Sheet metal - definition
Sheet metal - definition
Electrical sheet is a specialised ferromagnetic material with properties optimised for use in electrical equipment, particularly in core components for transformers, motors and generators. It is a thin, usually cold-rolled, low-carbon steel sheet, usually alloyed with silicon, which significantly improves its magnetic properties.
The main purpose of using electrical sheet metal is to minimise the energy losses resulting from remagnetising the core in an alternating magnetic field, referred to as hysteresis losses and eddy currents. In order to reduce the latter, the material is produced in the form of thin sheets, most often no more than 0.5 mm thick, and their surface is sometimes coated with an organic or inorganic insulation to increase the electrical resistance between the layers.
There are two basic types of electrical sheets: non-oriented (NGO, non-oriented) and oriented (GO, grain-oriented). The former exhibit the same magnetic properties in all directions, making them suitable for rotating machinery applications. The latter have a crystalline structure ordered along one axis, which translates into much better magnetic performance in a particular direction, particularly beneficial in power transformer cores.
The quality parameters of electrical sheet metal, such as power loss, saturation induction, magnetic permeability or thickness of the insulation coating, are standardised and controlled in accordance with international standards. The correct selection of this material has a significant impact on the efficiency, durability and size of electrical power equipment.
Transfer Multisort Elektronik (TME) is one of the world’s largest global distributors of electronic components, electrotechnical parts, workshop equipment, and industrial automation. The catalog includes over 1,500,000 products from 1,300 leading manufacturers. TME’s modern logistics centers in Łódź and Rzgów (Poland), with a combined area of over 40,000 m², ship nearly 6,000 packages daily to customers in more than 150 countries.
TME also invests in the development of knowledge and skills of young engineers and electronics enthusiasts through the TME Education project, and supports the tech community by organizing the TechMasterEvent series, promoting innovation and experience exchange.
