CRGO (Cold Rolled Grain Oriented, cold-rolled grain-oriented silicon steel) cores have become the core material in transformer manufacturing due to their unique material properties and electromagnetic performance. The following are the main reasons for their wide adoption:

1.Low iron losses

• Energy efficiency improvement: CRGO steel, through the addition of silicon (3% to 4%) and the cold rolling process, forms a directional grain structure that significantly reduces hysteresis loss and eddy current loss. This leads to a reduction of about 30% to 50% in no-load losses of transformers, and over long-term operation, it can greatly save energy costs.

• High resistivity: The silicon element increases the resistivity of the steel, inhibits the generation of eddy currents, and further reduces the proportion of energy converted into heat.

2.High Magnetic Permeability

• Efficient magnetic flux conduction:

The directional alignment of grains along the rolling direction creates a highly oriented structure, allowing magnetic flux to conduct efficiently along a low-resistance path. This reduces the magnetizing current requirement and improves the energy efficiency ratio of transformers.

• High saturation magnetic flux density:

High-silicon CRGO grades (e.g., high permeability grades) can carry higher magnetic flux in smaller volumes, enabling compact transformer designs while maintaining performance. This is critical for modern power systems requiring space-efficient solutions without compromising capacity.

3.Reduced Magnetostriction

• Noise and vibration reduction:

The optimized silicon content and grain structure in CRGO steel suppress the magnetostriction effect (material deformation caused by magnetic field variations). This significantly reduces operational noise and mechanical vibrations, making it ideally suited for noise-sensitive environments such as residential areas, hospitals, or data centers.

• Material stability:

Lower magnetostriction also minimizes long-term structural stress on the core, enhancing the transformer's durability and reliability under cyclic loading conditions.

4.High Stacking Factor

• Enhanced material efficiency:

The smooth surface and uniform thickness of CRGO steel sheets enable stacking factors exceeding 95% during core assembly. This minimizes air gaps, optimizes the magnetic circuit structure, and reduces material waste.

• Mechanical precision:

High dimensional consistency in CRGO laminations ensures stable core geometry, improving manufacturing repeatability and operational performance in high-power transformers.

5.Process Compatibility

• Laminated structure compatibility:

CRGO steel is used in thin sheet form, with interlayer insulation coatings (e.g., oxide layers or organic coatings) to isolate laminations. This blocks eddy current paths and further suppresses energy losses while maintaining magnetic efficiency.

• Mechanical stability:

The material exhibits high mechanical elasticity and fatigue resistance, ensuring the core maintains dimensional stability under prolonged electromagnetic stress. This property extends transformer service life and reduces maintenance requirements, even under cyclic operational loads.

 

Disadvantages and Trade-offs：

Although CRGO steel has ~20%–30% higher costs and greater weight compared to conventional silicon steel, its unmatched advantages in energy efficiency, longevity, and reliability make it indispensable in power transformer applications. It is particularly critical for:

 

• High-voltage transformers (>11 kV):

Enables efficient energy transmission with minimal losses over extended power grids.

• Energy-efficient distribution transformers:

Complies with global energy-saving regulations by reducing lifecycle operational costs through lower core losses.

• Precision-demanding systems:

Provides stable performance in noise-sensitive or reliability-critical environments, such as data centers, renewable energy infrastructure (solar/wind converters), and medical imaging equipment.

Summary：

CRGO cores achieve minimized magnetic losses and maximized magnetic efficiency through the synergistic effects of its oriented grain structure and silicon alloying design. This technology not only aligns with global energy efficiency standards, but also serves as a foundational material for advancing smart grid architectures and enabling the decarbo nization of power systems.

Laminated cores play a crucial role in electrical equipment. They are made by stacking thin silicon steel sheets or ferroalloy sheets and insulating them from each other. Its main purpose is to reduce eddy current losses and improve equipment efficiency. Take a transformer as an example. When alternating magnetic flux passes through the core, an induced electromotive force is generated. If the core is solid, a large eddy current will be formed, resulting in energy loss and core heating. The laminated core divides the core into thin sheets, confining the eddy current within a narrow circuit. The net electromotive force of the circuit is small, and the resistivity of the thin sheet material is high, effectively reducing the eddy current loss. In addition, laminated iron cores can also improve the magnetic field distribution, enhance the electromagnetic performance of the equipment, increase operational stability, and extend the service life of the equipment.

