SmCo 1:5 Magnets

Rare Earth SmCo 1:5 Magnets, a type of rare-earth magnet, is a strong permanent magnet made of an alloy of samarium and cobalt. They were developed in the early 1960s based on work done by Dr. Karl Strnat and Dr. Alden Rey at Wright-Patterson AFB and the University of Dayton, respectively.

SmCo is arguably the best permanent magnet material commercially available, with remanence similar to neodymium magnets, but with higher temperature ratings and with superior temperature stability. There are two types of SmCo magnets, SmCo 1:5 and SmCo 2:17.

SmCo magnet is a high-performance low-temperature coefficient permanent magnet made of samarium and cobalt and other rare earth elements. Sm-Co magnets can be operated at higher temperatures up to 300 C. Sm-Co materials come in energy products from 16 MGOe up to 33 MGOe. Their high resistance to demagnetizing influences and excellent thermal stability has ensured Sm-Co as the premium choice for the most demanding motor applications.

Advantage of SMCO 1:5 MAGNETS:

• Excellent thermal stability
• High magnetic properties
• Good corrosion resistance
• High resistance to demagnetization

Disadvantage SMCO 1:5 MAGNETS:

• Difficult to machine
• Expensive material (cobalt is market price sensitive)

The manufacturing process of SMCO 1:5 MAGNETS:

Both the types of SmCo magnets are manufacture by powder metallurgy. The raw materials are melted in a furnace and cast into thin sheets or ingot. The material is crushed and then pulverized by ball milling or by jet milling. The powder is then oriented with the external magnetic field and pressed into blocks or near-net shape. Final properties and density are achieved in following sintering and heat treatments. The blocks are then cut to shape and magnetized.