We shall take the following two factors into consideration when selecting steel, the one is the machinability of the steel, the other is the vervice character during the processing, we hope the steel has a low strength and high elongation, which make ti easy to cut, stamp or form. But in the service of steel, we hope it has high strength, good impact performance to suffer extreme service condition. For these two reasons, we should select suitable steel form its mechanical properties.  Main Mechanical Properties Include Yield Strength  The yield strength or yield point of a material is defined in engineering and materias science as the stress at which a material begins to deform plastically. Prior to the yield point the material will deform elastically and will return to its orignal shape whem the applied stress is removed. Once the yield point is passed some fraction of the deformation will be permanent  and non-reversible.  Tensile Strength Tensile strength is indicated by the maximum stress before the break of specimen. In general, it indicates when necking will occur.  Elongation  Elongation , or percent elongation at break, is defined as  the change in gauge length after break per unit of the original gauge length. A high enlongation means the material can stand great permanet deformation before break, or high deformability.   The parameter yield strength, tensile strength, enlongation are measured by tensile test.  Impact Energy Impact energy, or toughness, is determined by the energy absorbed by the specimen during fracture in the impact test. It is measured in units of joules. Impact energy indicates material's resistance to impact load. It is tested by charpy V-notch test.  If welding is required during the process, we should consider the welding performance of the steel.  Welding  For the steel, welding is a fabrication to combine different pieces of steel together. In the welding, normally the binding sites melt together and cool to form a strong joint, such as electric arc welding, gas welding and electric resistance welding.  Weldability Weldability, also known as joinablility, of a material refiers to its alibityy to be welded. Most steels can be welded,but some are easier to weld than others. It greatly influences weld quality and is an important factor in choosing which welding process to use.   

1. Definition and Core Components • Basic Composition: With iron (Fe) as the base, it adds 2.8% to 3.5% silicon (Si), along with trace amounts of carbon, aluminum, manganese, and other elements. The addition of silicon significantly increases the resistivity (reducing eddy current losses) while maintaining high magnetic permeability. • Grain Orientation: Through cold rolling and annealing processes, a Goss texture ((110)[001] crystal orientation) is formed, concentrating the magnetization direction highly along the rolling direction, and the magnetic permeability can be 3 to 5 times higher than that of non-oriented steel. 2. Key Steps of Production Process Hot rolling: Initial forming to a thickness of 2-3mm. Cold rolling: Rolling at room temperature to the target thickness (0.18-0.35mm), with a compression ratio over 80%, and preliminary induction of grain orientation. Annealing treatment: • Primary annealing: Elimination of cold rolling stress. •Secondary recrystallization annealing: At high temperatures (>1200°C), to align grains completely along the rolling direction, which is the core process. Insulation Coating: Surface coating with phosphate or ceramic layers to reduce eddy currents between laminations and prevent corrosion. 3.Performance Advantages •Low iron loss: Grain orientation reduces hysteresis loss, with typical iron loss values being over 50% lower than those of non-oriented steel. •High magnetic saturation strength: Reaching 1.8 - 2.0T, it supports efficient energy transmission. •Low magnetostriction: Reduces vibration noise by 30 - 50dB, suitable for quiet environments (such as transformers in residential areas). •High stacking factor: >95%, allowing for compact design and saving material space. 4.Application Fields: •Power transformers: The core accounts for 70% of the cost, and CRGO steel can improve efficiency to over 99%. •Renewable energy equipment: Wind turbine generators, electric vehicle motors (high power density). •Precision instruments: MRI equipment, high-precision sensors (reliant on magnetic field stability). 5.Future Development Trends •Ultra-thin development: Advancing 0.10–0.18mm thickness for application in micro electronic transformers. •Coating technology: Nano-insulating layers to further reduce eddy current losses. •Green manufacturing: Scrap steel recycling rate >90%, reducing carbon footprint.

