In order to adjust the optimum treatment parameters for the material to be treated, the effects of pass schedules as well as temperature and time changes on the mechanical and physical properties of the material must first be precisely examined. In order to avoid the extremely high expenses of doing this during regular production operations, so-called simulators have been developed for rapid evaluation of the relationships between the heat treatment process, the pass schedule and material properties. This evaluation must be carried out under conditions very similar to those prevailing during regular production operations.

The simulators in the laboratory make it possible with the help of pass schedules in the rolling mill and temperature curves from the annealing furnace to re-create the temperature gradients in individual portions of the annealing furnace. This saves an enormous amount of time and money in development and quality assurance.