Abstract: A molten silicon steel is continuously strip cast to a thickness approaching the aim final thickness of magnetic core laminations that are to be punched from the resulting steel strip. The strip is temper rolled and then annealed to produce stress relief and secondary grain growth. Recrystallization is avoided during cooling following strip casting and thereafter. The steel phase and predominant crystalline texture of the steel strip at its final thickness is the same as the steel phase and predominant crystalline texture that existed initially upon solidification from the molten state. The steel phase is body centered cubic. The crystalline texture is characterized by (100) planes of the unit cubes of the crystals lying in a plane of the strip parallel to the strip surface with random orientation of the (100) planes in that plane of the strip.

Abstract: The apparent density of molding-grade, water atomized steel powder can be significantly decreased by employing the following prescribed treatment. Coarse particles are removed in order that at least 80% of the initial powders are finer than 80 mesh. The size distribution of the powders is then determined. The powders are then annealed to both reduce the carbon and oxygen contents and soften the particles. The annealed and agglomerated particles are then ground in a disk mill at specified speeds and gap spacings, depending on the size distribution of the initial powders. Apparent densities less than 2.8 gm/cc may be achieved by (a) employing powders with a finer particle size distribution, (b) decreasing the rotational speed of the disks and (c) increasing the mill gap.