Introduction & Classification of Silicon Steel

Silicon Steel, also known as Electrical Steel, is an indispensable fundamental material in the modern electrical industry. By adding a controlled amount of silicon (typically 1.0%–4.5%) to carbon steel and processing it through cold rolling, annealing, coating, and other specialized techniques, its electromagnetic properties are significantly enhanced. This results in high magnetic permeability, low core loss, and excellent resistivity.

The most notable advantage of silicon steel lies in its stable magnetic properties under alternating magnetic fields and exceptionally low energy loss, effectively reducing power loss during electromagnetic conversion and greatly improving equipment efficiency. For this reason, silicon steel is often referred to as the “heart material” of motors and transformers.

Today, silicon steel is widely used in traditional applications such as motors, transformers, household appliances, and communication equipment, as well as in emerging industries including new energy vehicle drive motors, wind power generation, photovoltaic inverters, and smart grids. With the global transition towards cleaner energy and stricter energy-saving targets, the importance of silicon steel continues to grow, directly influencing the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of advanced manufacturing.

Based on grain orientation, silicon steel is categorized into two types:

• Grain-Oriented Silicon Steel (CRGO): grains are highly oriented, with superior magnetic properties along the rolling direction.

• Non-Grain-Oriented Silicon Steel (CRNGO): grains are randomly distributed, offering relatively uniform magnetic performance in all directions.

Grain-Oriented Silicon Steel (CRGO)

Core Material for High-Efficiency Power Equipment

Properties & Characteristics

• Highly oriented grain structure, exhibiting outstanding magnetic performance along the rolling direction.

• Low core loss: minimal energy loss in alternating magnetic fields, significantly improving operational efficiency.

• High magnetic permeability: higher magnetic induction under the same magnetic field strength.

• Excellent insulation: inorganic coating reduces eddy current losses.

As a result, CRGO is the preferred material for manufacturing high-efficiency transformers and large-scale power equipment.

Manufacturing Process
Smelting → Hot Rolling → Cold Rolling → Primary Annealing → Secondary Cold Rolling → High-Temperature Annealing → Inorganic Coating → Finished Coil

Product Specifications

• Thickness range: 0.18mm – 0.35mm

• Width range: 850 – 1250mm

• Coating type: Inorganic

Representative Grades:

• 0.18mm: 18R065, 18R070, 18P080

• 0.20mm: 20R065, 20R070, 20R075, 20P085

• 0.23mm: 23R075, 23R080, 23R085, 23R090, 23P085, 23P090, 23P095, 23P100

• 0.27mm: 27R080, 27R085, 27R090, 27R095, 27P090, 27P095, 27P100, 27P105; 27QG100-H, 27QG120-H, 27R085-LM, 27R095-LM

• 0.30mm: 30R090, 30R095, 30R100, 30R105, 30P095, 30P100, 30P105, 30P120; 30QG105-H, 30QG120-H, 30P100-LM, 30P105-LM, 30P120-LM, 30G120, 30G130

Applications

Power transformers, distribution transformers, large-scale reactors, current transformers, and renewable energy grid equipment.

Value Proposition: CRGO significantly reduces power losses in transmission, enabling energy-efficient and reliable power networks.

Non-Grain-Oriented Silicon Steel (CRNGO)

Essential Material for Motors & New Energy

Properties & Characteristics

• Randomly distributed grain structure, providing uniform magnetic performance in all directions.

• Isotropy: consistent performance, suitable for rotating magnetic fields.

• Excellent workability: supports high-speed punching and complex stamping processes.

• Stable efficiency: ensures low noise and low energy consumption during motor operation.

Manufacturing Process
Smelting → Hot Rolling → Cold Rolling → Continuous Annealing → Semi-Organic Coating → Finished Coil

Product Specifications

• Thickness range: 0.15mm – 0.85mm

• Width range: 900 – 1250mm

• Coating type: Semi-Organic

Representative Grades:

• 0.20mm: 20WTGH1300, 20WTGH1500, 20WTG1300, 20WTG1500

• 0.27mm: 27WGPH1500, 27WGPH1800, 27WGP1400, 27WGP1500

• 0.30mm: 30WGPH1500, 30WGPH1800, 30WGP1500, 30WGP1600, 30WGP1700, 30WGP1800

• 0.35mm: 35W230, 35W250, 35W270, 35W300, 35W360, 35W440, 35WGPH1700, 35WGPH1800, 35WGP1900, 35WGP2100

• 0.50mm: 50W250, 50W270, 50W290, 50W310, 50W350, 50W400, 50W470, 50W600, 50W800, 50W1300

Applications

Industrial motors, traction motors, generators, compressors, household appliance motors, new energy vehicle drive motors, wind power generators.

Value Proposition: CRNGO is widely applied in rotating machinery and new energy vehicles, making it a core material driving green mobility and renewable energy development.

FAQs

Q: Why does silicon steel improve energy efficiency?
A: Its high magnetic permeability and low core loss minimize heat generation during electromagnetic energy conversion. For example, high-performance CRGO in transformers significantly reduces no-load losses, thus lowering energy waste.

Q: Why distinguish between CRGO and CRNGO?
A: Due to grain orientation, CRGO is optimized for unidirectional magnetic fields (e.g., transformers), while CRNGO is suitable for rotating magnetic fields (e.g., motors).

Q: Is thinner silicon steel always better?
A: Not necessarily. While thinner gauges reduce core loss, they are more challenging to produce and process. Thickness must be balanced with cost and application requirements.

Future Development Trends

1. Ultra-Thin & Low-Loss
   Silicon steel will continue developing toward ultra-thin gauges (0.15mm and even below 0.10mm), further reducing eddy current and hysteresis losses. This is vital for high-frequency motors, UHV transformers, and EV drive systems, offering both energy savings and material efficiency.

   
   

2. High Magnetic Induction & High Strength
   Future silicon steel will balance high magnetic flux density with mechanical strength to meet the needs of high-speed motors, aerospace applications, and electric vehicle drives. This dual development ensures both efficiency and durability.

   
   

3. Green Manufacturing & Intelligent Production
   Under the global carbon neutrality agenda, silicon steel production is shifting toward low-carbon processes—clean smelting, low-energy annealing, and eco-friendly coatings. With big data and AI-driven control, manufacturing will become more energy-efficient and consistent, aligning with sustainable industry goals.

   
   

Steelhighsen’s Commitment

As a core partner in global energy transition and industrial upgrading, Steelhighsen is committed to high-standard raw material selection, refined processes, and strict quality control, delivering reliable and high-performance silicon steel to customers worldwide.

Through an integrated supply chain and professional service team, Steelhighsen provides one-stop customized solutions from sourcing to delivery—helping partners save time, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness.

Looking ahead, Steelhighsen will continue to uphold the values of Professionalism, Innovation, Integrity, and Win-Win Cooperation, working hand-in-hand with global partners to create a new era of green energy and intelligent manufacturing.