Samarium-Cobalt

Samarium-Cobalt (SmCo)

Samarium-Cobalt magnets were developed in 1960 while researching a new magnetic material based on Fe, Co, Ni and Rare Earth alloys.

They are produced by pressing powdered alloys to shape under orientating field and then sintering in high temperature. Two different compositions are available: SmCo5 and Sm2Co17 (with higher coercivity). Despite a higher cost than other magnetic materials, these materials provides an outstanding combination of coercivity and good stability at elevated temperatures up to 250 degree.

SmCo has good corrosion resistance.  Protective coatings are generally not required except for particular applications. The material is ideal in applications like servo-motors, pump couplings and sensors, among others.

Samarium cobalt magnets are divided into two main groups:

SMCO 5 e SMCO 7: SmCo 5 has maximum energy products (BHmax) 22 MGOe compared to 30 MGOe  of  SmCo 17.