Energy-efficient electrical steel, fully and semi-processed
isovac®, the non-grain-oriented electrical steel for highest energy efficiency, provides you with a comprehensive package of services and the best overall package of benefits. As a result of the continuous rolling and annealing processes, all isovac® grades guarantee homogeneousness of the material with respect to its mechanical, geometric and magnetic properties. This leads to stable material processing and guarantees consistent quality in each coil and steel grade..
Semi-processed electrical steel (EN 10341)
In the case of semi-processed electrical steel, the magnetic properties are preset after the final production process in the steelmaking plant. After being stamped, components must be re-annealed to obtain the optimum magnetic properties. As a result, any stress introduced by stamping is completely eliminated, and the material now possesses optimized magnetic properties.
We supply a special grade of semi-processed electrical steel called isovac® high efficiency that allow you to significantly reduce the time required for final annealing.
isovac® HE high efficiency
isovac® HE (high efficiency) is highly decarbonized in as-delivered condition, which means that the final annealing time can be significantly shortened after stamping. Subsequent annealing completely eliminates any mechanical damage introduced to the material during the punching process.
- Final annealing times significantly shortened by low carbon content
- Overall cost reductions based on low energy input, low emissions and higher productivity
Fully processed electrical steel (EN 10106)
Fully processed electrical steel can be stamped and assembled into stacks without any further treatment because the desired properties are fully developed once the final production steps have been completed in the steel works. However, final annealing is not the same as fully processed. The products of voestalpine are tailored precisely to your needs, and isovac® steel are supplied in different grades. Thin electrical steel are available as NO grades that are specially designed for use in the e-mobility sector and optimized for operation at high frequencies.
isovac® HS high strength
Both magnetic and mechanical properties play an important role in many modern high-speed motors or large electrical machinery. The electrical steel used—especially in the rotor—is exposed to high mechanical stress, which is why it is so important to use high-strength material. isovac® HS (high strength) grades combine good magnetic properties with high strengths. We can supply the kind of material that you require. The isovac® HS grades of voestalpine can be customized for higher strength, a higher degree of core compactness and highly innovative self-bonding varnish.
- Reduced air gap between rotor and stator as a result of higher strength or reduced rotor ridge widths in permanently excited machinery
- Larger freedom of design for electrical machinery
- Individual possibility of partial subsequent annealing treatment in order to improve magnetic properties, e.g. in the stator
NO-grades (EN 10303)
The alloy design of isovac® NO-grades, its high-precision microstructure and its strip thickness of ≤ 0.35 mm make it especially suitable for applications in the high-frequency range and for motors with high rotational speeds.
isovac® NO-grades strike an optimized balance between magnetic and mechanical properties, making new structural designs possible in the automotive industry.
- Reduced energy consumption when used in motors with highest rotational speeds
- High strengths while maintaining low losses make the material highly suitable for rotors and stators.
- Coatings with innovative electrical steel insulation systems upon request: predestined for use in combination with self-bonding varnish
Standard or high-perm?
As a leading manufacturer of electrical steel in Europe, voestalpine supplies a wide range of product groups. Many of our steels are available as standard or high-perm grades.
isovac® HP high perm
High-perm as an optimum adjustment of textures increases magnetizability and reduces core losses. This increase in efficiency makes it possible to maintain the same level of performance while reducing component size and saving material, weight and costs. This means that a higher level of performance can be achieved with the same component size.
- Increased performance achieved by increasing torque based on higher magnetizability
- Cost optimization through less material use, less weight and less space required
All data sheets and further detailed information about individual products can be found in the Download Center.
Best product properties for maximum performance
With isovac® and its outstanding services, voestalpine offers the ideal overall package to ensure optimum performance.
High performance
Low eddy-current and hysteresis losses in electrical steel is of decisive importance in order to be able to efficiently utilize the energy used in the operation of electric machinery. Modern production facilities guarantee the production of electrical steel for the optimum performance of electrical machinery.
Customized product properties
The exclusive manufacturing of prematerial in our integrated metallurgical facilities makes it possible for us to unceasingly monitor and ensure the high quality of all processing parameters. This results in tailor-made products that meet a high quality standard.
