The original “rare earth” magnet material, Samarium Cobalt (SmCo)
has been commercially available for more than three decades.
While it has been replaced in many projects by newer
materials, SmCo continues to perform in applications where
no other materials can provide the required combination of
characteristics.
SmCo magnets boast a unique set of attributes – high
magnetic strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and good
stability at elevated temperatures. SmCo magnets can be used
in situations where operating temperatures will exceed 500°
F. As a result, in applications requiring a strong,
corrosion resistant magnet that will be exposed to high
temperatures, SmCo remains unmatched.
SmCo is not only resistant to high temperature, but also
highly coercive and very stable over a wide temperature
range. This allows the field generated by SmCo magnets to
remain relatively constant even after being exposed to
numerous heating and cooling cycles. While Alnico magnets
are similarly stable, they are far weaker magnetically than
magnets made from SmCo.
SmCo magnets are mechanically weak, and are subject to
fracture under relatively low levels of compressive or
tensile stress. This, combined with their elevated cost
compared to some other materials has led to SmCo being
replaced with sintered neodymium or injection molded
materials in many applications.
Please consult with an EA Magnetics project specialist
regarding your particular SmCo magnet application for more
information.
