Electrical steel is a vital core material in magnetic devices such as transformers, ballasts, amplifiers, voltage stabilizers, relays, rectifiers, and electromagnetic switches. In recent years, driven by the rise of new energy power systems, the national dual-carbon strategy, and the growing demand for smart manufacturing, grain-oriented silicon steel (CRGO) has rapidly become the center of attention in transformer core applications.

Against this backdrop, Baosteel, a leading domestic manufacturer of oriented silicon steel, continues to advance the R&D and mass production of high magnetic induction, low core loss, and thin-gauge CRGO products. Notably, Baosteel has made domestic breakthroughs in high magnetic induction CRGO (Hi-B), widely serving high-end equipment manufacturing projects, including State Grid, UHV substations, and large-scale industrial power distribution.

Meanwhile, MOOPEC is committed to delivering agile, high-efficiency material solutions tailored to customers’ needs for core customization and small-batch development—offering fast prototyping, import substitution, and process adaptability. From material selection and sample production to cutting processes, we provide full technical support and reliable delivery.

I. Development History of CRGO and Its Evolution in China

Grain-oriented electrical steel was first patented in 1934 by Goss in the United States. The principle involves controlling grain orientation through cold rolling to reduce hysteresis loss and enhance magnetic performance. The emergence of Hi-B grades further improved transformer efficiency. In recent years, domestic manufacturers—especially Baosteel—have made continuous investments to achieve mass production of high-performance CRGO with B8 ≥ 1.95T and core loss ≤ 0.90W/kg at 0.23mm thickness. These advancements have steadily narrowed the gap with global leaders like JFE and Nippon Steel.

II. Baosteel CRGO Production Process Overview

Baosteel’s CRGO production primarily utilizes an advanced continuous casting and rolling method. The main steps include: iron ore smelting → blast furnace ironmaking → converter steelmaking → refining → continuous casting → slab rolling → double cold rolling → annealing → coating → magnetic testing. For premium products, each stage is precisely controlled for temperature, atmosphere, and impurity content to ensure superior grain orientation and consistency.

Technological process

Key technologies include:

• Integrated blast furnace and converter process to optimize molten iron composition and enhance steel purity

• Composition and temperature control during refining and casting to ensure slab quality

• Cold rolling and annealing optimization to improve magnetic properties

• Specialized annealing furnaces and coating techniques to enhance surface quality and magnetic induction

This rigorous process ensures Baosteel’s CRGO products deliver excellent magnetic performance and consistency, meeting the high standards of transformers, motors, and other demanding applications.

III. Industry Trends: New Processes & Applications

Green manufacturing and thinner gauges:
Baosteel now supports mass production of 0.18mm–0.23mm Hi-B steel, ideal for high-frequency and wound core transformers.

Innovative short-process technologies:
Globally, processes like CSP (Compact Strip Production) and thin-strip casting and rolling are under R&D to reduce energy consumption and streamline production. Baosteel is deploying such lines at its Qingshan base.

Functionality upgrades include:

• Lower core loss (15%–40% reduction)

• Higher magnetic induction (B8 up to 2.03T)

• Ultra-thin gauges (≤0.15mm)

• 6.5% high-silicon steel for EV drive motors and aerospace power supplies

• Eco-friendly inorganic coatings replacing traditional solvent-based adhesives

IV. Application Trends and Key Steel Grades

Current mainstream Baosteel CRGO grades in China (2025):

• 500kV and above transformers: B30ZH100, B27ZH90

• ±500kV converter transformers: B27ZDKH85, B23ZDKH90

• 110–220kV class: B30ZH120, B27ZH100

• 10kV distribution transformers: B30Q130 (S9), B27ZH100 (S11)

International equivalents:

• JFE: 20JGH090, 20JGH095 (for wound cores), JGS Hi-B series

• Nippon Steel: ZDKH/ZDMH series (with laser scribing)

• Terni (Italy): M0H100-23 (laser domain refined)

V. Our Value-Added Services

As an authorized Baosteel service partner, we provide the following capabilities for R&D, pilot runs, and small-batch customers:

• Rapid material substitution advice: Cross-referencing with JFE, Nippon Steel, etc.

• Small-batch sampling: From 50kg to 10 tons, with samples ready in 3 days and delivery in 7

• Core stamping & cutting optimization: Layout-based scrap reduction

• Data support: Core loss, magnetic induction tests, and furnace batch traceability available

We’ve successfully helped clients across the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia replace imported materials—especially for critical projects in efficient power distribution, UHV networks, and railway transportation—with Baosteel’s high-induction, stable CRGO grades.

As global demand for high-efficiency, low-carbon-loss power systems continues to grow, cold-rolled oriented electrical steel will play an increasingly critical role. We are committed to making material selection easier, prototyping faster, and service more dependable—supporting every stage from concept to delivery.

Contact us for material data, processing plans, and sample quotations—let high-performance silicon steel create higher value for your products.

Appendix: Advantages Under U.S. Trade Policy in 2025

In 2025, the U.S. government reinstated and intensified the 25% import tariff on Chinese steel products, including CRGO. This policy continues to increase costs for U.S.-based manufacturers, especially in medium- and high-end transformer production. U.S. domestic electrical steel capacity remains limited, and supplies of high-performance thin-gauge CRGO (e.g., 0.23mm and below) are notably tight—industry consensus holds that some key processes still rely heavily on imports.

Baosteel CRGO offers several export advantages:

• Tariff exemption potential:
  Under Section 232, specific steel grades may qualify for exemption. Some CRGO products from China have been approved in the past. Although not all Baosteel grades may currently qualify, our team can help evaluate exemption possibilities and streamline the application process.

• Strong green compliance potential:
  Baosteel has launched several eco-friendly, high-efficiency CRGO grades that meet international energy-saving standards. We are assisting clients in assessing compliance with U.S. green procurement programs, such as the EPA Federal Green Purchasing Guidelines, to boost competitiveness in federal bids.

• Thin-gauge shipping benefits:
  Baosteel's 0.18mm CRGO grades are now stably available. Compared to thicker alternatives, thinner materials can reduce packaging and shipping volume by around 30%, lowering ocean freight and import tax bases.

• Established processing and logistics routes in Southeast Asia and the Americas:
  Customers can complete slitting, welding, or re-sheeting at processing centers in Vietnam, Thailand, or Mexico. With proper trade declarations, origin adjustments may be possible for compliant tariff reduction. We welcome inquiries for an initial assessment.

In today’s complex global trade environment, Baosteel CRGO not only wins market recognition through product performance but also helps customers mitigate policy risks with flexible supply and customs strategies—delivering both secure supply and cost optimization.

We warmly invite global clients to reach out to the MOOPEC team for project-specific material substitution advice and customs route analysis. Together, let’s build a "high-performance, low-risk, strong-delivery" CRGO supply solution. We also support customers in crafting practical customs clearance paths and trade strategies to reduce overall procurement risk.

In the current policy landscape, choosing Baosteel CRGO means more than guaranteed product performance—it’s a dual win for supply security and cost control.