Have you ever wondered why some electrical appliances are more efficient than others? The secret often lies in the type of electrical steel used in their components. This blog post dives into the fascinating world of electrical steel grades from leading steel mills around the globe.
Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or a curious learner, you’ll discover the intricate differences between various steel grades and how they influence the functionality and efficiency of electrical devices.
By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes each grade unique and will make informed decisions about their applications in real-world scenarios.
Ready to transform your knowledge into power? Let’s get started!
Types of Electrical Steel
Electrical steel is a specialized type of steel alloy tailored to produce specific magnetic properties. It IS indispensable in the manufacture of transformers and motors.
It comes primarily in two categories: Grain Oriented Electrical Steel (GOES) and Non-Grain Oriented Electrical Steel (NOES).
GOES is manufactured under controlled conditions to develop a grain structure that facilitates easy magnetization along the rolling direction. These grades are fully processed but are generally given a final anneal to eliminate additional stresses exposed during the manufacturing process. This quality makes it ideal for high-efficiency transformers where directionality aids performance.
On the other hand, NOES does not have a directional grain structure, making it versatile for electric motors and generators where the direction of magnetic flux is more variable.
NOES is used in a wide range of applications, including consumer appliances (washing machines, dishwashers, etc.), heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) (including household refrigeration), automotive applications, small, medium, and large industrial motors, generators, pumps, etc. Due to the significant increase in demand for rotating machinery, In 2019, global NOES production significantly exceeded the amount of GOES produced that year.
Each type offers distinct benefits, depending on the application, thus enabling engineers to optimize electrical performance across various devices.
Key Steel Mills and Their Electrical Steel Grades
For electrical steel production, we list here a glimpse at some major steel mills and their silicon steel grades:
JFE Steel: JFE, headquartered in Japan, is known for its high-quality electrical steel products. The company produces both GOES and NOES, focusing on high-grade materials that enhance energy efficiency, particularly in transformers and motors. Their electrical steels are praised for low core loss and high permeability.
Super Core / 10JNEX900 / 10JNHF600 / 10JNRF / 20JNRF / 15JNSF950 / 15JNEH1000 / 20JNEH1200 / 20JNEH1500 / 20JNHF1300 / 23JGSD085 / 23JGH090
Nippon Steel: As one of Japan’s leading steel producers, Nippon Steel offers a wide range of electrical steel grades, headquartered in Tokyo’s Chiyoda district.
25HX1300 /27HX1500 / 30HX1500 / 35HXT680T / 35HXT780T / 50HXT590T / 50HXT780T / 23ZDMH085 / 23ZH090
Nikkin Steel: This mill is known for its specialized non-grain-oriented electrical steel, catering primarily to the automotive industry. Their products are essential in the manufacture of high-performance electric motors used in electric and hybrid vehicles.
ST-050 / ST-080 / ST-100 / ST-150 / GT-040 / GT-050 / GT-080 / GT-100
China Steel: Based in Taiwan China, China Steel offers a wide range of electrical steel products, including both GOES and NOES.
15CS1200HF / 20CS1200HF / 20CS1500HF / 25CS1500HF/30CS1800HF
Baosteel: Part of the China Baowu Steel Group, Baosteel is a giant in the industry, known for its high-quality grain-oriented electrical steel. Their products are crucial for high-efficiency transformers and generators due to their durability and performance.
B15AT1000/ B20AT1200 /B20AT1500/ B20AV1200 /B20AV1300 / B25AV1300/B27AV1400/ B30AV1500/ B35AV1700/B35AV1800/ B35AV1900/B35AV2000/B35AV2100/ B20AHV1200/B20AHV1300/ B27AHV1400/B30AHV1500/ B35AHV1700/B35AHV1900/ B25AHV1300M/B27AHV1300M/ B27APV1400/B30APV1500/ B35APV1700/B35APV1900/ B35AHS500/ B35A250-Z/B35A270-Z/ B50A250/B50A270/B50A290/B50A310/ B18R065 / B20R065 / B23P085
WISCO Silicon Steel: Operating under the banner of Wuhan Iron and Steel, WISCO produces excellent quality electrical steel.
15WT1550/20WTG1300/20WTG1500 / 27WGP1400/27WGP1500/ 30WGP1500/30WGP1600/ 30WGP1700/30WGP1800/ 35WGP1700/35WGP1800/ 35WGP1900/35WGP2100/ 20WTGH1300/20WTGH1500/ 27WGPH1500/27WGPH1800/ 30WGPH1500/30WGPH1800/ 35WGPH1700/35WGPH1900/ 23QG095 / 23RK085 / 20Q760
TISCO Silicon Steel: Based on the demand for high-end silicon steel products in the field of new energy vehicles, TISCO has increased the development and application of silicon steel series products. Since 2013, new varieties of high-grade non-oriented silicon steel have increased by 11% year-on-year and successfully developed 0.15mm silicon steel thin strips, which are favored by the market.
