Forta H-Series - the attractive non-magnetic material for EV motors

Why are non-magnetic materials important for EV motors?

In simple terms, an EV’s electric motor converts a current flowing in a magnetic field into the rotational force that drives the wheels. The efficiency of the motor hinges on shaping and focusing the electric motor’s magnetic field to achieve the maximum output. That means certain key components, such as the support rings and protective casing, should ideally be made of a non-magnetic material. This minimizes the influence on the magnetic field.  The degree to which the material is non-magnetic is also very important – using a material that is 99 percent non-magnetic, as opposed to 97 percent, can have a very significant impact on the overall efficiency of the EV motor. Many other factors such as the motor’s design and construction also have a significant influence on efficiency.

Magnetic and non-magnetic stainless steel

To understand the advantages of Forta H-Series it is useful to consider the microstructures of different stainless steel grades which influence why some are magnetic and others are non-magnetic. 

Pure iron exists normally in one of two main kinds of crystal structure: alpha-iron with a body-centered-cubic (bcc) lattice – forming a material known as ferrite, and a gamma-iron face-centered-cubic (fcc) lattice – forming austenite - see Figure 1.

At room temperature, pure iron exists as ferrite. It transforms into austenite at temperatures above 911°C. However, special alloying elements called austenite formers - like nickel, manganese, cobalt or nitrogen – enable austenite to exist at room temperature. Because of their characteristic fcc microstructure, austenitic steels show different properties to ferritic steels, especially in terms of corrosion resistance. 

The most crucial difference when it comes to electrical engineering is that ferritic steels are ferromagnetic – they are attracted to magnets, while austenitic steels are paramagnetic – they are non-magnetic.

There is a further crystal structure that is important – martensite. The fcc structure of austenite at high temperatures allows carbon atoms to fit easily into the spaces between the iron atoms. In the bcc ferrite structure there is much less space for carbon atoms. Therefore, if a hot steel is cooled very quickly (quenched), the carbon atoms become trapped in the ferrite. The result is a distorted crystal structure that forms martensite. This is important as martensite is very hard and is a significant factor in the strengthening of steel. And it is also ferromagnetic. Figure 1 – Pure iron can exist in two main crystalline forms – magnetic ferrite and non-magnetic austenite.  

Forta H-Series – always non-magnetic because it never forms martensite

A key challenge in using conventional austenitic steels in applications requiring a non-magnetic material is that they tend to form martensite during forming, machining and welding. The magnetic martensite then impairs their non-magnetic properties.

This is where the new Forta H-Series offers a significant advantage. The closely controlled addition of austenite-forming elements gives it a fully-austenitic microstructure. Crucially, it does not harden by forming martensite. Instead, it relies on a hardening process characterized by an effect called TWIP (Twinning Induced Plasticity). This gives the steel a high instantaneous hardening rate (n-value) as it is worked, with the microstructure becoming increasingly fine.

Forta H-Series retains its stable and fully austenitic microstructure without transforming into martensite during forming and machining processes, such as drilling, turning, milling, stamping and welding. That means, it always remains non-magnetic. Figures 2 to 5 provide a summary of the main properties of Forta H-Series that are important for electrical engineering.
  Figure 2. The electrical conductivity of different materials.

Physical properties - Forta H-Series
Density	ρ = 7.78 kg/dm3
Young's modulus	E = 200 GPa
Thermal expansion (coefficient at 100 °C)	α = 16.27 10-6/°C
Thermal conductivity	λ = 12.5 W/(m*K)

Figure 3. The physical properties of Outokumpu Forta H-Series. Figure 4. Yield strength vs. elongation curves.

Material	Yield strength Rp0.2 [MPa]	Tensile strength Rm [Mpa]	Elongation after fracture A80 [%]
	Typical values
Forta H500	530	900	51
Forta H800	800	1000	31
Forta H1000	1000	1200	13

Figure 5. Forta H-Series’ mechanical properties.  

How non-magnetic is Forta H-Series?

The magnetic property of a material is measured by its magnetic permeability, which indicates how well it supports the development of a magnetic field. This permeability is normally quoted as a relative value compared to air or vacuum – which is given the nominal value of 1.

Forta H-Series has a relative permeability of just 1.006 – for comparison, typical figures for carbon steel are 100 and for pure iron 5,000.

Where can Forta H-Series be applied in an electric motor?

In addition to its non-magnetic properties, Forta H-Series offers high strength and price stability as it contains no nickel. It also retains its strength at high temperatures well above the 300 to 350°C that might be experienced in an EV motor. That means that Forta H-Series offers an important high-performance cost-effective alternative to aluminum alloys. Areas where the material might be used are illustrated in Figure 6. These include the main housing. end shields, flange end shields and support disks. Figure 6. Electric motor components where Forta H-Series could offer improved performance.

Forta H-Series - the important new alternative for automotive electrical engineering 

Forta H-Series retains a fully austenitic non-magnetic, low electrical conductivity microstructure no matter how it is formed or joined. That makes it ideal for:

• EV motor components
• Fast acting solenoid valves
• EMC shielding

Other benefits of Forta H-Series include:

• High strength, lightweight material
• Excellent crash resistance
• Good corrosion resistance associated with stainless steel
• Price stability due to its zero-nickel content
• Full recyclability
• Expert support by Outokumpu
• Global supplier for the automotive industry for decades
• Worldwide availability
• Deep understanding of the automotive industry and its supply chain
• State-of-the-art research and development centers

Please contact us for a free consultation with one of our automotive experts to see how Forta H-Series could enhance the efficiency of your automotive electrical engineering project.