Grain-Oriented (CRGO) › Hi-B CRGO › 23ZH90 equivalent
23ZH90 Equivalent Hi-B Steel0.23 mm grain-oriented steel, supplied as GB 23QG090
23ZH90 is Nippon Steel’s name for a 0.23 mm high-permeability (Hi-B) grain-oriented steel with core loss of no more than 0.90 W/kg at 1.7 T and 50 Hz. We are a Chinese manufacturer, so we do not sell Nippon Steel product. What we supply against a 23ZH90 drawing is the Chinese grade in the same loss class, GB 23QG090 (also written B23P090 or 23P090), as coil, sheet, slit strip or laminations, with a mill test certificate for every coil.
Side by side
23ZH90 and 23QG090, line by line
The two grades share thickness and the 0.90 W/kg loss limit. The one guaranteed value that differs is induction: Nippon Steel publishes B8 ≥ 1.88 T for 23ZH90, while the Chinese 23QG090 grade guarantees B8 ≥ 1.87 T.
| Parameter | Nippon Steel 23ZH90 | GB 23QG090 (what we supply) | Test condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal thickness | 0.23 mm | 0.23 mm, tol. ± 0.025 mm | — |
| Core loss P1.7/50 | ≤ 0.90 W/kg | ≤ 0.90 W/kg | 1.7 T, 50 Hz, Epstein |
| Induction B8 | ≥ 1.88 T | ≥ 1.87 T guaranteed · ≥ 1.88 T if written on the order | H = 800 A/m |
| Stacking factor | ≥ 94.5% | ≥ 94.5% | IEC 60404-13 |
| Domain refinement | None (ZDKH is the refined version) | None | — |
| Other names | ORIENTCORE HI-B | B23P090 (Baosteel) · 23P090 (GB/T 2521.2-2025 scheme) | — |
| Standard equivalents | JIS C 2553 23P090 · IEC 60404-8-7 M90-23P5 · EN 10107 M090-23P | — | |
| Density | 7.65 g/cm³ (conventional value used for testing) | IEC 60404-2 | |
23ZH90 values are from Nippon Steel’s published grade table, which pairs 23ZH90 with JIS 23P090, IEC M90-23P5 and GB 23QG090. 23QG090 is one of the seven grades on our Hi-B CRGO page. Matching by loss class is a working guide, not proof that two mills’ steels behave identically, so confirm B8 and coating against your design data.
In hand
0.23 mm Hi-B coil, as supplied
From master coil on the decoiler to finished slit coils, processed in our own workshop. Each coil ships with its own mill test certificate.
Master coil
Master coil on the line
Full-width coil loaded on the decoiler, or shipped whole to core lines that slit in-house.
- Coil weightApprox. 5 t
- Inner diameter508 mm (610 mm on request)
Slitting
Slit on our own line
The coil is slit into strips of your widths; steel bands hold each strip until it is wound off.
- Slit widthFrom 8 mm
- Width tolerance± 0.1–0.3 mm slit
Slit coils
Slit coils, ready to pack
Finished slit coils with the grey insulation coating, checked before wrapping for export.
- CoatingC5 standard · C6 on request
- CertificateOne per coil
The 0.01 T gap
When your spec copies B8 ≥ 1.88 T
Spec sheets written around 23ZH90 often carry Nippon Steel’s induction figure as well as its loss figure. The Chinese grade standard guarantees 0.01 T less. In practice this rarely blocks an order, but it should be settled before the quote, not at incoming inspection.
01
What the grade guarantees
23QG090 guarantees B8 ≥ 1.87 T. A certificate showing 1.875 T meets the GB grade and fails a 1.88 T clause.
02
What coils measure
On our past 0.23 mm Hi-B certificates, coils measured 1.88–1.93 T, most of them 1.89 T or higher.
03
Put it on the order
If your design needs 1.88 T, write it as an order requirement. We confirm it at quotation and pick coils to it.
04
J800 on the certificate
Newer Chinese certificates print polarisation J800. It is within about 0.001 T of B8, so read it as B8.
Why induction matters for 23ZH90-class cores: Hi-B vs standard CRGO →
ZH or ZDKH
23ZH90 vs 23ZDKH90: check which one your drawing means
Nippon Steel sells two 0.23 mm grades with the same 0.90 W/kg limit. The letters DK mark laser domain refinement, and that changes how the steel is tested and which cores it suits.
| 23ZH90 | 23ZDKH90 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Hi-B, no domain refinement | Hi-B, laser domain-refined |
| JIS name | 23P090 | 23R090 |
| Loss test sample | Epstein strips, stress-relief annealed first | As-sheared single sheet, no stress-relief anneal |
| Stacked cores | Yes | Yes, where the scribe lines pay off |
| Wound cores annealed after winding | Yes: properties hold through the anneal | No: the anneal removes the laser effect |
| What we supply | 23QG090 | Domain-refined 23QG085 or 23QG080 |
A spec that just says “23ZH90 or equal” for a wound distribution core is asking for the non-scribed grade. If your drawing names 23ZDKH grades, send it over and we propose the domain-refined grade that meets the loss limit. Laser scribing and wound-core annealing are covered on the Hi-B CRGO page.
