Samarium Cobalt (SmCo) is another rare earth magnet. SmCo is an alternative to Neodymium magnets when a more stable output over a much wider temperature range is required. SmCo magnets can be used from temperatures as low as absolute zero (-273°C) to +350°C. Although neodymium magnets provide stronger magnetic force at room temperature, SmCo begins to perform better at temperatures above +150°C. With temperature coefficients superior to neodymium, SmCo shows less variation in unit increase or decrease in temperature. This makes it an ideal choice for temperature sensitive applications such as sensors and loudspeakers where stability is important. SmCo also has a very good intrinsic forcing allowing it to be used in applications where high external magnetic forces and high temperatures may be present, such as starting an electric motor. SmCo has very little free iron in its structure which means it offers excellent corrosion resistance against water. It rarely requires a protective coating. Because of its performance properties, SmCo is often used in place of Neodymium in mission critical applications such as aerospace and military applications. SmCo is a fragile material and can easily break if misused.

There are two types of these magnets;

Sm1Co5 (SmCo1:5) is the original SmCo and the weaker variety. It has excellent corrosion resistance since it does not contain iron as well as samarium and cobalt content.

Sm2Co17 (SmCo2:17) is widely used because it is stronger. Although it has corrosion resistance since it contains low amount of iron, it requires coating especially when used in humid places.

Advantages;

• High heat resistance (up to 350°C)
• Resistance to low temperatures (-273°C below absolute zero)
• High corrosion resistance

Disadvantages

• It is brittle, though not as much as neodymium. (It may break, crack or shatter in sudden collisions with other magnets or metals)
• Samarium is more expensive due to its rarity.

We offer you the widest variety of Samarium-Cobalt magnets.