Silicon steel (electrical steel) • Characteristics: Silicon steel is the most traditional core material. By adding silicon (typically 3% to 5%), the resistivity is increased to reduce eddy current losses while maintaining high magnetic permeability. Cold-rolled silicon steel sheets have grain orientation, which can further optimize the magnetic flux path. • Advantages: Low cost, high mechanical strength, and mature manufacturing process, suitable for power frequency (50/60Hz) applications. • Disadvantages: Iron losses significantly increase at high frequencies (hysteresis loss + eddy current loss), and efficiency is lower than that of new materials. • Applications: • Power transformers (distribution and transmission systems); • Industrial transformers (medium and low-frequency equipment). 2. Amorphous Alloy (Amorphous Steel) • Characteristics: Metal glass structure with disordered atomic arrangement (such as iron-boron-silicon alloy), isotropic magnetism, significantly reducing eddy current and hysteresis losses. Iron loss is 70% to 80% lower than that of silicon steel. • Advantages: Ultra-high efficiency (extremely low no-load loss), environmentally friendly and energy-saving. • Disadvantages: High mechanical brittleness, difficult processing, relatively low saturation magnetic flux density (about 1.5T), and cost is 1.5 to 2 times that of silicon steel. • Applications: • High-efficiency distribution transformers (especially in energy-saving scenarios); • Renewable energy systems (photovoltaic inverters, wind power transformers).   3. Ferrite •Characteristics: Ceramic material (MnZn/NiZn-based), high resistivity (>10^6 Ω·m), naturally suppresses eddy currents, but magnetic permeability varies significantly with temperature. •Advantages: Excellent high-frequency performance (1kHz - 1MHz), small size, moderate cost. •Disadvantages: Low saturation flux density (<0.5T), brittle, not suitable for high-power low-frequency applications. • Applications: • Switching power supplies (SMPS), RF transformers; • Consumer electronics (chargers, TVs, communication devices). 4.Nanocrystalline Materials • Characteristics: Nanoscale crystalline structure (iron-based alloys), combining high saturation flux density (over 1.2T) with low high-frequency losses and good temperature stability. • Advantages: Comprehensive performance surpasses ferrite, high-frequency losses comparable to amorphous alloys. • Disadvantages: High cost, complex mass-production processes. • Applications: • High-end high-frequency transformers (medical equipment, aerospace); • Electric vehicle charging modules.   Other Materials • Iron Powder Cores: Used in mid-frequency inductors, strong anti-saturation capability but higher losses. • Permalloy (Nickel-Iron Based): Extremely high initial permeability, used in precision instruments, but with exceptionally high cost.

CRGO (Cold Rolled Grain Oriented, cold-rolled grain-oriented silicon steel) cores have become the core material in transformer manufacturing due to their unique material properties and electromagnetic performance. The following are the main reasons for their wide adoption: 1.Low iron losses • Energy efficiency improvement: CRGO steel, through the addition of silicon (3% to 4%) and the cold rolling process, forms a directional grain structure that significantly reduces hysteresis loss and eddy current loss. This leads to a reduction of about 30% to 50% in no-load losses of transformers, and over long-term operation, it can greatly save energy costs. • High resistivity: The silicon element increases the resistivity of the steel, inhibits the generation of eddy currents, and further reduces the proportion of energy converted into heat. 2.High Magnetic Permeability • Efficient magnetic flux conduction: The directional alignment of grains along the rolling direction creates a highly oriented structure, allowing magnetic flux to conduct efficiently along a low-resistance path. This reduces the magnetizing current requirement and improves the energy efficiency ratio of transformers. • High saturation magnetic flux density: High-silicon CRGO grades (e.g., high permeability grades) can carry higher magnetic flux in smaller volumes, enabling compact transformer designs while maintaining performance. This is critical for modern power systems requiring space-efficient solutions without compromising capacity. 3.Reduced Magnetostriction • Noise and vibration reduction: The optimized silicon content and grain structure in CRGO steel suppress the magnetostriction effect (material deformation caused by magnetic field variations). This significantly reduces operational noise and mechanical vibrations, making it ideally suited for noise-sensitive environments such as residential areas, hospitals, or data centers. • Material stability: Lower magnetostriction also minimizes long-term structural stress on the core, enhancing the transformer's durability and reliability under cyclic loading conditions. 4.High Stacking Factor • Enhanced material efficiency: The smooth surface and uniform thickness of CRGO steel sheets enable stacking factors exceeding 95% during core assembly. This minimizes air gaps, optimizes the magnetic circuit structure, and reduces material waste. • Mechanical precision: High dimensional consistency in CRGO laminations ensures stable core geometry, improving manufacturing repeatability and operational performance in high-power transformers. 5.Process Compatibility • Laminated structure compatibility: CRGO steel is used in thin sheet form, with interlayer insulation coatings (e.g., oxide layers or organic coatings) to isolate laminations. This blocks eddy current paths and further suppresses energy losses while maintaining magnetic efficiency. • Mechanical stability: The material exhibits high mechanical elasticity and fatigue resistance, ensuring the core maintains dimensional stability under prolonged electromagnetic stress. This property extends transformer service life and reduces maintenance requirements, even under cyclic operational loads.   Disadvantages and Trade-offs： Although CRGO steel has ~20%–30% higher costs and greater weight compared to conventional silicon steel, its unmatched advantages in energy efficiency, longevity, and reliability make it indispensable in power transformer applications. It is particularly critical for:   • High-voltage transformers (>11 kV): Enables efficient energy transmission with minimal losses over extended power grids. • Energy-efficient distribution transformers: Complies with global energy-saving regulations by reducing lifecycle operational costs through lower core losses. • Precision-demanding systems: Provides stable performance in noise-sensitive or reliability-critical environments, such as data centers, renewable energy infrastructure (solar/wind converters), and medical imaging equipment. Summary： CRGO cores achieve minimized magnetic losses and maximized magnetic efficiency through the synergistic effects of its oriented grain structure and silicon alloying design. This technology not only aligns with global energy efficiency standards, but also serves as a foundational material for advancing smart grid architectures and enabling the decarbo nization of power systems.

