The general aim of this research is to improve the product, making it more economical. Practical tests will be performed on a hot strip mill, specific measures being taken on-line at the entrance to, and exit from, the finishing mill. Action to modify the cross-section will involve different stands and affect the camber of the rolls or the reduction resulting from the passes recorded - changes in surface flatness will be considered in order to assess the effect of an irreversible alteration in the cross-section. The results obtained should make it possible to determine where action should be taken (i.e. the number of stands) and to define the type of change that should be made on the mill in order to improve the product. It will thus be possible to apply the results to all hot mills.