Electrical Steel: Understanding Non-Grain Oriented Steel

what is non grain oriented electrical steel

Non-grain-oriented electrical steel (NGOES) is a type of electrical steel that lacks the controlled grain orientation found in grain-oriented electrical steel (GOES). During its production, the steel undergoes random crystalline orientation, resulting in isotropic magnetic properties. While NGOES may not offer the same level of magnetic performance as GOES in a specific direction, it demonstrates relatively uniform magnetic properties in all directions. This makes NGOES suitable for applications such as electric motors, generators, and small transformers, where magnetic flux changes direction frequently. The production process for NGOES is less complex, making it a more cost-effective and easily obtainable option than GOES.

Characteristics Values
Magnetic behaviour Isotropic
Core loss Low
Permeability High
Cost Low
Applications Electric motors, generators, smaller transformers, e-vehicle drives, etc.
Steel type Hot-rolled and cold-rolled
Thickness 2.3mm thick coils
Appearance Uniform, metallic
Flexibility Can be folded up to 10 times without breaking

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Non-grain-oriented steel is used in electric motors and generators

Electrical steel is a special type of steel with magnetic properties. It is used in the production of energy-efficient transformers, generators, and motors. There are two types of electrical steel: grain-oriented electrical steel (GOES) and non-grain-oriented electrical steel (NGOES).

Non-grain-oriented electrical steel is a type of electrical steel that lacks the controlled grain orientation found in GOES. During its production, the steel undergoes random crystalline orientation, making it isotropic in magnetic properties. While NGOES does not offer the same level of magnetic performance as GOES in a specific direction, it demonstrates relatively uniform magnetic properties in all directions. This characteristic makes it suitable for applications where the direction of magnetic flux frequently changes, such as in electric motors, generators, and small transformers.

The basic features of non-grain-oriented electrical steel include permeability, low core loss, and low cost. The production process for NGOES is less complex, making it a cost-effective choice for various electrical applications. It is hot-rolled into 2.3mm thick coils and then cold-rolled, resulting in flat surfaces, uniform thickness, high stacking factor, and excellent punchability. Cold-rolled NGOES, often known as CRNGO, is less expensive than its grain-oriented counterpart (CRGO) and is used when cost takes precedence over efficiency.

Non-grain-oriented electrical steel is commonly used in rotating equipment, such as electric motors and generators, as well as in the drives of e-vehicles, where it enhances the performance of the electric motor. In the context of electric motors, non-grain-oriented electrical steel is used in the production of rotor and stator stacks, which form the core assemblies. The quality of the electrical steel used in these assemblies directly impacts the efficiency of the motor.

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It has isotropic magnetic properties

Non-grain-oriented electrical steel (NGOES) is a type of electrical steel that lacks the controlled grain orientation found in grain-oriented electrical steel (GOES). During its production, the steel undergoes random crystalline orientation, resulting in isotropic magnetic properties.

Isotropy in the context of magnetism refers to the quality of having similar magnetic properties in all directions. NGOES exhibits magnetic isotropy, which means it demonstrates relatively uniform magnetic behaviour in all directions. This is in contrast to GOES, which exhibits magnetic anisotropy and has optimal magnetic behaviour in only one direction.

The isotropic magnetic properties of NGOES make it suitable for applications where the direction of magnetic flux frequently changes, such as in electric motors, generators, and smaller transformers. In these applications, the magnetic flux direction is not constant and can change with the movement of parts. The uniform magnetic properties of NGOES allow it to handle these changes in flux direction effectively.

The magnetic properties of NGOES are influenced by various factors, including chemical content, heat treatment, and the rolling process. The core loss and magnetic induction of NGOES are critical features that have been studied extensively. Core loss, also known as iron loss, is lower in NGOES compared to GOES, and it is directly related to motor efficiency. The lower the core loss, the higher the efficiency of the motor.

In summary, the isotropic magnetic properties of non-grain-oriented electrical steel make it a versatile and essential material for applications requiring multidirectional magnetisation, such as electric motors, generators, and certain types of transformers.

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It is more affordable and easier to obtain than grain-oriented steel

Non-grain-oriented electrical steel (NGOES) is generally more affordable and easier to obtain than grain-oriented electrical steel (GOES). This is due to its less complex production process, making it a cost-effective choice for various electrical applications.

The process of making NGOES involves hot-rolling the steel into 2.3mm thick coils, followed by cold-rolling. Cold-rolled steel offers several benefits, including flat surfaces, uniform thickness, high stacking factor, and excellent punchability. It also exhibits better magnetic properties and lower iron losses compared to hot-rolled steel. The use of cold-rolled steel in motors or transformers can result in a weight and volume reduction of up to 25%.

