Rare Earth Magnets
Rare Earth Neodymium & Samarium Cobalt Magnets
Rare-earth magnets are the strongest type of permanent magnets commercially available today. Made from alloys of rare-earth elements, magnetic properties for rare-earth magnets far exceed those of other magnet materials. Their ability to maintain their high field strength in demanding environments, makes them the preferred choice for numerous commercial, industrial and technical applications.
There are two types of rare-earth magnets: neodymium magnets & samarium cobalt magnets, and each has unique characteristics, benefits and attributes.
- Neodymium Magnets (also known as neodymium iron boride, ndfeb, neo or nib magnets) are the most powerful class of permanent magnets with the highest energy product of all the magnet materials. They are high in magnetic strength, more versatile and less brittle than samarium cobalt magnets, and often the more cost-effective choice.
- Samarium Cobalt Magnets (also known as smco magnets) ), are high performance magnets with exceptional magnetic properties. They offer excellent temperature stability (they can operate in temperatures up to 525°F (300°C), and have a very high resistance to corrosion or demagnetization. SmCo magnets are ideal for applications where magnetic stability is critical in extreme temperature environments.
We carry a large inventory of rare-earth magnets in assorted shapes, sizes and grades that span a range of properties and application requirements. We can also custom fabricate specialty shapes and sizes to your exact specifications upon special request. Contact us today to let us know what you are looking for, and we'll help you find the best solution for your project's requirements.
Rare Earth Magnets Features & Characteristics
- What are rare-earth magnets? Rare-Earth magnets are strong permanent magnets made from alloys of the rare-earth group of elements (lanthanides). The rare-earth group of magnets have outstanding magnetic properties which allow for more compact designs or the miniaturization of existing designs. Smaller volumes of rare-earth magnet materials are typically required which can result in substantial cost savings for the overall assembly.
- What are the different types of rare-earth magnets? There are two types - neodymium magnets and samarium cobalt magnets, both of which are strong permanent magnets. Each type produces significantly stronger magnetic fields than other types of magnetic materials. Depending on your application needs, samarium cobalt or neodymium magnets may be a more appropriate fit.
- How do rare-earth magnets differ from non-rare-earth magnets? Rare-earth magnets have superior magnetic properties, so they are stronger and more durable than non-rare-earth magnets.
- What are common applications for Rare Earth magnets? Due to their high magnetic properties and strength, both neodymium and samarium cobalt magnets are used for all types of industrial, medical, scientific, aerospace and automotive applications. Commonly used in wind turbine generators, audio equipment such as loudspeakers and headphones, all types of motors and servo motors, medical equipment such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electronics such as computer hard disc drives and much more.
- What are the advantages of neodymium vs. samarium cobalt magnets? Neodymium (Neo) magnets are superior in strength compared to samarium cobalt magnets, although both types of magnets are quite strong. Neo magnets also have the advantage of being less brittle, more versatile and are less expensive than samarium cobalt magnets.
- What are the advantages of samarium cobalt vs. neodymium magnets? Samarium cobalt (SmCo) magnets are more temperature stable than neodymium magnet material, less sensitive to temperature effects and able to withstand much higher and lower temperatures. SmCo magnets are also highly resistant to corrosion as opposed to neodymium magnets, which are very susceptible to oxidation.
- What is the difference between bonded & sintered rare-earth magnets? The bonded form can be produced with close tolerances off-tool. Sintering usually requires finishing, but the energy products are higher than bonded rare-earths.
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