What Is Grain Oriented Silicon Steel?

Grain-oriented silicon steel, also known as electrical steel, is a highly specialized material in the electrical industry. This unique alloy is meticulously designed and manufactured to exhibit exceptional magnetic properties, making it indispensable for a wide range of electrical applications. Below, this blog will explore grain oriented silicon steel, including its composition, production process, key properties, applications, and how to choose the correct GO silicon steel.

Grain Oriented Silicon Steel: Definition and Composition

Grain oriented silicon steel, also known as GOES, is a specialized type of electrical steel with magnetic properties that make it ideal for use in electrical applications. It is processed in a way that optimizes its properties in the rolling direction, resulting in increased magnetic flux density and reduced magnetic saturation.

In its chemical composition, grain-oriented silicon steel is primarily composed of iron with a small percentage of silicon, typically in the range of 3.2% to 4.0%. The addition of silicon to the steel alloy is instrumental in enhancing its magnetic properties, particularly by reducing core losses and improving magnetic permeability. Additionally, small amounts of aluminum and other trace elements may be included to further optimize the material’s magnetic characteristics.

The initial components of grain-oriented electrical steel are:

Silicon (SI) 3.2%

Carbon (C): ≦0.03%

Manganese (Mn): 0.06~0.10%

Sulfur (S): 0.03%

GOES: Manufacturing and Production Process

Selecting — melting — casting — Hot rolling — normalization and pickling — primary cold rolling — annealing in China Construction — secondary cold rolling — decarburization return and MgO coating — high-temperature annealing — stretch annealing — insulating film coating

GOES: Advantages and Disadvantages

Some of the main advantages of grain oriented electrical steel include:

1. Directional Grain Orientation: this material has deliberate grain orientation, which is achieved through controlled annealing processes. This alignment of the crystal lattice imparts superior magnetic properties in the rolling direction, resulting in high magnetic permeability and reduced core losses.

2. High Magnetic Permeability: it exhibits exceptional magnetic permeability in the direction of the aligned grains. This property is essential for efficient magnetic flux conduction in electrical devices, contributing to their overall performance and energy efficiency.

3. Low Core Losses: grain-oriented electrical steel also exhibits low hysteresis and eddy current losses. This property is critical in applications where energy efficiency and reduced heat generation are paramount, such as in transformers and electrical motors.

4. Electrical Resistivity: the GOES’s electrical resistivity is carefully controlled to minimize eddy current losses, ensuring efficient energy conversion in electrical devices.

5. Magnetic Saturation: grain-oriented silicon steel exhibits high magnetic saturation, allowing it to efficiently handle high magnetic flux densities without significant loss of magnetic properties.

Some of the main disadvantages of grain oriented electrical steel include:

1. High Cost: grain-oriented electrical steel is a high-cost material because it requires a lot of processing and manufacturing to produce it. This can make it cost-prohibitive in some applications.

2. Limited Availability: due to the limited number of manufacturers producing oriented electrical steel, oriented electrical steel is not widely available. This can make it difficult to find the right supplier for your needs.

What Is Grain Oriented Silicon Steel Used for?

Grain-oriented electrical steel (GOES) is primarily used in the construction of electrical devices and equipment where efficient energy conversion between electrical and magnetic fields is crucial. Here are some of the main applications of GOES:

1. Transformers: The low core loss and high magnetic permeability of GOES help minimize energy losses and improve the overall efficiency of transformers.

2. Generators: GOES is used in the construction of generators, both in traditional power plants and in renewable energy systems such as wind turbines. Generators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy through the interaction of magnetic fields, and GOES cores contribute to reducing energy losses during this process.

3. Motors: GOES cores in motor constructions help optimize the magnetic flux paths, reducing losses and enhancing motor efficiency.

4. Inductors and Chokes: GOES is used in inductor and choke construction to minimize energy losses and improve their overall performance.

5. Reactors: GOES cores in reactors help control and manage magnetic flux, reducing energy losses.

6. Magnetic Amplifiers: Magnetic amplifiers are devices used to control the flow of current in electrical circuits by varying the magnetic flux. GOES cores are utilized in their construction to enhance their efficiency and performance.

7. Instrument Transformers: Instrument transformers, such as current transformers and voltage transformers, are used in metering and protection applications within power systems. GOES cores help maintain accurate measurements and the proper functioning of these devices.

8. Electric Vehicle Components: As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common, GOES is finding applications in the construction of components like motors and charging systems, where energy efficiency is a critical concern.

How To Choose the Correct Type of Grain-oriented Silicon Steel?

If you are in the market for grain oriented electrical steel, there are a few things you should keep in mind to choose the type that suits your needs.

First, consider what type of application the GO silicon steel will be used for. Oriented electrical steels are commonly used in transformer cores and other electromagnetic applications. It is also used in various types of motors and generators.

Next, you should consider the thickness of the grain-oriented silicon steel. The thicker the steel, the higher the price. However, thicker grain-oriented electrical steels are generally more durable and can withstand greater weight and stress than thinner steels.

Finally, consider the texture of the oriented silicon steel. Smooth textures are best for applications that do not require additional grip or friction, such as transformer cores. A rougher texture is better for applications that require extra grip, such as generators or electric motors.

Choose Gnee Steel As Your GOES Supplier and Partner

We are selling a wide range of grain oriented silicon steels, including GO coils, GO sheets, GO strips, etc. All are available in different thicknesses, widths, lengths, shapes, and grades. If you are looking for this material welcome to send us a free quote. We will reply to you within 24 hours!