📞 +263 8677 008 305 | ✉️ info@smlzim.com
GET A QUOTE
Skip to Content

Quality


Quality Assurance 

Quality Assurance
Policy

Quality Policy

Standards

Quality Standards

Training

Training & Development

Relations

Customer & Supplier Relations

Quality Policy

At Steelmakers Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd, we are committed to manufacturing and distributing high-quality hot rolled steel sections, cast iron, and steel castings that meet or exceed customer requirements. We shall periodically review our objectives to ensure continual improvement in striving to be the leading manufacturer and supplier of hot rolled steel and foundry products in Southern Africa.

Quality Standards

At Steelmakers Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd, we align our operations with internationally recognized quality standards, including ISO 9001:2015. Through robust quality management practices, we strive to ensure that our products consistently meet or exceed customer expectations.

Training and Development

We recognize that our people are our greatest asset. Steelmakers Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd is committed to providing ongoing training and development programs that enhance skills, knowledge, and capabilities. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, we empower our workforce to uphold the highest quality standards.

Customer and Supplier Relations

At Steelmakers Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd, we prioritize strong and collaborative relationships with both our customers and suppliers. Guided by the principles of quality management, including ISO 9001:2015, we ensure clear communication, reliability, and mutual trust.

Quality Practices to Ensure the Production of High-Quality Steelmakers products  

Raw Material Inspection and Traceability

Chemical Composition Verification: Incoming raw materials (iron ore, coke, silica, limestone) are rigorously tested using spectroscopy to guarantee adherence to pre-defined specifications.  This ensures the fundamental building blocks of our steel meet our standards.

Physical Properties Assessment:  Physical characteristics, including size, shape, and the presence of any visible defects, are meticulously inspected. This ensures consistent processing and predictable performance.

Documentation: Detailed records, including material origin, supplier information, and comprehensive test results, are meticulously maintained for full traceability. This allows us to track materials throughout the production process and quickly identify the source of any potential issues.

Controlled Production Process

Melting and Refining

Precise Process Control: Temperature, time, and material additions are precisely controlled during the melting process to achieve the desired steel composition.

Real-Time Analysis: Regular sampling and analysis of the molten steel allow for real-time adjustments to ensure optimal composition.

Advanced Impurity management: techniques, are employed to effectively remove impurities and enhance steel quality.

Casting

Continuous Casting Optimization: Continuous casting is utilized to improve product quality and production efficiency.

Critical Parameter Monitoring: Cooling rates and mold conditions are continuously monitored to prevent the formation of defects and ensure consistent product quality.

Rolling

Precise Rolling Control: Rolling temperature and pressure are accurately controlled to achieve the desired dimensions and mechanical properties.

Rigorous Testing and Inspection

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

Internal Flaw Detection: testing is used to detect internal flaws and ensure structural integrity.

Surface Crack Identification: particle inspection identifies surface cracks and other surface imperfections.

Mechanical Testing

Strength and Ductility Evaluation: Tensile testing determines the strength and ductility of the steel.

Hardness Assessment: Hardness testing evaluates the surface hardness of the material.

Toughness Evaluation: Impact testing assesses the toughness and impact resistance of the steel.

Chemical Analysis: Spectrometry is used to verify the final steel composition and  ensure it meets all required specifications.

Rigorous Testing and Inspection

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

Internal Flaw Detection: testing is used to detect internal flaws and ensure structural integrity.

Surface Crack Identification: particle inspection identifies surface cracks and other surface imperfections.

Mechanical Testing

Strength and Ductility Evaluation: Tensile testing determines the strength and ductility of the steel.

Hardness Assessment: Hardness testing evaluates the surface hardness of the material.

Toughness Evaluation: Impact testing assesses the toughness and impact resistance of the steel.

Chemical Analysis: Spectrometry is used to verify the final steel composition and  ensure it meets all required specifications.

​Surface Treatment and Finishing

Thorough Cleaning: Scale, rust, and other surface imperfections are removed to prepare the steel for further processing or use.

Protective Coating Application: Protective coatings, such as zinc or paint, can be applied to enhance corrosion resistance and extend product lifespan.

Final Quality Inspection: A final inspection ensures surface quality and dimensional accuracy before the product is released.

Robust Quality Management System (QMS)

• ISO 9001 Compliance:  A QMS based on ISO 9001 standards is implemented to ensure consistent quality, drive continuous improvement, and meet customer expectations.

• Comprehensive Documentation:  Detailed records of all processes, tests, and inspections are meticulously maintained for traceability and analysis.

• Regular Audits: Regular internal and external audits verify compliance with quality standards and identify areas for improvement.

​Continuous Improvement and Best Practices

•Continuous Improvement Culture: We foster a culture of continuous improvement through methodologies like Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.

• Employee Development:  We invest in the training and development of our employees to ensure they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain high-quality standards.

• Technology Integration: Advanced technologies, including automation, sensors, and data analytics, can be used to improve quality and efficiency.

• In-house material control - strong relationships with our suppliers to ensure the quality of incoming materials and foster collaborative improvement.

​Specialized Quality Control

• Construction Steel: For steel used in construction, we adhere strictly to dimensional tolerances and mechanical property requirements to ensure structural integrity and safety.

By consistently implementing these quality processes and best practices, steel production delivers high-quality, reliable steel products that consistently meet customer specifications and exceed industry standards.

Quality Assurance Process

Quality Assurance Process
Step Icon
1

Raw Material Inspection and Sorting

Visual inspection; Spark testing

Step Icon
2

Smelting of Scrap (Induction furnace)

Chemical Analysis of molten metal

Step Icon
3

Tapping (Ladle)

Addition of Silico-manganese to improve mechanical properties

Step Icon
4

Casting of Billets (CCM)

Dimensional Analysis; Chemical Analysis of billets

Step Icon
5

Reheating of Billets (Reheating furnace)

Temperature Control

Step Icon
6

Roughing Mill

Visual Inspection; Dimensional Analysis

Step Icon
7

Hot Shear

Cobble length control

Step Icon
8

Finishing Mill

Dimensional control; Weight analysis

Quality Assurance Process
Process Visualization