In an electric motor, laminated cores are equally important. It helps to reduce energy loss, improve motor efficiency, and enable the motor to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy more efficiently during operation. At the same time, it can also reduce the noise and vibration during the operation of the motor and improve the overall performance of the equipment.

In an electric motor, laminated cores are equally important. It helps to reduce energy loss, improve motor efficiency, and enable the motor to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy more efficiently during operation. At the same time, it can also reduce the noise and vibration during the operation of the motor and improve the overall performance of the equipment.

The adoption of laminated structure in transformer cores is a key design in electrical engineering, which is underpinned by profound physical principles and engineering considerations.

 

The challenge of eddy current loss

When alternating current passes through the windings of a transformer, a changing magnetic field is generated in the core. According to the law of electromagnetic induction, this changing magnetic field will induce a circular current inside the iron core, which is called "eddy current". If a single iron core is used, these eddy currents will cause a large amount of energy to be lost in the form of heat, not only reducing efficiency but also possibly causing the iron core to overheat.

 

Solution for laminated structure

This design can be made by stacking thin sheets of iron cores and coating each sheet with an insulating layer.

1.Significantly increase the resistance of the eddy current path

2.Limit the flow range of the vortex within a single thin sheet

3.Effectively reduce eddy current loss by over 90%

Material and process optimization

Modern transformers typically use silicon steel sheets with a thickness of 0.23 to 0.35mm. The addition of silicon further enhances the resistivity. The stacking direction is arranged along the magnetic field lines, which not only ensures the smoothness of the magnetic circuit but also minimizes the eddy current effect to the greatest extent.

 

This seemingly simple laminated design is actually the best solution to balance efficiency, cost and reliability, and remains one of the core technologies in transformer manufacturing to this day.

Oriented silicon steel, also known as electrical or CRGO (Cold-Rolled Grain-Oriented) silicon steel, is a vital material used in the manufacturing of transformer cores. Its unique magnetic properties and grain orientation make it an excellent for efficient power transmission. In this article, we will explore the various grades of oriented silicon steel and their applications in the transformer industry, including the addition of the M4 grade. We are proud to inform you that SHUNGE possesses a wide range of oriented silicon steel grades; please contact us for any specific requirements.

1. M0 Grade:

M0 grade oriented silicon steel is highly regarded for its exceptional magnetic characteristics. With its low core losses and high magnetic permeability, it is ideal for use in high-efficiency power transformers. The superior energy efficiency and improved voltage regulation provided by M0 grade contribute to enhanced performance in diverse applications, ranging from industrial power distribution to renewable energy systems.

2. M1 Grade:

M1 grade oriented silicon steel exhibits excellent magnetic properties and finds common usage in medium to high-power transformers. It offers slightly higher core losses compared to the M0 grade but remains a highly reliable and efficient option. Transformers utilizing M1 grade silicon steel serve various electrical systems, including utility substations, commercial buildings, and manufacturing facilities.

3. M2 Grade:

M2 grade oriented silicon steel is specifically designed for applications requiring lower magnetic flux density. Although it has higher core losses compared to M0 and M1 grades, it remains suitable for transformers where efficiency is not the primary concern. M2 grade silicon steel is commonly used in low-power transformers, such as those found in household appliances and lighting systems.

4. M4 Grade:

The M4 grade oriented silicon steel is a specialized grade that offers distinct magnetic properties and is suitable for specific transformer applications. While providing unique benefits, such as lower core losses at higher frequencies, it caters to transformers operating in demanding environments. M4 grade silicon steel is widely used in power electronics, renewable energy systems, and high-frequency transformers.

