What is non-oriented electrical steel?
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If you are looking for a high-performance steel material for electric motors, generators, transformers, and energy-efficient electrical equipment, non-oriented electrical steel (NOES) is one of the most important magnetic materials used in modern electrical engineering. It is specially designed to provide low core loss, high magnetic permeability, and stable magnetic performance in all directions, making it ideal for rotating electrical machines where magnetic flux changes direction continuously.
Unlike conventional carbon steel, non-oriented electrical steel is a silicon alloy steel with controlled magnetic properties. Its manufacturing process focuses on reducing energy loss caused by hysteresis and eddy currents, helping improve the efficiency and reliability of electrical equipment.
What Is Non-Oriented Electrical Steel?
Non-oriented electrical steel is a special cold-rolled electrical steel with low core loss, high magnetic permeability (isotropic - similar in all directions), and high electrical resistivity. Because its magnetic properties are uniform in every rolling direction, it is the standard material for rotating machines where the flux direction changes continuously.
Grade & Specification Table (39 Grades)
A - Conventional Series (24 grades)
| Grade | Thickness (mm) | Max Core Loss P1.5/50 (W/kg) | Min. J5000 (T) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B35A210 | 0.35 | 2.10 | 1.62 |
| B35A230 | 0.35 | 2.28 | 1.64 |
| B35A250 | 0.35 | 2.45 | 1.64 |
| B35A270 | 0.35 | 2.65 | 1.64 |
| B35A300 | 0.35 | 2.90 | 1.64 |
| B35A360 | 0.35 | 3.20 | 1.65 |
| B35A440 | 0.35 | 3.40 | 1.67 |
| B50A250 | 0.50 | 2.48 | 1.64 |
| B50A270 | 0.50 | 2.65 | 1.64 |
| B50A290 | 0.50 | 2.85 | 1.64 |
| B50A310 | 0.50 | 3.00 | 1.65 |
| B50A350 | 0.50 | 3.20 | 1.65 |
| B50A400 | 0.50 | 3.30 | 1.66 |
| B50A470 | 0.50 | 4.20 | 1.67 |
| B50A600 | 0.50 | 4.70 | 1.68 |
| B50A800 | 0.50 | 5.80 | 1.71 |
| B50A1000 | 0.50 | 6.00 | 1.74 |
| B50A1300 | 0.50 | 7.00 | 1.74 |
| B65A350 | 0.65 | 3.45 | 1.65 |
| B65A400 | 0.65 | 3.95 | 1.66 |
| B65A470 | 0.65 | 4.60 | 1.67 |
AH - High-Efficiency Series (10 grades)
| Grade | Thickness (mm) | Max Core Loss P1.5/50 (W/kg) | Min. J5000 (T) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B35AH230 | 0.35 | 2.28 | 1.66 |
| B35AH250 | 0.35 | 2.45 | 1.67 |
| B35AH300 | 0.35 | 2.80 | 1.69 |
| B50AH300 | 0.50 | 2.90 | 1.68 |
| B50AH350 | 0.50 | 3.00 | 1.71 |
| B50AH470 | 0.50 | 3.50 | 1.72 |
| B50AH600 | 0.50 | 4.00 | 1.72 |
AR - Stress Relief Annealing Series (4 grades)
| Grade | Thickness (mm) | Max Core Loss P1.5/50 (W/kg) - after anneal | Min. J5000 (T) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B35AR300 | 0.35 | 2.98 | 1.73 |
| B50AR300 | 0.50 | 2.98 | 1.72 |
| B50AR350 | 0.50 | 3.48 | 1.74 |
| B50AR600 | 0.50 | 5.50 | 1.72 |
Non-Oriented Electrical Steel vs Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel
One of the most common customer questions is the difference between non-oriented electrical steel (NOES) and grain-oriented electrical steel (GOES).
| Comparison | Non-Oriented Electrical Steel | Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic Direction | Similar in all directions | Best in rolling direction |
| Grain Structure | Random orientation | Controlled grain orientation |
| Main Application | Motors and generators | Power transformers |
| Magnetic Field | Rotating | Mainly one direction |
| Core Loss | Low | Extremely low in rolling direction |
| Typical Thickness | 0.15–0.65 mm | 0.18–0.35 mm |
Non-Oriented Electrical Steel Application Fields
Electric motors: stators and rotor cores; low core loss improves efficiency and reduces heating.
Generators: stator and rotor laminations for power generation equipment.
Power transformers: cores of smaller distribution transformers and reactor cores, reducing energy loss.
Power electronic equipment: inductors, chokes and electromagnetic shielding components, improving stability and interference resistance.
Automotive and appliances: drive motors for electric vehicles, compressors, fans and other fractional-horsepower motors.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between grain-oriented and non-oriented electrical steel?
The main difference lies in the direction of magnetic properties. Grain-oriented electrical steel exhibits excellent magnetic properties along the rolling direction and is primarily used in transformers; non-oriented electrical steel has similar magnetic properties in all directions and is mainly used in electric motors and generators.
Q: Why is silicon added to electrical steel?
Silicon increases electrical resistivity, thereby reducing eddy current losses and improving energy efficiency. Most non-oriented electrical steels have a silicon content of approximately 0.5%–3.5%.
Q: What are the common thicknesses for non-oriented electrical steel?
Common thicknesses range from 0.15 mm to 0.65 mm. Thinner sheets generally result in lower iron losses and higher efficiency.
Q: How does non-oriented electrical steel improve motor efficiency?
It reduces hysteresis losses and eddy current losses, thereby minimizing energy waste and heat generation within the motor core.
Q: What standards apply to non-oriented electrical steel?
Common standards include:
IEC 60404-8-4
EN 10106
ASTM A677
JIS C2552