From our certificates
What 0.23 mm Hi-B coils measured on past orders
Guaranteed limits tell you the worst case. Mill test certificates from our earlier 0.23 mm Hi-B orders show where real coils land. We hold certificates for the 0.85 and 1.00 W/kg classes on either side of 23QG090; ranges below are across all coils on those certificates.
| 0.23 mm Hi-B class | Coils | Measured P1.7/50 | Measured J800 / B8 | Other values |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.85 W/kg limit | 9 | 0.84–0.85 W/kg | 1.88–1.93 T | Stacking factor 96.0–97.0% |
| 1.00 W/kg limit | 2 | 0.89–0.95 W/kg | 1.89–1.92 T | P1.7/60 = 1.30 × P1.7/50 · P1.5/50 = 0.72 × P1.7/50 |
Two things follow for a 23ZH90 buyer. The 1.00 W/kg coils measured as low as 0.89 W/kg, but a grade is bought on its guarantee, so a 0.90 limit needs a 0.90 grade. And measured stacking factors sat well above the 94.5% minimum. Certificate test methods are explained in core loss testing with the Epstein frame.
60 Hz buyers
23ZH90 at 60 Hz and in W/lb
The 0.90 W/kg limit is defined at 50 Hz. North American and some Asian specs quote 60 Hz, often in W/lb, so the same steel shows a different number.
50 Hz
0.90 W/kg
The guaranteed limit at 1.7 T, the figure the grade name carries.
60 Hz
≈ 1.17 W/kg
Using the 1.30 ratio between P1.7/60 and P1.7/50 measured on our 0.23 mm Hi-B certificates.
W/lb
≈ 0.53 W/lb
The 60 Hz estimate divided by 2.205. Use it to compare offers, not as a guarantee.
Order
Need a 60 Hz limit?
Name it on the order. Certificates can report P1.7/60, but it binds only if the order sets it.
Grade equivalents
Nippon Steel 0.23 mm Hi-B names and the grades we supply
If your drawing uses another Nippon Steel name, this is the Chinese grade we would quote against it. Pairings follow Nippon Steel’s own comparison with JIS, IEC and GB.
Equivalents, at a glance
Technical & physical properties
Surface, tolerance and coil specifications
Besides core loss and induction, engineers qualifying a 23QG090 coil against a 23ZH90 spec usually ask for these.
| Surface insulation | C5 inorganic coating (standard) · C6 inorganic-organic on request |
|---|---|
| Stacking factor | ≥ 94.5% |
| Coil width range | 100–1,000 mm as rolled, slit to your width from 8 mm |
| Coil weight | Approx. 5 t per coil; other coil weights on request |
| Coil inner diameter | 508 mm (20″) standard, 610 mm on request |
| Thickness tolerance | ± 0.025 mm |
| Width tolerance | ± 1.0 mm as rolled · ± 0.1–0.3 mm on slit-to-width coil |
| Test standards | GB/T 3655 & GB/T 2521.2 · IEC 60404 · EN 10107 · ASTM A343 / A876 |
Ordering raw coil? Coil types, weights and edge conditions are covered on the CRGO steel coil page.
By application
Where 23ZH90-class steel goes
A 0.90 W/kg Hi-B grade is chosen when the transformer’s no-load loss is evaluated in the tender and conventional grades cannot reach the target.
Power
Power transformers
Large cores where every watt of no-load loss is capitalised over the unit’s life.
Explore →
Distribution
Low-loss distribution
Units built to tight efficiency tables, including utility tenders that name 23ZH90 or equal.
Explore →
Step-lap core
Stacked & step-lap cores
Mitred laminations for core shops building stacked and step-lap cores.
Enquire →
Dry-type
Dry-type transformers
Cast-resin units for buildings and plants where low losses keep the core cool.
Enquire →Supplied forms
Coil, sheet, strip or laminations
23QG090 is produced as master coil and processed in-house to your order: cut to length, slit to width, or stamped to a lamination drawing.
Coil
Coil
Master and mill-edge coils of around 5 t, wound to your inner diameter and coil weight.
Sheet
Sheet
Cut-to-length sheet in standard and custom lengths, ready for stamping or shearing.
Slit strip
Slit strip
Slit to your width on tight tolerances, for stamping and wound cores.
Laminations
Laminations
Die-cut or laser-cut E-I, mitred and toroidal laminations to your drawing.
How we work
From a 23ZH90 drawing to your dock
Five steps from your spec to delivery, set up for overseas buyers.
Send your spec
The 23ZH90 drawing or datasheet, with width, form, core type and quantity.