Oriented silicon steel, with its grain orientation and superior magnetic properties, plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and reliability of transformer cores. By understanding the different grades available, manufacturers can select the most suitable material for their specific power transmission needs. Whether it is the widely used M0 and M1 grades, the specialized M2 grade, or the advanced M4 grade, each offers unique benefits and applications, contributing to the seamless functioning of electrical systems worldwide. At ShunGe, we are proud to offer a wide range of oriented silicon steel grades, including nearly all available grades. Please feel free to contact us for any specific requirements or inquiries.

Transformer core plays a crucial role in the efficient and reliable transmission of electrical power. As a key component, it provides a low reluctance path for the magnetic flux generated by the primary winding to be transferred to the secondary winding. Among various materials used for transformer cores, oriented silicon steel, also known as CRGO (Cold-Rolled Grain-Oriented) silicon steel or electrical steel, stands out for its exceptional magnetic properties and widespread application in different power ratings of transformers.

CRGO Silicon Steel: A Superior Core Material:

CRGO silicon steel is specifically engineered to exhibit grain orientation, enabling it to maximize its magnetic properties when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. The manufacturing process involves a controlled cold rolling technique that aligns the crystal grains within the steel in a specific direction. This grain orientation reduces the occurrence of magnetic domains and minimizes hysteresis losses and eddy current losses, making CRGO silicon steel the preferred choice for transformer cores.

Applications in Different Power Ratings:

1. Low-Power Transformers:
   In low-power transformers, such as those used in residential and small-scale commercial applications, CRGO silicon steel is utilized to enhance energy efficiency. The material's low core losses and high magnetic permeability contribute to reduced power wastage and improved voltage regulation, ensuring optimum performance in household appliances, lighting systems, and electronic devices.

2. Medium-Power Transformers:
   Medium-power transformers, commonly employed in industrial settings and power distribution networks, require reliable and efficient core materials. CRGO silicon steel offers excellent magnetic properties at intermediate power ratings, enabling enhanced energy transmission and minimal power losses. These transformers find application in areas such as manufacturing facilities, commercial buildings, and utility substations.

3. High-Power Transformers:
   For high-power transformers, such as those used in large-scale power generation and transmission systems, CRGO silicon steel provides superior performance. With its advanced grain orientation and optimized magnetic characteristics, it minimizes core losses and enhances efficiency, ensuring reliable power transmission over long distances. These high-power transformers are crucial components of electrical grids, enabling the efficient distribution of electricity to cities, industries, and infrastructure projects.

 

 

The selection of the core material plays a vital role in the performance and efficiency of transformers. CRGO silicon steel, also known as oriented silicon steel or electrical steel, stands out as an ideal choice for transformer cores across different power ratings. Its unique grain orientation and magnetic properties significantly reduce energy losses, ensuring optimal power transmission. Whether in low-power, medium-power, or high-power transformers, CRGO silicon steel demonstrates its superiority in enhancing efficiency and reliability in the transmission and distribution of electrical energy.

In the realm of materials science, there exists a star that shines brightly in the field of electrical engineering – orientation silicon steel, or simply, oriented silicon steel. This isn't just any ordinary metal; it's a technological wonder that revolutionizes the way we think about electricity and magnetism.

Imagine a material so refined and engineered that it exhibits exceptional magnetic properties, making it the go-to choice for transformers and other electrical devices. Oriented electrical steel undergoes a complex manufacturing process involving rolling and annealing to align its magnetic domains in a specific direction. This alignment is crucial, as it significantly reduces energy loss during the transformation of electrical energy, enhancing efficiency by leaps and bounds.

But why should we care? Well, in today's world where sustainability and energy efficiency are paramount, every little bit of energy saved counts. Transformers equipped with orientation silicon steel play a pivotal role in reducing electricity wastage, thereby contributing to greener, more eco-friendly power grids.

Moreover, the material's thin gauge and high permeability allow for more compact transformer designs, making it an invaluable asset in the ever-shrinking world of electronics. From large-scale power stations to the tiny transformers inside our gadgets, orientation silicon steel is there, silently working its magic.

So, the next time you marvel at the seamless flow of electricity that powers your life, remember the unsung hero behind the scenes – orientation silicon steel. It's a material that's not just about steel; it's about innovation, efficiency, and a brighter, more sustainable future.