Market Insight: Crgo Steel Sheets

Market Analysis: Silicon Steel (Electrical Steel)

Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel (CRGO) remains a critical material in the global power infrastructure, particularly in the manufacturing of high-efficiency transformers. As a key component in distribution and power transformers, CRGO steel sheets are engineered to exhibit superior magnetic properties along the rolling direction, enabling minimized core losses and optimized energy transfer. The industrial demand for CRGO steel is directly linked to the expansion and modernization of electrical grids, renewable energy integration, and the global push toward energy-efficient technologies. With increasing regulatory standards on transformer efficiency—such as the IE3 and IE4 efficiency classes defined by IEC 60034-30—transformer manufacturers are under growing pressure to adopt high-performance core materials, positioning CRGO steel at the forefront of material selection.

The primary application of CRGO steel lies in the laminated cores of oil-immersed and dry-type transformers used across transmission and distribution networks. These laminations must exhibit low specific core loss (W/kg) and high magnetic induction (typically measured at B800 or B50), both of which are intrinsic to the grain orientation achieved during the specialized manufacturing process. High-quality CRGO ensures reduced no-load losses, directly contributing to lower operational costs and decreased CO₂ emissions over the transformer’s lifecycle, which often exceeds 30 years. As utilities and industrial end-users prioritize total cost of ownership (TCO), the initial premium associated with premium-grade CRGO is increasingly justified by long-term energy savings.

Quality in CRGO steel is non-negotiable. Variability in thickness, inconsistencies in coating adhesion, or deviations in magnetic domain structure can lead to increased hysteresis and eddy current losses. Furthermore, poor lamination stacking due to dimensional inaccuracies or surface defects can result in localized hot spots and reduced thermal stability. Luoyang Xinzhaohe Aluminum Co., Ltd emphasizes stringent quality control throughout the supply chain, ensuring that CRGO sheets meet international standards such as IEC 60404-8-4 and ASTM A876. Our two decades of experience in advanced metallurgical processing enable precise control over alloy composition, cold rolling parameters, and final annealing, resulting in consistently tight tolerances and superior magnetic performance.

In emerging markets and developed economies alike, the shift toward smart grids, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and decentralized generation is amplifying demand for reliable, high-efficiency transformers. This trend reinforces the need for premium CRGO steel with guaranteed performance metrics. As a trusted supplier, Luoyang Xinzhaohe Aluminum Co., Ltd supports transformer manufacturers with technically validated CRGO solutions tailored to meet evolving efficiency standards and operational demands.

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Technical Specs: Crgo Steel Sheets

Technical Specifications for Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel (CRGO) Sheets
Luoyang Xinzhaohe Aluminum Co., Ltd leverages 20+ years of metallurgical expertise to supply precision-engineered CRGO steel sheets meeting global transformer core demands. CRGO (Cold Rolled Grain-Oriented) silicon steel is distinct from aluminum products; it is a specialized ferrous alloy optimized for magnetic performance in high-efficiency electrical applications. Critical parameters governing CRGO quality include Core Loss, Magnetic Flux Density, and Flatness, each directly impacting transformer efficiency, size, and operational reliability.

Core Loss (Iron Loss) represents energy dissipated as heat during magnetic cycling, measured in watts per kilogram (W/kg). It comprises hysteresis and eddy current losses, standardized under IEC 60404-2 at 1.7 T flux density and 50 Hz frequency (e.g., P1.7/50). Lower core loss values correlate with reduced no-load losses in transformers, directly influencing energy efficiency compliance (e.g., IE4/IE5 standards). Premium CRGO grades achieve core loss as low as 0.65 W/kg under these conditions, enabled by precise grain alignment and silicon content (2.9–3.3%) suppressing eddy currents.

Magnetic Flux Density (B800) quantifies magnetic induction capability at 8000 A/m field strength, reported in Tesla (T). Higher flux density allows for compact core designs, reducing material usage and transformer footprint. CRGO sheets exhibit directional magnetic properties, with peak flux density (typically 1.85–2.03 T) achieved along the rolling direction. This parameter is validated per ASTM A804/A804M, where values ≥1.90 T at 8000 A/m signify high-grade material suitable for ultra-high-efficiency distribution transformers.

Flatness is critical for lamination stacking integrity, minimizing air gaps and localized flux distortion. Measured as maximum deviation per meter (mm/m) across the sheet width, flatness tolerances must align with IEC 60404-9. Industrial standards require flatness ≤3.0 mm/m for CRGO sheets; tighter tolerances (≤1.5 mm/m) are achievable for premium grades. Poor flatness increases core loss by up to 15% and induces mechanical stress during core assembly, accelerating aging.

