2N Pure Iron (Fe≥99.0%): Low cost, mainly for deoxidation and general alloy additive.

3N Pure Iron (Fe≥99.9%): Best-selling grade, good soft magnetic property, for magnetic core, shielding and superalloy charge.

4N Pure Iron (Fe≥99.99%): Ultra-low impurities, for sputtering target, high-end magnetic component, semiconductor and R&D.

Chemical composition(%)

2N Pure Iron (Fe ≥ 99.0%; standard industrial-grade pure iron)

Overview

The entry-level grade of industrial pure iron, with a total impurity content of ≤ 1.0%. It is the most affordable option and is frequently exported in large volumes. Primarily used as an additive in metallurgical processes; not suitable for applications requiring high magnetic performance.

Applications

1. Deoxidizer for steelmaking; additive for alloy smelting (e.g., for stainless steel or standard alloy steels).

2. Raw material for thermal spraying and powder metallurgy.

3. Basic counterweights and simple anode materials.

Advantages

Lowest price point; abundant supply; suitable for large-volume ocean freight with fast delivery.

Decent plasticity; easy to melt.

Drawbacks: High impurity levels; poor magnetic properties; elevated C, S, and P content; gaseous impurities are generally not controlled. Unsuitable for soft magnetic components.

3N Pure Iron (Fe ≥ 99.9%; best-selling grade)

Overview

The most popular grade for export by tonnage, with a total impurity content of ≤ 0.1%. It corresponds to the YT01/YT02 electrical-grade pure iron category and serves as a primary material for both soft magnetic applications and metallurgical smelting.

Applications

1. Soft magnetic components: Solenoid cores, relays, sensor cores, magnetic shielding, and motor yokes (primary application).

2. Master alloy for specialty metals: Used in the vacuum melting of nickel-based, cobalt-based, and aluminum-lithium alloys, as well as amorphous and nanocrystalline materials.

3. Base material for laboratory-scale melting, powder metallurgy, and precision forgings.

Advantages

Excellent soft magnetic properties, characterized by high magnetic permeability and low coercivity.

Stable impurity levels with high batch-to-batch consistency; low C, S, and P content, ensuring minimal interference with alloy composition.

Optimal price-to-performance ratio, balancing quality and cost; the most frequently requested grade for overseas inquiries.

Drawbacks: Gaseous impurities (such as oxygen) can affect magnetically sensitive components; requires vacuum packaging to prevent rust.

4N Pure Iron (Fe ≥ 99.99%, High-Purity Electrolytic Iron)

Overview

High-purity iron with a total impurity content of ≤ 0.01%. It is typically produced via electrolysis followed by vacuum refining, with strict control over impurities (including metallic impurities as well as O, N, and H). Its unit price is significantly higher than that of 3N-grade (99.9%) iron, and it is primarily supplied in small to medium-sized batches.

Applications

1. High-end magnetic shielding, high-precision electromagnetic components, and precision fluxgate sensors.

2. PVD sputtering targets and raw materials for vacuum evaporation.

3. High-end amorphous alloys, nanocrystalline materials, and master alloys for rare-earth permanent magnets.

4. Nuclear power applications, semiconductor substrates, and scientific research reference standards.

Advantages

Excellent magnetic properties, characterized by high magnetic permeability, extremely low coercivity, and superior magnetic stability.

Ultra-low levels of harmful impurities, making it ideal for advanced materials sensitive to trace-level contaminants.

Exceptional plasticity, allowing for the production of ultra-thin foils and fine wires.

Limitations: High cost, limited production capacity, longer lead times, and the requirement for vacuum-sealed packaging when transported by sea.