The New Found Popularity in Samarium-Cobalt Magnets
Samarium-cobalt magnets, also known as SmCo magnets, are an alloy made of two basic elements: samarium and cobalt. SmCo magnets are a type of permanent and rare earth magnet that is available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, etc. They are similar in strength to neodymium earth magnets, but they have additional properties that make them advantageous, such as high heat resistance. Due to their benefits, samarium cobalt magnets have increased in popularity tremendously. In fact, the samarium-cobalt magnet industry reached a value of $498 million in 2019, with China accounting for 71% of total consumption.
Properties of Samarium-Cobalt Magnets
There are many benefits to samarium-cobalt magnets that make them ideal for industrial applications. These benefits have contributed to the increased popularity in SmCo magnets. In fact, samarium-cobalt magnets can be more suitable than neodymium magnets in certain situations.
Samarium-Cobalt magnet benefits:
- High heat resistance (up to 300°C)
- Resistance to low temperatures (below absolute zero, -273°C)
- Price sensitive to market
- High corrosion resistance
- High resistance to demagnetization
- High magnetic strength
- Motors and electric motors
- Sensors
- Pump couplings
- High temperature applications
- Food processing
- Prosthodontics
- Generators