The transformer core (also known as the magnetic core) is the central magnetic circuit component of a transformer. Its material selection directly affects the transformer's efficiency, losses, and applicable scenarios. Based on operating frequency, power requirements, and cost factors, core materials can be categorized into the following types:   1. Traditional Silicon Steel Sheets (Fe-Si Alloy):​​ Composition: Cold-rolled steel sheets with silicon content ranging from 0.8% to 4.8% , typically with a thickness of  0.35mm or thinner​. Characteristics: High saturation magnetic induction (Bs≈1.6–1.7T), suitable for high-power scenarios at power frequencies (50/60 Hz). Laminated stacking: Insulating coatings are applied between layers to reduce eddy current losses. However, losses increase significantly at high frequencies​. Applications: Primarily used in power transformers and motor cores for low-frequency, high-power electrical equipment.   2. Ferrite Core​ Composition: Manganese-zinc (MnZn) or nickel-zinc (NiZn) ferrite, classified as sintered magnetic metal oxides. Characteristics: High resistivity: Significantly reduces eddy current losses at high frequencies, suitable for a ​frequency range of 1 kHz——1 MHz​ . Low saturation flux density (Bs ≈<0.5T), weak DC bias capability, and prone to magnetic saturation. Applications: Widely used in electronic devices such as switch-mode power supplies (SMPS)​, ​high-frequency transformers, and inductors.   3. Metal Magnetic Powder Cores Types: Iron powder cores Iron-silicon-aluminum powder cores (FeSiAl) High-flux powder cores (HighFlux) Molybdenum permalloy powder cores (MPP) . Characteristics: Strong anti-saturation capability: Reduces eddy currents through insulation-coated dispersed magnetic particles, making it suitable for DC superposition scenarios . Medium permeability (μe≈10—125) with a frequency range of 10 kHz - 100 kHz​ . Applications: Widely used in medium-to-high-frequency power devices such as: ​PFC inductors (Power Factor Correction) ​Filter inductors.   4. Novel Alloy Materials​ Amorphous Alloys​ Composition: Iron-based (e.g., Fe₈₀B₁₀Si₁₀) or cobalt-based amorphous ribbons, characterized by disordered atomic arrangement​ . ​Advantages: ​Ultra-low core losses (only 1/5 of silicon steel), enabling significant energy savings . Limitation: Significant magnetostriction (resulting in higher operating noise) . ​Applications: Energy-efficient distribution transformers.   Nanocrystalline Alloys​ ​Structure: ​Nano-scale crystalline grains (<50 nm) embedded in an amorphous matrix . ​Advantages: ​High permeability & low losses (superior to ferrites at 50 kHz) . ​Strong harmonic resistance and excellent thermal stability (operating range: -40–120°C) . ​Applications: ​High-frequency transformers and PV inverters​ . ​EV electric drive systems (e.g., integrated OBC/DC-DC modules）   Key Factors in Material Selection​ ​Operating Frequency​ ​Low Frequency (≤1 kHz) : ​Silicon Steel or Amorphous Alloys (e.g., Fe₈₀B₁₀Si₁₀). High Frequency (>10 kHz) : ​Ferrite Cores (MnZn/NiZn) or Nanocrystalline Alloys.   Loss Requirements​ ​Lowest Core Loss: ​Amorphous/Nanocrystalline Alloys. High-Frequency Loss Optimization: ​Ferrites.   Cost and Process ​Cost-Effectiveness & Maturity: ​Silicon Steel. High Initial Cost with Long-Term ROI: ​Amorphous/Nanocrystalline Alloys.​  

