As a critical ferroalloy additive, ferroboron introduces trace boron into molten steel to boost hardenability, refine grain structure, improve wear‑resistance and deoxidize liquid metal. FeB16, FeB18 and FeB20 are three mainstream medium‑carbon ferroboron grades widely adopted by steel mills, foundries and powder‑metallurgy factories worldwide. Many procurement engineers struggle to select the proper grade for target steel grades, balancing boron content, impurity limits and overall cost.
Core Chemical Composition Comparison
Boron content defines the grade mark, while carbon, silicon, aluminum, sulfur and phosphorus are strictly restricted to avoid downgrading final steel quality.
| Grade | Boron (B, wt%) | C Max (%) | Si Max (%) | Al Max (%) | S Max (%) | P Max (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FeB16 | 15.0‑17.0 | 1.0 | 4.0 | 0.5 | 0.01 | 0.20 |
| FeB18 | 17.0‑19.0 | 0.5 | 4.0 | 0.5 | 0.01 | 0.10 |
| FeB20 | 19.0‑21.0 | 0.5 | 4.0 | 0.5 | 0.01 | 0.10 |
Note: DeDao can customize low‑carbon variants with C ≤0.1% for high‑end alloy and NdFeB magnet raw material requirements.
FeB16: Cost‑effective General‑Purpose Grade
FeB16 is the entry‑level medium‑carbon ferroboron. With boron range of 15.0‑17.0 %, it features higher allowable carbon threshold at max 1.0 % and competitive unit price.
Typical applications:
- Common low‑alloy structural steel, ordinary spring steel and general engineering cast iron
- Scenarios where strict carbon control is not mandatory, focusing on grain refinement and deoxidation function
- Large‑volume continuous casting workshops pursuing lower ferroalloy input cost
From DeDao's field feedback, FeB16 delivers stable boron recovery for regular carbon‑manganese steel. It is not recommended for ultra‑low‑carbon steel or high‑precision permanent magnet raw materials, where carbon residuals will trigger performance risks.
FeB18: Balanced Mid‑range Workhorse Grade
FeB18 represents the most popular commercial grade. Boron content sits at 17.0‑19.0 %, carbon is limited to maximum 0.5 %. It strikes good balance between boron concentration, impurity control and material cost.
Typical applications:
- HSLA high‑strength automotive steel, pipeline steel, wear‑resistant castings
- Tool steel, heat‑resistant alloy steel requiring moderate boron micro‑alloying
- Export bulk orders for overseas steel foundries
Most steel‑plant customers of DeDao pick FeB18 as standard stock grade. Its boron dissolution speed in molten steel is steady; fluctuation of boron yield remains within acceptable window under normal EAF and LF refining process.
FeB20: High‑Boron Premium Grade
FeB20 owns highest boron concentration among these three grades: 19.0‑21.0 % boron with tight carbon cap ≤0.5 %. Less alloy feeding weight is required to hit target boron value in molten steel.
Typical applications:
- High‑grade alloy steel, special tool steel with precise boron micro‑alloy target
- Powder metallurgy, welding material additives
- Partial pre‑material production for NdFeB permanent‑magnet industry
Higher boron content brings obvious advantage: reduced total addition weight cuts the volume of impurity elements carried into molten bath. Nevertheless, FeB20 carries higher unit price. DeDao technical team reminds buyers: do not blindly choose FeB20 if FeB18 already meets element target, to avoid unnecessary material cost increase.
Key Practical Selection Principles From DeDao Technical Team
Match grade against steel‑grade specification first. For general structural cast iron, FeB16 is acceptable; automotive HSLA steel normally chooses FeB18; high‑precision special alloy prefers FeB20 or custom low‑carbon ferroboron.
Pay attention to impurity limits, not only boron percentage. Even same grade, higher Si, Al, P or S residuals will pollute finished steel.
Particle size matters. Lumpy ferroboron for ladle alloying; granular or powder type for powder‑metallurgy and welding flux. DeDao supplies multiple particle ranges from lumps to fine powder upon request.
Boron recovery rate shall be verified on‑site. Actual yield is affected by molten‑steel temperature, adding sequence and slag condition. Adjust feeding quantity accordingly instead of only relying on theoretical calculation.
Anyang DeDao Material Co., Ltd supplies standardized FeB16, FeB18, FeB20 products, together with tailor‑made low‑carbon ferroboron variants. Our technical team supports grade recommendation, particle‑size customization and bulk export service for global metallurgical clients. If you require sample testing, chemical report or bulk quotation, please send your detailed steel‑grade requirement and target specification to our sales team.
