Sub-zero temperature blanking of non-oriented electrical steels

Blanking at sub-zero temperatures using liquid nitrogen is presented as an innovative method for cutting non-oriented electrical steel (NOES) to reduce the plastic deformation required for separation and minimize microstructural changes that could impact the sheet's characteristics. Three process temperatures – room temperature, -50 °C, and -100 °C – were investigated, and the results were evaluated in terms of cut edge quality, microstructural features, and hardness evolution. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in the plastically deformed zone and hardness variation at the cut edge, accompanied by decreased microstructural misorientation, highlighting this method's potential to minimize the drawbacks of conventional blanking.