The transformer core is the core component of a power transformer. As the carrier of the magnetic circuit for electromagnetic induction, it directly affects the efficiency, volume and operational stability of the transformer. ​ In terms of materials, modern transformer cores are mostly made by laminating silicon steel sheets (with a silicon content of approximately 3% to 5%). The addition of silicon can significantly increase the resistivity of iron and reduce eddy current losses - this is the useless power consumption caused by electromagnetic induction of current in the iron core. Silicon steel sheets are usually rolled into thin sheets of 0.3mm or 0.23mm. After being coated with an insulating layer on the surface, they are stacked layer by layer to further reduce the influence of eddy currents. ​ Its structure is divided into two types: core-type and shell-type. In the core-type, the windings of the core wrap around the core column and are mostly used in power transformers. Shell-type cores are wound around and are commonly found in small transformers. The geometric design of the core needs to be precisely calculated to ensure the unobstructed magnetic circuit and avoid magnetic saturation at the same time. ​ Efficient core design is the key to energy conservation in transformers. Nowadays, the application of new materials such as ultrafine crystalline alloys is driving cores towards lower losses and higher magnetic permeability, providing core support for the construction of green power grids.

The adoption of laminated structure in transformer cores is a key design in electrical engineering, which is underpinned by profound physical principles and engineering considerations.   The challenge of eddy current loss When alternating current passes through the windings of a transformer, a changing magnetic field is generated in the core. According to the law of electromagnetic induction, this changing magnetic field will induce a circular current inside the iron core, which is called "eddy current". If a single iron core is used, these eddy currents will cause a large amount of energy to be lost in the form of heat, not only reducing efficiency but also possibly causing the iron core to overheat.   Solution for laminated structure This design can be made by stacking thin sheets of iron cores and coating each sheet with an insulating layer. 1.Significantly increase the resistance of the eddy current path 2.Limit the flow range of the vortex within a single thin sheet 3.Effectively reduce eddy current loss by over 90% Material and process optimization Modern transformers typically use silicon steel sheets with a thickness of 0.23 to 0.35mm. The addition of silicon further enhances the resistivity. The stacking direction is arranged along the magnetic field lines, which not only ensures the smoothness of the magnetic circuit but also minimizes the eddy current effect to the greatest extent.   This seemingly simple laminated design is actually the best solution to balance efficiency, cost and reliability, and remains one of the core technologies in transformer manufacturing to this day.