20TWVP1150/20TWV1200/20TWVG1500/ 25TWV1300/25TWV1300S/27TWV1400/ 27TWV1400S/30TWV1500/30TWV1500S/ 35TWV1700/35TWV1900/ 35TWG230/35TWG250/35TWG300/ 50TWG250/50TWG290/50TWG350
Shougang Silicon Steel: Known for its comprehensive range of electrical steel products. Their products can meet the stringent requirements of both domestic and international markets. In 2019, Shougang launched a new high-strength low-iron loss non-oriented electrical steel product 25SW1250H in the world. That increased the maximum motor speed by 6% and was recognized by high-end automobile manufacturers.
25SWYS500/35SWYS500/ 35SWYS600/35SWYS900/50SWYS650/65SWYS600/ 20SW1200/20SW1500/27SW2300/30SW2700/ 35SW230/35SW250/35SW270/35SW300/ 35SW330/35SW360/35SW400/35SW440/ 50SW1300/50SW230/50SW250/50SW270/50SW290/ 50SW310/50SW330/50SW350/50SW400/50SW470/ 50SW530/50SW600/50SW700/50SW800/50SW1000/ 65SW1000/65SW1300/65SW600/65SW700/65SW800/ 50SWG470/50SWH470/50SWH600/50SWH800/ 35SWR300/50SWR1300/50SWR350/ 23SQGD085 / 23SQG090
Each of these mills contributes uniquely to the global supply of electrical steel, driving advancements in electrical efficiency and performance across various industries. Their continuous innovation ensures that they remain at the cutting edge of electrical steel technology.
Innovation In Motor Core Materials: Amorphous Materials and Soft Magnetic Composites.
Are you ready to dive into the future of motor core materials? Innovations in this field are not just exciting—they’re revolutionizing how we think about energy efficiency and design in electrical motors. Two standout materials are leading the charge: amorphous materials and soft magnetic composites (SMCs).
First up, amorphous materials. These are not your everyday steel; they are produced through a rapid solidification process that prevents the formation of crystal structures, leading to incredibly low losses in magnetic cores. What does this mean for you? Imagine motors in your home appliances or electric vehicles running cooler, more efficiently, and with less energy wastage.
Then, soft magnetic composites. These materials are composed of iron particles coated with an insulating layer, allowing them to be pressed into various shapes that traditional laminated cores can’t achieve. This flexibility opens up new possibilities for motor designs that are more compact and efficient, especially in complex magnetic flux paths.
Are you as intrigued as I am to see how these materials will shape the future of technology and industry? Stay tuned, because the innovations in electrical steel are just getting started!
Market Trends and Future Outlook
As we accelerate into an era dominated by electrification, the demand for high-efficiency electrical steel grades is surging, primarily driven by the global rise in electrified vehicles.
Automotive manufacturers are pushing the envelope in motor efficiency to boost performance and extend the range of electric cars. This shift necessitates electrical steels that not only minimize energy loss but also enhance the overall efficiency of electric motors.
According to industry analysts, the market for such high-grade materials is expected to grow significantly, with projections showing a steep increase in demand over the next decade. This trend underscores a pivotal transition in material science, catering to a cleaner, more sustainable automotive future. As manufacturers and suppliers gear up to meet these demands, innovation in electrical steel grades remains a critical focus.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored, electrical steel is intricate and vital to the efficiency and functionality of modern technology, from everyday appliances to complex industrial machines. Different grades of electrical steel, whether grain-oriented or non-grain-oriented, play pivotal roles in enhancing the performance and sustainability of electrical devices. Leading steel mills around the globe continue to innovate, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in electrical steel production to meet the growing demands of an electrified future.
If you’re looking to optimize your electrical applications with custom motor lamination stacks crafted from the finest electrical steel, contact us today. Let’s innovate together and drive the future of technology!
FAQs
What are the primary applications of grain-oriented vs. non-grain-oriented electrical steel?
Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel (GOES) is primarily used in transformer cores, where its unique grain structure allows for efficient magnetic flux performance in a consistent direction. This optimizes energy efficiency in power and distribution transformers.
Non-Grain Oriented Electrical Steel (NOES), on the other hand, is versatile and used in various motor applications, including in electric and hybrid vehicles. NOES suits applications where the magnetic flux direction varies, such as in rotating machines, offering flexibility and robust performance under dynamic conditions.
How do silicon steel grades affect the performance of electrical appliances?
The performance, efficiency, and durability of electrical appliances are significantly impacted by the grades of electrical steel used, especially concerning the thickness of the silicon steel sheet and its iron loss properties.
Thinner high-grade silicon steel typically exhibits lower iron losses, which translates to higher efficiency and reduced energy consumption in devices like transformers and motors. Consequently, appliances using higher-grade electrical steel can operate more efficiently, with less heat generation and longer operational life.
As such, selecting the right silicon lamination steel grade can drastically improve an appliance’s energy consumption and operational efficiency.