Quote in 24h
Matched grade, guaranteed loss and B8, and any B8 or 60 Hz clause confirmed.
Samples
Test core loss and stampability; samples are usually ready within a week.
Production & QC
Every coil is slit and tested, and ships with a mill certificate.
Export delivery
Moisture-proof packing and ocean freight to your port.
Packaging & export
Seaworthy packing to any port
Edge protection
Edge-protected and strapped
Edge protectors, steel strapping and a timber skid on every coil, staged in the warehouse before loading.
Trucking
Chained down for the road
Coils are chocked, chained and strapped on the flatbed for the run to Shanghai or Ningbo port.
Container loading
Secured in the container
Coils are loaded on timber bedding and secured inside the container so nothing shifts at sea.
01
Packaging
Coils in moisture-proof VCI wrap with edge and coil-eye protection; sheet and strip on corner-protected pallets.
02
Documentation
Mill test certificate, packing list, commercial invoice and certificate of origin; others on request.
03
Payment terms
T/T with 30% deposit and balance before shipment, or irrevocable L/C at sight.
04
Shipping & lead time
FOB Shanghai or Ningbo; CFR and CIF on request. Typically about 15 days to ship, plus 25–45 days ocean freight.
FAQ
Buying a 23ZH90 equivalent from us
What is 23ZH90 electrical steel?
23ZH90 is a grade in Nippon Steel’s ORIENTCORE HI-B range: 0.23 mm high-permeability grain-oriented steel with core loss of no more than 0.90 W/kg at 1.7 T and 50 Hz, B8 of at least 1.88 T and a stacking factor of at least 94.5%. It is used in low-loss power and distribution transformer cores.
Can you supply genuine Nippon Steel 23ZH90?
No. We are a Chinese manufacturer and exporter, and we supply the Chinese grade in the same loss class, 23QG090. If your contract requires Nippon Steel origin, the equivalent will not satisfy it. If it allows “23ZH90 or equal”, send us the spec and we confirm the match point by point.
Is 23QG090 the same as 23ZH90?
They have the same thickness, the same 0.90 W/kg loss limit and the same 94.5% stacking factor minimum, and Nippon Steel’s own comparison table pairs them. The difference is the induction guarantee: 23QG090 guarantees B8 ≥ 1.87 T, 23ZH90 B8 ≥ 1.88 T. If your design needs 1.88 T, put it on the order and we confirm it at quotation.
What is the difference between 23ZH90 and 23ZDKH90?
Both are 0.23 mm with a 0.90 W/kg limit. 23ZDKH90 is laser domain-refined and tested on as-sheared single sheets without annealing; 23ZH90 is not domain-refined and is tested on annealed Epstein strips. For wound cores that are annealed after winding, the non-scribed 23ZH90 class is the right choice, because the anneal removes the laser effect.
Can 23QG090 be used for wound cores?
Yes. 23QG090 is not laser-scribed, so its magnetic properties hold through the stress-relief anneal that wound cores receive, typically around 800 °C. We slit it to your width for core winding.
What is the 60 Hz core loss of a 23ZH90-class grade?
About 1.17 W/kg, or about 0.53 W/lb, at 1.7 T and 60 Hz. This uses the ratio of about 1.30 between P1.7/60 and P1.7/50 seen on our 0.23 mm Hi-B certificates. It is an estimate for comparing offers; if you need a guaranteed 60 Hz value, name it on the order.
My certificate says B23P090 or 23P090. Is that 23QG090?
Yes. B23P090 is Baosteel’s current name for the grade, and 23P090 follows the naming rule of GB/T 2521.2-2025, which uses P for high-permeability grades and took effect on 1 March 2026. JIS also calls the same class 23P090. All of them mean 0.23 mm Hi-B steel with P1.7/50 ≤ 0.90 W/kg.
What is the minimum order quantity and lead time?
Coil orders typically start at about 5 t, roughly one coil, and cut-to-length sheet at about 500 kg. Lead time for both is about 15 days. Smaller coil quantities are slit from a full coil and can take a few days longer when the grade is not in stock. For anything below these quantities, tell us the grade, size and quantity and we will do our best to meet it.
Can I get a sample before ordering?
Yes. Samples are usually ready within about a week, so you can test core loss, induction and stampability against your 23ZH90 data first. The sample fee covers freight and is refunded against your first bulk order.
Further reading
Related topics about 23ZH90 and Hi-B steel
Background for matching a Nippon Steel spec to a Chinese grade and checking what arrives.
Why buyers choose Zhongxin
Hi-B CRGO, export-ready service
Wuxi Zhongxin Special Steel Co., Ltd. is a Chinese manufacturer and exporter of grain-oriented silicon steel, supplying transformer makers in Europe, the Americas, Asia and beyond.
Send your 23ZH90 spec — get a quote in 24 hours
Send the drawing or datasheet with your loss and B8 targets, width, form, core type and quantity. Samples are available before you order.