High magnetic polarization and permeability
Magnetic polarization and permeability are essential values in the engineering of electric machinery. Only high inductance allows efficient utilization of available energies.
Material homogeneity
High process reliability and low tolerances through continuous rolling and annealing processes make it possible for us to guarantee homogeneous material for improved mechanical, magnetic and geometric properties. This leads to stable material processing, low tool wear, less scrap, fewer rejects and high dimensional accuracy of the stamped part.
High degree of thermal conductivity
High thermal conductivity permits further optimization of performance. The innovative alloy design and the high chemical degree of purity of isovac® grades increases thermal conductivity.
isovac® electrical steel for more processing efficiency
We are fully committed to the state-of-the-art technical product properties demanded by the market. Our claim to narrow shape tolerances and processability goes much further.
Mechanical properties and insulation layer
Mechanical properties guarantee both the functionality of rotating electrical machinery and, more importantly, the processability of the steel strip. Consistent mechanical properties as well as clean surfaces that cause minimal abrasion on the punching tool are prerequisites to optimized punching processes. One possibility of reducing tool wear and improving the punching process is the application of an insulating layer on the steel surface. The layer acts as an insulator and is especially effective in providing lubricating action for the punching tool.
- Uniform mechanical properties
- High chemical material purity
- Very good adhesion between the material and insulation
- Continuous insulation thickness
- No defects in insulation
Geometric properties
The result of our stable and continuous rolling process is a reduction in the steel strip thickness tolerance value. The subsequent continuous annealing makes it possible for us to reduce material stress to a minimum and manufacture components with the highest precision.
- Narrowest tolerances in the strip in both longitudinal and cross direction for consistent package parallelism
- No damage to slit edges and strip surfaces
- Low stress in hot-rolled and slit strip (no strip waviness, high shape consistency)
Cleanliness
Consistent mechanical properties, narrow tolerances and clean strip surfaces must be continuously guaranteed in order to allow efficient and problem-free processing. We minimize production residues as far as possible. Additionally, extremely abrasion-proof insulation coatings with good adhesion properties can be applied to the steel surface.
- Good insulation adhesion
- Minimum abrasion during slitting and punching
Adhesive bondability
A successful adhesive bonding process is dependent on the bondability of the insulation on the steel surface. For example, self-bonding varnish is a special insulating varnish for electrical steel. The main purpose of this varnish is to bond the individual lamellas with each other and create a compact laminated core without any short circuits. The use of self-bonding varnish allows us to achieve very complex geometries.
- Surface free from dust, oil, grease and silicon residues
- High level of insulation adhesion, optimized for full-surface bonding
- Homogeneous adhesive bonding
- Innovative coatings with self-bonding varnish
A comprehensive service package for efficient processes
We combine isovac® with our unique services, innovative materials, logistics, commercial advise and technical consultation in order to provide you with a comprehensive package of benefits.
Development advantages
Our experience and continued research activities make it possible for us to develop , innovative steel grades that help you more effectively meet your challenges in the future and provide you with a decisive competitive advantage.
Technical consultation and support
Our team of technical experts will support you with their excellent knowledge of the industry and materials and will be happy at any time to provide professional and comprehensive consultation on materials and applications.
Always close to you
Our international sales organization creates a direct connection between the customer and the production companies. Our sales organizations and representatives guarantee worldwide best consultation and expert solutions from a single source.
Precisely tailored to your needs
Each of the facilities required for the production of high-quality steel strip is located in our modern steel works next to related production lines and is highly integrated into the production process. This makes it possible for us to react quickly and personally to individual product requirements and to provide you with customized solutions.
Supply-chain management and logistics
We work together with you to devise the most optimized route, the best means of transport and, where necessary, comprehensive logistics strategies in order to guarantee availability and on-time delivery at the desired destination.
Process support
We support you throughout the entire process, from order placement to delivery. Whether it be in annealing trials, the adjustment of a stamping tool or assistance in making the transition to a new grade, our highly experienced technical experts offer their expertise each step of the way.