Classification by Smelting Method
Ferrosilicon is divided into four categories according to the smelting method:
- High silicon ferrosilicon: grades with elevated silicon content, produced for applications requiring strong deoxidizing power.
- Ordinary ferrosilicon: the standard grades (for example 45%, 65%, 72% and 75% silicon) produced in submerged arc furnaces for general steelmaking and foundry use.
- Low aluminum ferrosilicon: grades with tightly controlled aluminum content, used where aluminum must be kept low to avoid inclusions or to meet strict steel specifications.
- High purity ferrosilicon: ferrosilicon with low impurity element content produced by the off-furnace refining method, used in special steels and high-performance alloys.
Why Classification Matters
The smelting route determines the achievable purity and impurity profile. For ordinary deoxidation, standard grades are sufficient; for special steel production with strict limits on aluminum, titanium and other elements, low-aluminum or high-purity grades are required.
Selection Guidance
Select the category according to the application: standard ferrosilicon for general steelmaking and casting; low aluminum grades for aluminum-sensitive steel grades; high purity grades for special alloys, welding consumables and applications with demanding impurity limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is ferrosilicon classified?
A: By smelting method into high silicon, ordinary, low aluminum and high purity ferrosilicon, and by silicon content into grades such as 45, 65, 72 and 75.
Q: What is high purity ferrosilicon?
A: Ferrosilicon with low impurity element content produced by the off-furnace refining method, for special steels and high-performance alloys.
Q: When is low aluminum ferrosilicon needed?
A: When the steel specification limits aluminum, for example in certain clean steel and wire rod applications.
