High-Quality Industrial Samarium Cobalt Magnets
Samarium Cobalt was the first rare earth magnet on the market. Its magnetic properties are similar to Neodymium Iron Boron magnets, but, due to the cost and strategic value of Cobalt, it never had the commercial success and diffusion of NdFeB. Being a rare earth magnet, SmCo is an intermetallic compound of rare earth metals (samarium) and transition metals (cobalt).
The permanent samarium cobalt magnet is still considered to be the premium material for various high-performance products. It was developed in the 60′ and introduced to the industry as a revolutionary product. It had way more energy than other materials available at the market at the time.
The Production of Industrial Samarium Cobalt Magnets
The production process of industrial samarium cobalt magnets consists of milling, pressing, and sintering in an inert atmosphere. Samarium cobalt magnets are then pressed in an oil bath, isostatically, or in a die, axially or diametrically.
SmCo is processed by grinding with diamond tools. As mentioned, SmCo can provide high magnetic performances with maximum energy product around 240 KJ/m3. They can be found in two different grades:
- Sm1Co5
- Sm2Co17
Each grade has its specific magnetic behavior, nucleation for the Sm1Co5 and pinning in Sm2Co17. Sm2Co17 shows the highest magnetic performances but on the opposite side. On the other hand, it is much more difficult to be magnetized (4000 kA/m) than Sm1Co5 (2000 kA/m).
The two advantages of SmCo grades versus NdFeB are the corrosion resistance and the good thermal behavior. Curie temperature is around 750 °C for Sm1Co5 and 850 °C for Sm2Co17. Furthermore, the magnetic properties decrease is rather low by increasing the temperature.
The Best Samarium Cobalt Magnet Suppliers
SmCo grades are rather appreciated in the military and aerospace industry, as well as in electro-medical equipment production. Its usage is advisable when oxidation or thermal needs become very important. Industrial applications produced with permanent samarium cobalt magnets are similar to the ones of NdFeB, including:
- Sensors
- loudspeakers
- electric motors
- instruments
- switches
MPI Magnets has the experience and expertise to manufacture top quality SmCo products using premium grade materials and high-end technology. Our professional team of engineers and technicians can develop and assemble high-quality industrial samarium cobalt magnets to perfectly meet all your specific needs and requirements!
