What Are the Different Types of Silicon Steel Lamination?

2024-03-14

Silicon steel laminations, also known as electrical steel laminations, are used in the cores of electrical transformers, inductors, generators, and electric motors. They are made from thin and flat pieces of silicon steel that are stacked and insulated to form the core of the device. However, to ensure optimal performance from your electric devices, it’s important to understand the types of silicon steel lamination materials. Here’s a breakdown of several common types:

 

Silicon Steel Lamination Types You Must Know

Silicon steel lamination can be divided into different types in terms of grain orientation, manufacturing process, and shapes. Let’s explore together.

1. Grain Orientation

Grain Oriented Silicon Steel Lamination

These are made from silicon steel that has been specially processed to have a preferred direction of magnetization. This results in lower core losses and higher magnetic permeability in the direction of the grain, making it ideal for applications where the magnetic field is constant in one direction, such as in power transformers.

Non Grain Oriented Silicon Steel Lamination

These are made from silicon steel that has uniform magnetic properties in all directions. This makes them suitable for applications where the magnetic field can vary in direction, such as in distribution transformers and electric motors.

2. Manufacturing Process

Hot Rolled Silicon Steel Lamination

It is produced by hot rolling process, which involves heating the steel to a high temperature and then rolling it into a thin sheet. Then the hot-rolled silicon steel is shaped into the desired laminated shape.

Cutting Laminated Silicon Steel

Cold Rolled Silicon Steel Lamination

It is produced by the cold rolling process, which helps to align the silicon crystals in the steel. The silicon steel is then shaped into the desired laminated shape.

3. Shape

According to the shape, silicon steel lamination can be divided into EI shape, UI shape, C shape, O shape, rectangular shape, etc.

EI Shape

The “EI” designation refers to the shape of the lamination, which is formed by stacking two types of laminations: E-shaped and I-shaped. This shape is designed to provide a path for the magnetic flux to flow through the core, which is essential for the operation of the device.

EI-shaped Silicon Steel Lamination

UI Shape

The “UI” designation refers to the shape of the lamination, which is formed by stacking two “U” shaped pieces of silicon steel with an “I” shaped piece in between. This shape is chosen because it provides a good balance between magnetic flux and electrical insulation, and it is also relatively easy to manufacture.

UI-shpaed Silicon Steel Lamination

C Shape

“C” refers to silicon steel lamination stacked in a C shape. It can effectively reduce magnetic flux leakage and reduce the loss of induced electromotive force, making the transformer more efficient. The C-shaped stack can also reduce the loss and noise of the core and improve the working performance of the transformer. C-type stacked type is often used in some transformers with higher requirements.

O Shape

“O” means that silicon steel sheets are stacked in an O shape. It can make the harmonic waveform of the transformer closer to the sinusoidal waveform, reduce the harmonic content, and improve the working stability of the transformer. In addition, the O-shaped lamination can also reduce the harmonic loss and noise of the transformer and improve the working efficiency of the transformer.

O-shaped Silicon Steel Lamination

Rectangular Shape

Rectangular type refers to silicon steel lamination stacked in a rectangular shape. It can make the core short-circuit loop of the transformer shorter, reduce the leakage loss, and improve the efficiency of the transformer. Therefore, the rectangular silicon steel lamination is suitable for some transformers with higher requirements and can effectively increase the rated capacity of the transformer.

 

FAQs about Silicon Steel Lamination

1. What is silicon steel lamination?

Silicon steel lamination is a crucial material used in the cores of electromagnetic devices to reduce power loss, improve efficiency, and enhance the performance of power transmission.

2. What are the advantages of silicon steel sheets?

Silicon steel lamination possesses multiple advantages. Firstly, they have high resistance, which means they can reduce eddy current losses. In addition, the high saturation magnetic induction strength of silicon steel sheets makes them very useful in high magnetic flux density applications. Finally, silicon steel lamination also has excellent magnetic properties, which can effectively reduce eddy current losses and improve the efficiency of transformers and motors in high-frequency environments.

3. What are the application fields of silicon steel lamination?

Silicon steel laminations play a crucial role in various application fields. They are widely used in the iron cores of motors, generators, and transformers to improve energy transmission efficiency. They also play a crucial role in electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. For example, the motor core of electric vehicles typically uses silicon steel sheets to reduce energy loss and improve performance.

M19 Silicon Steel Applications

 

Conclusion

In short, silicon steel lamination is an efficient, compact, and lightweight soft magnetic material suitable for various applications, including power systems, industrial equipment, and electronic products. It has different types and designs to adapt to specific applications. Gnee Steel is a silicon steel supplier that stocks vast silicon steel lamination for sale. They are available in a wide range of thicknesses, sizes, and shapes to choose from. Welcome to contact us for a free quote!

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