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.   

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.

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.

As an important type of electrical steel, silicon steel plays a critical role in the power industry. In recent years, China's silicon steel industry has made remarkable progress and emerged as a leader in the global market. This article introduces three technological breakthroughs in the rise of China's silicon steel industry, showcasing the outstanding contributions of Chinese electrical steel manufacturers and producers in technological innovation. First Technological Breakthrough: Development and Production of High Magnetic Induction Silicon SteelChinese electrical steel manufacturers actively engage in the research, development, and production of high magnetic induction silicon steel to meet the growing demand. High magnetic induction silicon steel exhibits higher magnetic induction strength and lower iron losses, effectively reducing energy loss in power equipment. By adopting advanced production techniques and precise alloy design, Chinese electrical steel manufacturers have achieved breakthrough results, elevating the magnetic properties of silicon steel to new heights. Second Technological Breakthrough: Promotion and Application of Amorphous Silicon SteelAmorphous silicon steel, as a novel silicon steel material, features extremely low hysteresis losses and iron losses, offering higher operational efficiency and reduced energy consumption. Chinese electrical steel producers promote the application of amorphous silicon steel by introducing advanced production lines and manufacturing processes, effectively improving the quality and performance of silicon steel. Amorphous silicon steel has been widely employed in power equipment such as transformers, making significant contributions to the efficient operation of China's power industry. Third Technological Breakthrough: Innovative Manufacturing Processes for Thin-Gauge Silicon SteelThin-gauge silicon steel holds immense potential for applications in the power industry, but its manufacturing process is relatively complex and imposes high requirements on production technology and equipment. Chinese silicon steel manufacturers have successfully developed efficient manufacturing technologies for thin-gauge silicon steel through continuous innovation and process improvement. These technological innovations not only enhance the production efficiency and quality of thin-gauge silicon steel but also reduce production costs, providing users with more competitive product options. With the continuous development and innovation in China's silicon steel industry, Chinese electrical steel manufacturers and producers have achieved tremendous technological breakthroughs. The promotion and application of high magnetic induction silicon steel, amorphous silicon steel, and thin-gauge silicon steel have provided robust support for the development of the power industry and energy efficiency improvement. The Chinese silicon steel industry will continue to strive for technological innovation and development, making even greater contributions to the prosperity of the global electrical steel market.

Oriented silicon steel, also known as electrical or CRGO (Cold-Rolled Grain-Oriented) silicon steel, is a vital material used in the manufacturing of transformer cores. Its unique magnetic properties and grain orientation make it an excellent for efficient power transmission. In this article, we will explore the various grades of oriented silicon steel and their applications in the transformer industry, including the addition of the M4 grade. We are proud to inform you that SHUNGE possesses a wide range of oriented silicon steel grades; please contact us for any specific requirements. 1. M0 Grade: M0 grade oriented silicon steel is highly regarded for its exceptional magnetic characteristics. With its low core losses and high magnetic permeability, it is ideal for use in high-efficiency power transformers. The superior energy efficiency and improved voltage regulation provided by M0 grade contribute to enhanced performance in diverse applications, ranging from industrial power distribution to renewable energy systems. 2. M1 Grade: M1 grade oriented silicon steel exhibits excellent magnetic properties and finds common usage in medium to high-power transformers. It offers slightly higher core losses compared to the M0 grade but remains a highly reliable and efficient option. Transformers utilizing M1 grade silicon steel serve various electrical systems, including utility substations, commercial buildings, and manufacturing facilities. 3. M2 Grade: M2 grade oriented silicon steel is specifically designed for applications requiring lower magnetic flux density. Although it has higher core losses compared to M0 and M1 grades, it remains suitable for transformers where efficiency is not the primary concern. M2 grade silicon steel is commonly used in low-power transformers, such as those found in household appliances and lighting systems. 4. M4 Grade: The M4 grade oriented silicon steel is a specialized grade that offers distinct magnetic properties and is suitable for specific transformer applications. While providing unique benefits, such as lower core losses at higher frequencies, it caters to transformers operating in demanding environments. M4 grade silicon steel is widely used in power electronics, renewable energy systems, and high-frequency transformers. Oriented silicon steel, with its grain orientation and superior magnetic properties, plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and reliability of transformer cores. By understanding the different grades available, manufacturers can select the most suitable material for their specific power transmission needs. Whether it is the widely used M0 and M1 grades, the specialized M2 grade, or the advanced M4 grade, each offers unique benefits and applications, contributing to the seamless functioning of electrical systems worldwide. At ShunGe, we are proud to offer a wide range of oriented silicon steel grades, including nearly all available grades. Please feel free to contact us for any specific requirements or inquiries.

