MAGNETIC MATERIALS

Magnetic Materials

This unique structure in the magnetics industry allows our customers to rely on us for magnetic materials, magnetic components, non-magnetic components, and process control from prototype to production. Selection of the correct magnetic material is critical for any application. Below is an overview of each magnetic material that we manufacture and supply to our customers, each with specific advantages and disadvantages. 

Neodymium (NdFeB)

Advantages

• Strongest permanent magnet available
• High Induction (Br), up to 55 MGOe
• Its coercivity (Hci) (the ability to withstand demagnetizing forces) is good, up to 200C
• Can be made without a mold
• Shape & size are fabricated from a starting block
• When the material grade is correctly selected, can last indefinitely
• Manufactured in a wide array of material grades
• Can reduce the overall size / weight of assemblies
• Can reduce the overall cost of assemblies, especially motors
• Currently used in applications for almost every industry

• At larger sizes, over 0.500”, must be handled safely and cautiously
• Can be more expensive at the higher coercivity (Hci) grades
• Must be coated to avoid oxidation
• For applications over 200C, may demagnetize. NOTE: Demagnetization of magnetic materials is caused by many variables, including size, shape, application, surrounding materials, etc

• Neodymium Magnets range in BHmax from 28-55 MGOe
• Used in almost every industry & application, including medical, motors, consumer electronics, sensors, research, and robotics
• Click here to view the NdFeB spec sheet & demag curves 

Samarium Cobalt (SmCo)

 Advantages

• Strong inductance (Br), up to 34 MGOe
• Can be made without a mold.
• Shape & size are fabricated from a starting block
• No coating is required and it will not oxidize
• Has the best coercivity (Hci)
• Great for applications up to 350C
• Tremendous for applications that have high temperature requirements, i.e. aerospace and high temperature motor and sensor applications

• Brittle. Can easily chip or break if handled incorrectly
• Expensive. Cobalt is the main rare earth driving price

• Samarium Cobalt Magnets range in BHmax from 16-34 MGOe
• Used in applications with high temperature, including medical, motors, and aerospace
• Click here to view the SmCo spec sheet & demag curves

Alnico

  Advantages

• Able to handle higher temperature in a well-designed circuit that includes magnets & steel
• Manufacturing process allows for fields to be shaped within the magnet
• Does not need coating

• Tough to machine
• Made with molds
• Easy to demagnetize outside of steel / magnet circuit
• Should be magnetized in its finally assembly to avoid demagnetization when assembling

• Alnico Magnets range in BHmax from 1.6 - 10 MGOe
• Used in applications with high temperature, mainly aerospace & defense
• Click here to view the Alnico spec sheet

Ferrite / Ceramic

Advantages

• Widely used in low cost motors
• Does not need to be coated, will not oxidize
• Great for applications that will not exceed 180C

• Needs molds and/or tooling to manufacture
• Beneficial for applications that have high volume to recoup the mold and/or tooling costs
• Very brittle. Can easily crack or chip

• Ferrite / Ceramic Magnets range in BHmax from 0.8 - 4 MGOe
• Used in applications where low cost is main priority, such as low-tech motors like lawnmowers and other yard tools
• Click here to view the Ferrite/Ceramic spec sheet

Bonded & Injection Molded Magnets

• Can be made in unique shapes due to mold requirements
• No, or very limited, machining needed
• Does not need to be coated
• Very consistent magnetically and dimensionally
• Good for applications that require a low magnetic field
• Rated for temperatures between 80C to 220C

• Requires tooling and mold costs
• Piece price will be low only in high volume
• Low magnetic properties

• Neodymium Bonded magnets range in BHmax from 1-7.5 MGOe for compression molded
• Neodymium Bonded magnets range in BHmax from 5.5 – 11.5 MGOe for injection molded
• Used in low magnetic field applications
• Click here to view the Bonded spec sheet
• Click here to view the Injection Molded spec sheet