A new seam- detecting apparatus for inspecting hot rod was installed at the exit end of the final finishing stand on the newest mill of Kobe Steel Ltd, Japan. Hot rod passes through the seam detector's pickup coil at speeds of 5000 to 6000 ft/min. Signals generated by variations in surface condition are converted and continuously printed out on recording tapes. When cumulative defects reach a preset level, a bell rings and an alarm lamp lights up.