The Difference Between CRGO and CRNGO

Introduction

As global demand for high-efficiency power equipment accelerates, Silicon Steel has become one of the most critical functional materials in modern electrical engineering. Whether in transformers, EV motors, humanoid robot torque motors, smart grids, charging infrastructure, or renewable-energy converters, the quality and type of Silicon Steel directly determine energy loss, durability, efficiency, and long-term stability.

Among all categories of Silicon Steel, two types dominate the industry:

• Cold-rolled Grain-oriented (CRGO)

• Cold-rolled Non Grain-oriented (CRNGO)

Understanding the differences between them helps engineers, procurement specialists, EV manufacturers, and power-grid developers choose the right material for each application. This article provides a complete, deeply technical comparison—with performance tables—to help you differentiate between CRGO and CRNGO based on magnetic properties, loss levels, mechanical strength, manufacturing methods, and real-world electrical uses.

JIACHEN POWER specializes in advanced Silicon Steel solutions for transformers, EV motors, grid components, and intelligent equipment, making this comparison especially relevant for companies seeking high-performance materials.

What Is Silicon Steel?

Silicon Steel (also known as Electrical Steel) is an iron-silicon alloy engineered for optimal magnetic performance. By adding 2–3.5% silicon and applying precision cold-rolling and annealing, its properties are tailored for:

• High magnetic induction

• Low iron loss

• High permeability

• Stable performance under high frequency

• Excellent lamination characteristics

These unique features make Silicon Steel essential for devices that generate, transform, or transfer electromagnetic energy.

In today’s world—where EV powertrains, humanoid robot joints, and smart-grid transformers demand unprecedented efficiency—Silicon Steel has become a strategic industrial material.

Why CRGO and CRNGO Matter Today

As the world transitions toward electrification, two trends make the distinction between CRGO and CRNGO increasingly important:

Global Power Demand Surges

Smart grids, renewable energy, data centers, and industrial electrification require ultra-efficient transformer materials—this is where CRGO dominates.

Rise of High-Speed Motors

High-frequency rotating machinery requires materials with low loss in all directions—this is why CRNGO is the preferred material for motors.

Understanding these differences allows system designers to lower losses, improve efficiency, reduce heat generation, and extend product lifetimes.

CRGO vs CRNGO: The Complete Technical Comparison

Overview Table: Differences at a Glance

Category	CRGO	CRNGO
Grain structure	Highly oriented	Random orientation
Purpose	Transformers	Motors & rotating machines
Magnetic direction	Optimized for rolling direction	Uniform in all directions
Iron loss	Extremely low	Low, but higher than CRGO
Magnetic permeability	Very high along rolling direction	Medium but consistent
Frequency suitability	Low-frequency (50/60 Hz)	Medium/high-frequency (50–1000 Hz)
Applications	Power transformers, distribution transformers	EV motors, generators, robotics, compressors
Cost	Higher	Moderate

Detailed Explanation of CRGO

Cold-rolled Grain-oriented (CRGO) is engineered to achieve extremely low core loss in the rolling direction. This is achieved through:

• Secondary recrystallization

• Precise control of grain boundaries

• Domain refinement

• Specialized coating technology

Key Characteristics of CRGO

• Very low hysteresis loss

• High magnetic flux density (B8 typically 1.87T)

• Ideal for alternating magnetic fields with minimal direction changes

• High stacking factor for transformer core laminations

Why CRGO Is Critical in Transformers

Transformers operate with a magnetic flux that cycles back and forth along the same path, making grain orientation essential. Using CRNGO in transformers increases iron loss by 20–50%, causing:

• Higher no-load loss

• Increased heat

• Shorter service life

• Lower grid efficiency

Typical CRGO Applications

• Power transformers

• Distribution transformers

• Smart-grid substations

• Renewable energy inverters

• UHV transmission equipment

CRGO remains the most critical Silicon Steel material for global electricity infrastructure.

Detailed Explanation of CRNGO

Cold-rolled Non Grain-oriented (CRNGO) has a random grain orientation and therefore provides magnetic performance that is uniform in every direction.

Key Characteristics of CRNGO

• Low magnetic loss

• High strength and formability

• Stable performance at medium/high-frequency operation

• Suitable for complex rotor and stator shapes

Why CRNGO Is Preferred for Motors

Motors rotate, meaning the magnetic field constantly changes direction. CRGO cannot maintain consistent performance in motors, but CRNGO can.

CRNGO enables:

• Higher torque density

• Better high-speed efficiency

• Lower heat generation

• Improved mechanical strength for rotor punching

Typical CRNGO Applications

• EV traction motors

• Humanoid robot torque motors

• Industrial servo motors

• Generators

• Compressors and pumps

• Home appliances (air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines)

CRNGO is the backbone of today’s motor industry—especially EVs and robotics.

Performance Comparison: CRGO vs CRNGO

Magnetic Properties

Parameter	CRGO	CRNGO
Magnetic flux density (B8)	1.87–1.95 T	1.65–1.75 T
Core loss (W/kg @ 50 Hz)	As low as 0.90	1.50–3.00
Magnetic permeability	Very high	Moderate

Mechanical Strength

Feature	CRGO	CRNGO
Tensile strength	Lower	Higher
Punchability	Poor	Excellent
Suitable for rotor punching	❌ No	✔ Yes

High-Frequency Performance

Frequency	Best Material
50–60 Hz	CRGO
200–1000 Hz	CRNGO

Application Mapping

Application	Best Material
Power transformer	CRGO
Distribution transformer	CRGO
Smart grid modules	CRGO
EV traction motor	CRNGO
Robotics torque motor	CRNGO
High-speed industrial motor	CRNGO

Modern Industry Trends That Influence CRGO/CRNGO Demand

EV Motors (Explosive Global Trend)

• EV motor speed moving from 12,000 rpm → 20,000 rpm+

• Higher frequency and smaller core size require advanced CRNGO

• Thin gauge (0.20–0.27mm) CRNGO becoming mainstream

Smart Grid Upgrading

• CRGO with extremely low losses helps reduce national grid energy waste

• New transformer efficiency standards tighten worldwide

• High-performance Silicon Steel is now a government priority material

Humanoid Robots and Precision Motors

• High torque density

• High-strength CRNGO to prevent rotor deformation

• Low-loss cores reduce heat in compact robot joints

Manufacturing Technology Advancements

• Domain refinement

• Laser scribing

• Ultra-thin sheet rolling

• Self-bonding insulation coatings

All these advancements enhance the performance of both CRNGO and CRGO.

How JIACHEN POWER Supports Global CRGO and CRNGO Supply

JIACHEN POWER provides a wide spectrum of Silicon Steel solutions, including transformer-grade CRGO and motor-grade CRNGO used in EVs, robotics, and industrial systems.

Capabilities include:

• Global supply chain stability

• High-grade CRGO for energy-efficient transformers

• Thin-gauge CRNGO for high-speed motors

• Precision slitting, cutting, and lamination

• Engineering support for new energy applications

JIACHEN POWER is committed to improving device efficiency through advanced Silicon Steel solutions.

FAQs

What is the main difference between CRGO and CRNGO?

CRGO has aligned grains for ultra-low loss in transformers; CRNGO has random grain orientation for motors.

Is CRNGO suitable for transformers?

Generally no—CRNGO has higher iron loss and reduces transformer efficiency.

Is CRGO more expensive than CRNGO?

Yes, because its grain orientation process is more complex.

Which is best for EV motors?

CRNGO, thanks to its uniform magnetic performance during rotation.

Does JIACHEN POWER supply both CRGO and CRNGO?

Yes, including customized slitting, lamination, and engineering support.