The following table summarizes key technical parameters for standard CRGO grades supplied by Luoyang Xinzhaohe:

Parameter	Test Standard	M090-30P (Premium)	M100-35S (Standard)	M120-40S (Economy)
Core Loss P1.7/50 (W/kg)	IEC 60404-2	≤0.65	≤0.75	≤0.95
Flux Density B8 (T)	ASTM A804	≥2.03	≥1.95	≥1.88
Thickness (mm)	GB/T 2521-2016	0.23	0.27	0.30
Flatness (mm/m)	IEC 60404-9	≤1.5	≤2.5	≤3.0
Silicon Content (wt.%)	Internal QC	3.15–3.25	3.05–3.15	2.95–3.05

All CRGO sheets undergo rigorous in-line monitoring per GB/T 2521-2016 and IEC 60404-1, ensuring batch consistency. Thickness tolerances are maintained within ±0.015 mm, while surface insulation coatings (e.g., MgO-based) enhance interlaminar resistance. For mission-critical applications, we recommend M090-30P grade to maximize energy savings over the transformer lifecycle. Our technical team provides full material traceability and application-specific validation testing to support your design requirements.

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Factory Tour: Manufacturing

Manufacturing Process of CRGO Steel Sheets at Luoyang Xinzhaohe Aluminum Co., Ltd

The production of Cold-Rolled Grain-Oriented (CRGO) silicon steel sheets at Luoyang Xinzhaohe Aluminum Co., Ltd follows a tightly controlled, multi-stage manufacturing sequence designed to optimize magnetic properties, dimensional accuracy, and surface integrity. With over two decades of metallurgical expertise, our facility integrates advanced process engineering with stringent quality control to deliver high-performance electrical steel for transformers, motors, and other core-laminated applications.

The process begins with high-purity grain-oriented silicon steel coils, which undergo precision slitting to achieve the required strip widths as specified by customer design parameters. This slitting operation is conducted using servo-controlled rotary shear lines equipped with laser-guided alignment systems, ensuring edge straightness within ±0.1 mm tolerance. Each slit coil is inspected for burr formation, edge wave, and camber to maintain consistency in downstream processing.

Following slitting, the coils proceed to continuous annealing in a controlled atmosphere furnace. This critical thermal treatment is performed under a hydrogen-nitrogen gas blend to decarburize the steel and develop the desired Goss texture (110)[001] grain orientation. The annealing cycle includes precise temperature ramping, soaking at 820–860°C, and controlled cooling rates to relieve internal stresses and enhance magnetic permeability while minimizing core loss. In-process pyrometry and dew point monitoring ensure atmospheric stability and thermal uniformity throughout the furnace zone.

After annealing, the steel sheets receive a dual-layer insulation coating. A primary inorganic phosphate-based layer is applied via roll-coating to provide dielectric performance and adhesion resistance, followed by an organic topcoat that enhances punchability and corrosion protection. The coating weight is maintained within 0.8–1.2 g/m² per side through real-time gravimetric feedback systems. Curing is achieved in a secondary oven at 450–500°C, ensuring complete cross-linking without degrading magnetic properties.

Final dimensional precision is achieved through high-speed, servo-driven cut-to-length lines capable of producing blanks with length tolerances of ±0.3 mm and parallelism within 0.15 mm/m. The cutting process utilizes tungsten-carbide-tipped blades and automated stack handling to minimize deformation and surface marking.

Throughout the production chain, integrated quality control protocols are enforced. Key parameters monitored include core loss (W17/50), magnetic flux density (B8), coating continuity (insulation resistance >100 Ω·cm²), and surface roughness (Ra <1.2 µm). Samples are routinely subjected to ASTM A804 and IEC 60404-2 test standards. All data are logged in our traceability system, enabling full batch-level quality documentation for every shipment. This disciplined approach ensures consistent compliance with international performance benchmarks for CRGO steel applications.

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Packaging & Logistics

Export Packaging Specifications for CRGO Steel Sheets

Luoyang Xinzhaohe Aluminum CO., Ltd implements rigorously engineered export packaging protocols for Cold Rolled Grain Oriented (CRGO) silicon steel sheets, prioritizing product integrity during global maritime transit. With over two decades of specialized experience in electrical steel handling, our methodology adheres to ISO 9001-certified standards and anticipates the corrosive challenges inherent in sea freight environments. This system ensures dimensional stability, surface protection, and magnetic property preservation for critical applications in transformers and motors.