Cold-rolled oriented silicon steel (CRGO) vs. Cold-rolled non-oriented silicon steel (CRNGO) : The difference between the "heart" and the "muscle" of power equipment. In the core material field of power equipment - core materials, cold-rolled oriented silicon steel (CRGO) and cold-rolled non-oriented silicon steel (CRNGO) are like two key players each performing their own duties. Their core differences determine their respective irreplaceable application stages:   Grain orientation - The source of performance divergence: CRGO (Orientation) : The internal grains are treated by a special process and are highly consistent in arrangement along the rolling direction. This enables it to have extremely high magnetic permeability and extremely low core loss in this direction, with outstanding magnetization efficiency. CRNGO (non-oriented) : Its grain arrangement is random and disordered, and its magnetic properties are basically uniform in all directions, lacking the ultra-high performance of CRGO in a single direction.   Magnetic performance: CRGO: It has the highest magnetic permeability and the lowest iron loss in the rolling direction (especially with significant advantages at high frequencies), making it an ideal choice for static equipment that pursues ultimate energy efficiency. CRNGO: Its magnetic properties are isotropic. Although it is not as good as CRGO in a single direction, it excels in balanced performance across all directions and can adapt to scenarios where the magnetic field direction changes.   Application scenarios - Clear division of labor: CRGO: Specifically designed for transformers (power transformers, distribution transformers, current/voltage transformers). Its low iron loss feature is crucial for reducing the no-load loss of transformers (which accounts for the majority of grid losses), and it can be called the "heart of transformers", contributing to global energy conservation. CRNGO: Widely used in rotating motors that require magnetic field rotation or direction change, such as generators, electric motors (from small household appliance motors to large industrial motors), small transformers, relay cores, etc. Its uniform magnetic properties are the basis for the efficient operation of the "muscles of the motor".

In the global era advocating green energy efficiency, top-grade silicon steel, with outstanding low loss and high magnetic properties, has become a key material driving efficient energy use. In the top ten fields, it plays an irreplaceable role, with its application in the new energy vehicle sector particularly shining.   The primary power source of new energy vehicles—the drive motor—demands stringent material performance. The low iron loss characteristic of top-grade silicon steel significantly reduces energy loss during high-frequency motor operation. Calculations show that a drive motor manufactured using top-grade silicon steel can increase energy conversion efficiency by around 15%. This means that with the same amount of electricity, a vehicle can travel a longer distance. For instance, in the case of a pure electric vehicle with a range of 500 kilometers, using a drive motor made of top-grade electrical steel can increase the range by about 75 kilometers. Furthermore, the excellent magnetic performance of top-grade silicon steel ensures a more uniform distribution of the motor's magnetic field, reducing operational noise and prolonging the motor's lifespan. In today's increasingly competitive new energy vehicle market, top-grade silicon steel helps automotive companies enhance vehicle performance, driving the industry towards a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly direction.   Apart from new energy vehicles, top-grade silicon steel also performs exceptionally well in sectors such as household appliances, industrial motors, and wind power generation, providing strong support for energy conservation and carbon reduction across various industries. It is truly deserving of being hailed as the core hero behind green energy efficiency.  

Laminated cores play a crucial role in electrical equipment. They are made by stacking thin silicon steel sheets or ferroalloy sheets and insulating them from each other. Its main purpose is to reduce eddy current losses and improve equipment efficiency. Take a transformer as an example. When alternating magnetic flux passes through the core, an induced electromotive force is generated. If the core is solid, a large eddy current will be formed, resulting in energy loss and core heating. The laminated core divides the core into thin sheets, confining the eddy current within a narrow circuit. The net electromotive force of the circuit is small, and the resistivity of the thin sheet material is high, effectively reducing the eddy current loss. In addition, laminated iron cores can also improve the magnetic field distribution, enhance the electromagnetic performance of the equipment, increase operational stability, and extend the service life of the equipment. In an electric motor, laminated cores are equally important. It helps to reduce energy loss, improve motor efficiency, and enable the motor to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy more efficiently during operation. At the same time, it can also reduce the noise and vibration during the operation of the motor and improve the overall performance of the equipment. In an electric motor, laminated cores are equally important. It helps to reduce energy loss, improve motor efficiency, and enable the motor to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy more efficiently during operation. At the same time, it can also reduce the noise and vibration during the operation of the motor and improve the overall performance of the equipment.

