What is known as electrical steel?
An In-Depth Guide to Types, Properties, Applications, and Supply by Huaxiao-Alloy
- June 27, 2025
- 12:42 am
- 5156
Introduction
In the age of electrification—where power grids, electric vehicles, renewable energy, and industrial motors are reshaping industries—one special material makes it all possible: electrical steel.
But what is known as electrical steel?
Electrical steel, also called silicon steel, transformer steel, or lamination steel, is a specialized soft magnetic material engineered to maximize magnetic permeability, reduce energy losses, and improve efficiency in electrical equipment. Without electrical steel, transformers would be bulkier, motors less efficient, and renewable energy integration nearly impossible.
At Huaxiao-Alloy, we supply world-class electrical steel in a wide range of grades and specifications, serving industries from power distribution to EV manufacturing. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—and why partnering with the right supplier is critical.
1. Definition of Electrical Steel
Electrical steel is a soft magnetic alloy produced by adding 1.0–6.5% silicon (Si) into low-carbon steel. The addition of silicon:
Increases electrical resistivity → lowers eddy current losses
Enhances magnetic permeability → supports high flux density
Reduces hysteresis loss → lowers energy waste
Improves corrosion resistance compared to plain carbon steel
This unique combination of properties makes electrical steel the preferred choice for transformer cores, motors, and generators, where efficiency is everything.
2. Types of Electrical Steel
Electrical steel is primarily divided into two categories:
2.1 Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel (GOES)
Crystal grains are aligned in the rolling direction (Goss texture).
Optimized for unidirectional magnetization.
Achieves extremely low core loss → used in transformers and large electrical equipment.
Also known as CRGO (Cold Rolled Grain-Oriented steel).
2.2 Non-Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel (NGOES)
Grain structure is random, allowing multi-directional magnetization.
Used in motors, generators, household appliances, EV drive systems.
Known as CRNGO (Cold Rolled Non-Grain-Oriented steel).
| Feature | GO Electrical Steel | NGO Electrical Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Grain Orientation | Aligned | Random |
| Magnetization | Unidirectional | Multi-directional |
| Core Loss | Very low | Higher |
| Applications | Transformers | Motors, Generators, EVs |
👉 At Huaxiao-Alloy, we supply both GO and NGO grades to meet your specific industrial requirements.
3. Manufacturing Process
The production of electrical steel requires precision metallurgy:
Melting & Alloying – Carefully controlled Si content.
Hot Rolling – Produces thin strip.
Cold Rolling – Achieves final thickness (0.18–0.65 mm).
Annealing – Refines grain structure for optimal magnetic properties.
Coating – Insulating coatings reduce inter-laminar losses.
3.1 Coating Types
Inorganic coating – excellent insulation & heat resistance.
Organic coating – better punching and mechanical handling.
Hybrid coating – balanced performance for diverse needs.
4. Key Properties of Electrical Steel
High magnetic permeability – supports efficient flux conduction.
Low hysteresis loss – minimizes wasted energy.
High resistivity – suppresses eddy current loss.
Good saturation flux density – handles high magnetic induction.
Thin sheet form (0.18–0.65 mm) – enables laminated core structures.
These properties translate into efficiency, reliability, and cost savings for electrical equipment manufacturers.
5. Standards and Grades of Electrical Steel
Electrical steel is standardized globally under:
ASTM A876 – Non-oriented flat-rolled electrical steel
IEC 60404 – International magnetic materials standard
EN 10106 / 10107 – European grades
JIS C2552 – Japanese standard
At Huaxiao-Alloy, our products meet or exceed these standards, ensuring compatibility with international markets.
6. Applications of Electrical Steel
Electrical steel is indispensable in the electrification era:
6.1 Power Transformers (GO Steel)
Distribution and transmission transformers
Reactor cores
High-voltage applications
6.2 Motors & Generators (NGO Steel)
Household appliances (washing machines, refrigerators, compressors)
Industrial motors and pumps
Wind turbines
6.3 Automotive & EV Industry
EV traction motors
Hybrid drive systems
Charging infrastructure
6.4 Renewable Energy
Wind power generators
Solar inverters
Smart grids
👉 Every step towards electrification relies on high-performance electrical steel.
7. Electrical Steel vs Regular Steel
| Property | Electrical Steel | Carbon Steel | Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicon Content | 1–6.5% | <0.5% | Variable (Cr-based) |
| Magnetic Permeability | High | Low | Low |
| Electrical Resistivity | High | Low | Low |
| Core Loss | Low | High | High |
| Applications | Transformers, Motors | Structural | Corrosion resistance |
8. Market Insights
Global Market Size (2023): ~$40 billion
Growth Rate: ~6–7% CAGR to 2030
Drivers: EV demand, renewable energy, smart grids
Key Producers: China, Japan, South Korea, Germany
For businesses, securing a reliable supplier is essential due to limited global capacity and price volatility.
9. Why Choose Huaxiao-Alloy?
At Huaxiao-Alloy, we are a trusted global supplier of electrical steel.
✅ Full range: Grain-Oriented (GO), Non-Grain-Oriented (NGO), CRGO, CRNGO
✅ Precision processing: Slitting, stamping, lamination cutting
✅ Compliance: ASTM, IEC, JIS, EN standards
✅ Applications served: Power grid, EVs, renewable energy, industrial motors
✅ Global supply chain: Serving Europe, USA, and Asia
📧 [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: +1 (579) 300-2733
👉 Whether you are a transformer manufacturer or an EV motor producer, Huaxiao-Alloy ensures high-performance materials with reliable delivery.
Mainly in transformers, motors, and EV drive systems.
Yes, electrical steel is also called silicon steel.
GO → transformers, NGO → motors and generators.
Yes, Huaxiao-Alloy offers cut-to-size and stamping services.
From 0.18 mm to 0.65 mm, depending on grade.
Conclusion
Electrical steel is the unsung hero of electrification. From powering smart grids to driving EV motors, its role is central to global energy efficiency.
At Huaxiao-Alloy, we combine technical expertise, international quality standards, and reliable supply capacity to support your projects.
📧 Contact us today: [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: +1 (579) 300-2733
Huaxiao-Alloy – Your Partner in Electrical Steel Solutions Worldwide.
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