In contrast, GOES undergoes additional processing steps, such as pickling, cold-rolling, and annealing, to achieve its superior magnetic properties in a specific direction. This added complexity contributes to its higher cost and limited availability. While GOES is ideal for applications requiring high efficiency and performance, such as power transformers and large-scale power distribution systems, it may not always be the most economical or readily available option.

NGOES, also known as "motor steel," is widely used in the manufacturing of electric motors, generators, and smaller transformers. Its uniform magnetic properties and multidirectional magnetisation make it well-suited for rotating machines. The flexibility of NGOES allows it to be folded multiple times without breaking, demonstrating its superior durability compared to GOES.

Overall, the affordability and accessibility of NGOES make it a popular choice for electrical applications, particularly when cost considerations take precedence over efficiency.

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It is hot-rolled into 2.3mm thick coils and then cold-rolled

Non-grain-oriented electrical steel (NGOES) is a type of electrical steel that lacks the controlled grain orientation found in grain-oriented electrical steel (GOES). During its production, the steel undergoes random crystalline orientation, resulting in isotropic magnetic behaviour. This means that while NGOES may not offer the same level of magnetic performance as GOES in a specific direction, it exhibits relatively uniform magnetic properties in all directions.

The process of manufacturing non-grain-oriented electrical steel involves hot-rolling the steel into 2.3mm thick coils and then cold-rolling it. Hot-rolling is a process where steel is rolled at high temperatures, producing thicker sheets with rougher surfaces compared to cold-rolled steel. Hot-rolled silicon steel has higher iron loss and lower magnetic performance than cold-rolled steel, making it suitable for equipment with lower performance requirements, such as smaller motors and lower-end transformers.

Cold-rolling, on the other hand, involves rolling the steel at room temperature or below its recrystallization temperature. This results in flat surfaces, uniform thickness, high stacking factor, and excellent punchability. Cold-rolled electrical steel exhibits better magnetic properties and lower iron losses compared to hot-rolled steel. Using cold-rolled steel in motors or transformers can reduce weight and volume by 0-25%.

By hot-rolling non-grain-oriented electrical steel into 2.3mm thick coils and then cold-rolling it, manufacturers can combine the benefits of both processes. The hot-rolling process provides a good balance between thickness and surface finish, while cold-rolling enhances the magnetic properties and reduces iron losses. This makes it suitable for applications such as electric motors, generators, and small transformers, where magnetic flux changes direction frequently.

Overall, the process of hot-rolling and then cold-rolling non-grain-oriented electrical steel allows for the production of steel with improved magnetic characteristics, making it ideal for use in electric motors, generators, and certain types of transformers.

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It is used in the drives of e-vehicles

Non-grain-oriented electrical steel (NGOES) is a type of electrical steel that exhibits isotropic magnetic behaviour due to its random crystalline orientation during production. This magnetic behaviour makes it suitable for applications where magnetic flux changes direction frequently, such as in electric motors and generators.

NGOES is widely used for soft magnetic applications due to its superior magnetic properties, including high electrical resistivity, excellent saturation magnetization, and minimal magnetostriction. It is also more affordable and easier to obtain than grain-oriented electrical steel (GOES), making it a cost-effective choice for various electrical applications.

In the context of e-vehicles, NGOES is used as the core material in the drives of these vehicles. The quality of the electrical steel used in both the stator and rotor has a significant impact on the efficiency of the motor and, ultimately, on the range of the vehicle. The use of NGOES in e-vehicle drives can enhance the performance of the electric motor and extend the vehicle's range by reducing energy losses.

For example, the powercore® Traction range of NGOES from thyssenkrupp Steel offers better magnetic and mechanical properties than standard grades. Its thinner profile, ranging from 0.20 to 0.35 mm, contributes to improved efficiency compared to conventional electrical steel grades. The higher alloy content in powercore® Traction also helps to reduce energy losses in the motor, further extending the range of e-vehicles.

Frequently asked questions

Non-grain oriented electrical steel (NGOES) is a type of electrical steel that lacks the controlled grain orientation found in grain-oriented electrical steel. It undergoes random crystalline orientation during production, resulting in isotropic magnetic properties.

Non-grain oriented electrical steel is commonly used in applications where magnetic flux changes direction frequently, such as electric motors, generators, and small transformers. It is also used in rotating equipment, high-frequency converters, and as core material in the drives of e-vehicles.

Non-grain oriented electrical steel offers uniform magnetic properties in all directions, making it suitable for applications where the direction of magnetic flux is not constant. It is generally more affordable and easier to obtain than grain-oriented electrical steel, making it a cost-effective choice for various electrical applications.

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