Introduction to Electrical Steel Laminations
Also called silicon steel, electrical steel is a specialty steel with magnetic properties that work well in electrical systems like motors and generators. The main components of a motor, the stator and rotor, are often constructed from electrical steel laminations to optimize power and torque, and to create robust physical components. Laminations are widely used in motors found in aerospace, defense, vehicle, pump, and other applications.
Thomson Laminations Co. (TLC) manufactures stamped stator and rotor cores from high-quality electrical steel laminations. Here, you’ll learn about electrical steel laminations, how they’re used in industry, common lamination materials, and more.
Properties of Electrical Steel
Electrical steel has superior electrical conductivity, which is essential for efficiently generating energy and minimizing loss of power due to eddy currents.
Electrical steel can be broadly categorized into grain oriented and non-grain oriented types. In grain oriented electrical steel, the material grains are aligned in one direction and magnetic flux moves only in that direction. It is commonly used for transformers and other components that do not move in power distribution systems. In non-grain oriented electrical steel, magnetic flux moves in all directions. It is often used for parts that rotate.
TLC works with these grades of silicon steel:
- M15
- M19
- M22
- M27
- M36
- M45
Applications of Electrical Steel Laminations
- Motors. Laminations improve the electromagnetic fields generated by stators, and impart mechanical strength and stability in rotors.
- Generators. Laminations help reduce power loss in generator systems, which improves efficiency and power output.
- Pulse Transformers. Many pulse transformers made with laminations are more efficient and are less affected by high frequencies in their surroundings.
- Small Relays. These systems often incorporate electrical steel laminations because of their durability and conductivity.
TLC’s Expertise in Electrical Steel Laminations
Stamped electrical steel laminations are durable and highly precise for better overall performance. We operate high-speed presses up to 250 tons. We maintain an in-house catalog of over 1,500 dies and can manufacture custom dies based on customer requirements.
We work with several material types, including:
Silicon Steel
TLC has extensive experience working with Silicon in grades M15, M19, M22, M27, M36, and M45, from 0.014 in. and 0.025 in. thick.
Thin-Gauge Electrical Steel
This material comes from Arnon and Sura, with thicknesses from 0.003 in. to 0.010 in.
Cobalt-Iron Alloys
Cobalt-iron alloys are often used in applications requiring corrosion, wear, and heat resistance. Options include Vacodur 49, Hiperco 50, and IMPHY AFK 502. Thicknesses range from 0.004 in. and 0.020 in.
Nickel Alloys
Nickel laminations offer sustained permeability in low- to moderate-induction environments and minimal core losses. Options include HyMu80, HiPerm 49, ULTRAVAC 80, Permenorm 5000 V5, VDM MAG 7940, and VDM MAG 50. Thicknesses range from 0.004 in. to 0.020 in.
Impact on Motor and Transformer Efficiency
Stamped stators and rotors made with electrical steel laminations can maximize motor and generator efficiency and durability, while minimizing power losses. Transformers are also made from grain-oriented laminations to provide better power transfer and efficiency.
Partner With TLC for Superior Electrical Steel Laminations
TLC can stamp electrical steel laminations to meet your requirements for electromagnetic motor core components, transformers, generators, and more. We bring state-of-the-art stamping and fabrication equipment and decades of experience to each project.
Visit our Motor Laminations page to learn more about our capabilities, or contact us to discuss your requirements and to get started.