Transformer core plays a crucial role in the efficient and reliable transmission of electrical power. As a key component, it provides a low reluctance path for the magnetic flux generated by the primary winding to be transferred to the secondary winding. Among various materials used for transformer cores, oriented silicon steel, also known as CRGO (Cold-Rolled Grain-Oriented) silicon steel or electrical steel, stands out for its exceptional magnetic properties and widespread application in different power ratings of transformers. CRGO Silicon Steel: A Superior Core Material: CRGO silicon steel is specifically engineered to exhibit grain orientation, enabling it to maximize its magnetic properties when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. The manufacturing process involves a controlled cold rolling technique that aligns the crystal grains within the steel in a specific direction. This grain orientation reduces the occurrence of magnetic domains and minimizes hysteresis losses and eddy current losses, making CRGO silicon steel the preferred choice for transformer cores. Applications in Different Power Ratings: Low-Power Transformers:In low-power transformers, such as those used in residential and small-scale commercial applications, CRGO silicon steel is utilized to enhance energy efficiency. The material's low core losses and high magnetic permeability contribute to reduced power wastage and improved voltage regulation, ensuring optimum performance in household appliances, lighting systems, and electronic devices. Medium-Power Transformers:Medium-power transformers, commonly employed in industrial settings and power distribution networks, require reliable and efficient core materials. CRGO silicon steel offers excellent magnetic properties at intermediate power ratings, enabling enhanced energy transmission and minimal power losses. These transformers find application in areas such as manufacturing facilities, commercial buildings, and utility substations. High-Power Transformers:For high-power transformers, such as those used in large-scale power generation and transmission systems, CRGO silicon steel provides superior performance. With its advanced grain orientation and optimized magnetic characteristics, it minimizes core losses and enhances efficiency, ensuring reliable power transmission over long distances. These high-power transformers are crucial components of electrical grids, enabling the efficient distribution of electricity to cities, industries, and infrastructure projects.     The selection of the core material plays a vital role in the performance and efficiency of transformers. CRGO silicon steel, also known as oriented silicon steel or electrical steel, stands out as an ideal choice for transformer cores across different power ratings. Its unique grain orientation and magnetic properties significantly reduce energy losses, ensuring optimal power transmission. Whether in low-power, medium-power, or high-power transformers, CRGO silicon steel demonstrates its superiority in enhancing efficiency and reliability in the transmission and distribution of electrical energy.

Oriented silicon steel, commonly referred to as CRGO (Cold-Rolled Grain-Oriented), is a highly specialized silicon steel material that holds a paramount position in the manufacturing of electrical equipment and transformers. This material, distinguished by its unique magnetic properties, serves as a cornerstone in the power industry and electrical manufacturing sectors. CRGO silicon steel is composed primarily of silicon and iron, with silicon content typically ranging from 1.5% to 4.5%. Through a rigorous cold-rolling process, the magnetic domains within CRGO are meticulously aligned, resulting in exceptional magnetic conductivity along specific directions. This alignment is crucial as it enables CRGO to dramatically reduce iron losses and significantly enhance the efficiency of transformers, reactors, and other electrical devices. The versatility of CRGO silicon steel spans across a wide range of applications. From large-scale power transformers that form the backbone of national grids to transformers embedded in small household appliances, CRGO contributes significantly to the stable operation and energy-saving capabilities of electrical systems. Moreover, its applications extend into high-voltage transmission equipment, power supply systems for urban rail transit, and renewable energy sectors such as wind and solar power generation. CRGO silicon steel's unique characteristics, including low core loss and high permeability, make it indispensable in the power industry. As the global focus on energy conservation and emission reduction intensifies, the demand for CRGO silicon steel continues to grow. Its extensive applications not only improve the energy efficiency and stability of electrical equipment but also contribute to a more sustainable future. In summary, CRGO silicon steel is a material with exceptional magnetic properties that plays a vital role in the electrical industry. Its diverse applications and significant contributions to energy efficiency and sustainability make it a cornerstone in the ongoing evolution of power systems worldwide.