Samarium Cobalt Magnets (SmCo)

These high-energy magnets, composed of samarium and cobalt, exhibit high temperature stability and moisture resistance. You can find a wide selection of SmCo magnets at masetec.

DOWNLOAD SmCo PARAMETERS

Areas of application

Position control, contactless switching, speed measurement

All advantages at a glance

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Heat-resistant:

Resistant up to 250°C (SmCo5) or 350°C (Sm2Co17).

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High electrical resistance:

Reduces eddy current losses and increases efficiency.

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Difficult to demagnetize:

Ideal for demanding applications with strong external influences.

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Extremely corrosion-resistant:

Resistant to moisture and aggressive environments.

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Extremely durable:

High stability and wear resistance for long-lasting performance.

Caution with SmCo magnets

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Higher costs:

More expensive to purchase than other magnet types.

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Greater sensitivity:

More sensitive to impact than other magnets.

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Splinter with sharp edges:

The use of protective clothing is recommended.

Use of SmCo magnets

Due to their high heat resistance, SmCo magnets are primarily used for operating temperatures between 150 and 300°C. They are also found in high-quality motors, generators, machinery, and technical systems.

Structure of SmCo magnets

SmCo magnets consist of samarium and cobalt. A distinction is made between two alloys: SmCo5 magnets have a samarium content of approximately 36%. Sm2Co17 consist of about 25% samarium. These magnets often additionally contain iron and copper.

Production of SmCo magnets

The raw material samarium makes SmCo magnets relatively expensive because it is rare and difficult to mine. The largest known deposit is found in Western Australia. The components of the SmCo magnets are ground and then pressed under high pressure in a magnetic field and sintered.

Coatings on SmCo magnets

The composition of the alloys generally makes a coating unnecessary. However, depending on the application, a plastic coating may be worthwhile. This makes the surface less sensitive to impacts.

Magnet Selection Guide


ENERGY PRODUCT	Ferrite	AlNiCo	NdFeB
COSTS	Ferrite	AlNiCo	SmCo
MAX. OPERATING TEMPERATURE	NdFeB	SmCo	AlNiCo
CORROSION RESISTANCE	NdFeB	AlNiCo	Ferrite
RESISTANCE TO DEMAGNETIZATION	AlNiCo	Ferrite	SmCo
MECHANICAL STRENGTH	Ferrite	NdFeB	AlNiCo
TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT	AlNiCo	SmCo	Ferrite
MAGNETIC STABILITY AT HIGH TEMPERATURES	NdFeB	Ferrite	SmCo


Energy product	Ferrite	AlNiCo	NdFeB
Costs	Ferrite	AlNiCo	SmCo
Maximum operating temperature	NdFeB	SmCo	AlNiCo
Corrosion resistance	NdFeB	AlNiCo	Ferrite
Resistance to demagnetization	AlNiCo	Ferrite	SmCo
Mechanical strength	Ferrite	NdFeB	AlNiCo
Temperature coefficient	AlNiCo	SmCo	Ferrite
Magnetic stability at high temperatures	NdFeB	Ferrite	SmCo