash International (left to right): John LaBelle, Raphael Steinhagen, Heather Creely, Jean-Daniel Auzas, Lydia Stromei, Bob Curler, Boyd, Paul Fleiner, Bob Bennett and Gilbert.

Terry Boyd (left) and Paul Fleiner (right) presented a plaque of appreciation to Allie Louthen (center) for hosting the RTC’s tour of Subaru of Indiana Automotive.