Are you always looking for core materials that can reduce energy consumption while improving efficiency in the research and production of electrical equipment? When traditional materials fail to meet increasingly stringent performance requirements, silicon steel, especially high-performance electrical steel and grain-oriented silicon steel, may be the key to breaking through your bottlenecks. Silicon steel, also known as electrical steel, is an essential soft magnetic alloy in the fields of power, electronics, and military industries. It is also the most widely produced metal functional material, accounting for over 90% of the world's total production of soft magnetic alloys. The core advantages of silicon steel lie in its low hysteresis loss and high magnetic conductivity, which means electrical equipment manufactured using silicon steel can significantly reduce energy loss during the conversion process and enhance equipment efficiency. Whether it's transformers, motors, or various electromagnetic components, silicon steel can leverage its outstanding magnetic properties to take the performance of devices to a higher level. Among numerous silicon steel products, grain-oriented silicon steel is particularly remarkable. Through special rolling and annealing processes, grain-oriented silicon steel aligns the crystals along a specific direction, greatly optimizing its magnetic properties. This unique material characteristic makes grain-oriented silicon steel irreplaceable in fields such as large power transformers and ultrahigh-voltage transmission and distribution equipment. When you need to manufacture high-voltage and large-capacity transformers, grain-oriented silicon steel can significantly reduce no-load losses, decrease equipment operation costs, and extend equipment lifespan. Choosing our silicon steel products means choosing reliability and high efficiency. Our electrical steel and grain-oriented silicon steel are produced using internationally leading manufacturing processes, with strict control over every production step to ensure stable and reliable product quality. Whether it's standard specifications or customized requirements, we can provide professional solutions to meet your diverse production needs. Moreover, we have a comprehensive after-sales service system that accompanies you throughout the entire process, from product selection to technical support. Are you still troubled by high energy consumption and low efficiency in electrical equipment? Why not try our silicon steel products and open a new chapter in performance upgrade with advanced materials!

Laminated iron cores play a crucial role in various electrical devices, significantly influencing equipment performance and efficiency. Constructed by stacking thin silicon steel or iron alloy sheets with insulation between layers, this unique structural design equips laminated iron cores with multiple functions, making them indispensable in transformers, motors, inductors, and other devices. Reducing Eddy Current Losses Significantly Based on the principle of electromagnetic induction, when an iron core is exposed to an alternating magnetic field, it generates an induced electromotive force, forming closed loops inside the core, resulting in eddy currents. Eddy currents cause the core to heat up, leading to energy loss and reduced device efficiency. By dividing the iron core into numerous thin sheets, laminated iron cores increase the resistance path for eddy currents. Due to the extreme thinness of each sheet, the eddy current flow is greatly reduced under the same induced electromotive force. For instance, in transformers, using laminated iron cores effectively reduces eddy current losses, enhancing electric energy transmission efficiency. Studies indicate that compared to solid iron cores, laminated iron cores can decrease transformer eddy current losses by orders of magnitude, significantly improving energy conservation during power transmission.   Optimizing Magnetic Performance Effectively Materials like silicon steel inherently possess high magnetic permeability; however, in an alternating magnetic field, hysteresis can lead to energy loss. The laminated structure smoothens the flipping of magnetic domains in the core during magnetic field changes, reducing hysteresis losses. Additionally, the insulation layers between each sheet prevent lateral diffusion of magnetic flux, concentrating flux flow along the core's axial direction, enhancing magnetic permeability of the magnetic circuit, and strengthening electromagnetic induction effects. In motors, superior magnetic performance allows the motor to generate a more stable and stronger magnetic field during operation, increasing the motor's output torque and operational efficiency, ensuring the motor runs efficiently and reliably.   Enhancing Heat Dissipation Capability The gaps between laminated sheets form natural heat dissipation channels. When equipment generates heat during operation, this heat dissipates more effectively through these gaps, helping lower the core's temperature, preventing performance degradation or damage due to overheating. For instance, in large generators, the excellent heat dissipation performance of laminated iron cores ensures that the generator maintains a stable operating temperature during extended high-load operations, enhancing the generator's reliability and lifespan.   Laminated iron cores, by reducing eddy current losses, optimizing magnetic performance, and enhancing heat dissipation capabilities, play an irreplaceable role in various electrical devices such as transformers, motors, and inductors. Their significance lies in improving equipment efficiency, performance, stability, as well as in achieving energy-saving and emission reduction goals. With ongoing technological advancements, the materials and manufacturing processes of laminated iron cores continue to evolve, promising to unleash even greater value across diverse fields in the future.