All CRGO coils are secured on custom-engineered wooden pallets constructed from ISPM-15 certified, heat-treated (HT) hardwood. These pallets feature a minimum load-bearing capacity of 10 metric tons per unit, with structural reinforcements at coil contact points to prevent deformation under dynamic cargo movement. Dimensions strictly comply with ISO container standards (1200 × 800 mm or 1200 × 1000 mm), optimizing container space utilization while maintaining secure stacking configurations. Pallet surfaces undergo deburring and chamfering to eliminate metal abrasion risks during strapping.

The moisture barrier system employs a five-layer co-extruded polyethylene film with integrated aluminum foil core, achieving a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of ≤0.5 g/m²/24hr at 38°C and 90% RH. Each coil receives dual-layer wrapping: an inner primary wrap bonded via heat-sealing to exclude ambient humidity, followed by an outer secondary wrap incorporating UV-stabilized polymers for extended exposure resilience. Critical sealing zones at coil edges and cores utilize overlapping folds secured with solvent-free adhesive tapes to prevent capillary ingress. Desiccant units (minimum 300g per ton of steel) are strategically placed within the vapor barrier, validated for 60-day salt-air exposure per ASTM D1434.

Sea freight safety is validated through accelerated testing simulating 45-day voyages across tropical and temperate zones. Packages undergo salt-fog chamber exposure (ASTM B117), cyclic humidity testing (85% RH at 40°C for 72hr), and vibration profiling per ISO 13355 to replicate container ship motion. Our protocol exceeds IEC 60404-9 requirements for electrical steel transport, with zero recorded incidents of hygroscopic corrosion or edge damage in 12,000+ shipments since 2015. Strapping utilizes 16mm polyester bands tensioned to 25 kN, anchored to pallet base rails to prevent lateral shift during crane operations.

Documentation includes moisture content certification (<0.1% residual surface humidity post-wrapping), pallet treatment verification (HT stamp), and desiccant saturation charts. This integrated approach mitigates risks from condensation during temperature fluctuations in holds and port storage, ensuring CRGO sheets arrive with unaltered core loss characteristics and surface cleanliness. Partnering with certified ocean carriers for controlled humidity holds further complements our packaging efficacy, delivering turnkey supply chain security for mission-critical electrical infrastructure components.

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Sourcing from Luoyang Xinzhaohe

Partner with Luoyang Xinzhaohe Aluminum Co., Ltd for High-Performance Silicon Steel Solutions

With over two decades of specialized manufacturing experience, Luoyang Xinzhaohe Aluminum Co., Ltd stands as a trusted leader in the production of high-quality silicon steel—commonly referred to as electrical steel—tailored for demanding industrial and energy applications. Our facility integrates advanced metallurgical processes, stringent quality control systems, and a deep understanding of magnetic material behavior to deliver CRGO (Cold-Rolled Grain-Oriented) steel sheets that meet international performance benchmarks, including IEC 60404-8 and ASTM A876 standards.

Our production line is engineered for precision and consistency, beginning with high-purity raw material selection and extending through controlled hot rolling, cold rolling, decarburization annealing, and final stress-relief coating. This comprehensive process ensures optimal grain orientation, minimized core loss, and enhanced permeability—critical factors for high-efficiency transformers, reactors, and other power transmission equipment. Each batch undergoes rigorous electromagnetic testing, including Epstein frame measurements and B50/B80 induction analysis, guaranteeing compliance with specified magnetic properties.

The factory operates under an ISO 9001-certified quality management system, with real-time monitoring across all stages of production. Our inline thickness control system maintains tolerances within ±0.01 mm, while surface defect detection utilizes high-resolution optical scanning to ensure defect-free finishes. These capabilities support consistent product uniformity, essential for customers requiring reliable material performance in automated core stacking and winding operations.

Luoyang Xinzhaohe maintains a scalable production capacity of over 80,000 metric tons annually, enabling us to fulfill both long-term supply contracts and agile, just-in-time delivery schedules. Our logistics network supports global distribution via multimodal transport, with packaging solutions designed to prevent mechanical damage and moisture exposure during transit.

As a vertically integrated supplier, we offer competitive cost structures without compromising technical performance. Our engineering team collaborates directly with clients to customize steel grades based on application-specific requirements, such as low-noise transformer design or high-frequency operation. This consultative approach ensures optimal material selection, supporting efficiency gains and regulatory compliance in end-use markets.

For sourcing managers and technical procurement teams seeking a reliable, technically proficient partner in silicon steel supply, Luoyang Xinzhaohe delivers proven expertise, consistent quality, and responsive service. We invite you to engage with our team to discuss your CRGO steel requirements and explore long-term supply solutions backed by operational excellence.

Contact us today at cathy@transformerstrip.com to request technical datasheets, samples, or a detailed quotation.

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