Grain-Oriented Silicon Steel Coil: The Core Material for Power Transformers
In modern power industries, grain-oriented silicon steel (GOES) plays an indispensable role. As a key material for manufacturing transformer cores, its unique magnetic properties directly impact transformer efficiency and operational stability. This article provides a detailed introduction to the characteristics, production processes, and importance of this specialty steel in the power sector.
1. Material Properties
Grain-oriented silicon steel is a cold-rolled electrical steel containing approximately 3% silicon. Its most notable feature is its pronounced grain orientation. Through specialized processing, the internal grains are highly aligned along the rolling direction, delivering superior magnetic properties in specific orientations:
Core loss (P1.7/50) as low as 0.9 W/kg or below
Magnetic induction (B800) up to 1.92 T
Low magnetostriction coefficient, reducing transformer noise
2. Production Process
Manufacturing high-quality GOES requires a precisely controlled production chain:
Steelmaking: Strict control of silicon, aluminum, and other elements
Hot rolling: Slab heating to 1100°C followed by rolling
Normalization: Optimizing microstructural uniformity
Cold rolling: Grain orientation refinement with intermediate annealing
High-temperature annealing: Formation of a complete Goss texture
Insulation coating: Application of phosphate + inorganic coatings
3. Application Advantages
In transformer manufacturing, GOES demonstrates irreplaceable value:
Reduces no-load losses: 30–50% lower energy consumption compared to non-oriented steel
Enhances transformer efficiency: Modern high-efficiency transformers achieve >99.7% efficiency
Extends equipment lifespan: Excellent magnetic aging stability
Complies with eco-standards: Meets EU Tier 2 energy efficiency requirements
4. Market Development
With growing global power demand, the GOES market continues to expand. As a leading producer, China has achieved mass production of ultra-thin 0.18 mm spe
