Samarium magnets
SmCo magnets are an alloy of samarium and cobalt. These permanent magnets have a high operating temperature of up to 350 °C. Their magnetic strength is close to that of neodymium magnets. Samarium SmCo magnets are corrosion-resistant.
Basic advantages of SmCO magnets:
- High Corrosion resistance
SmCO magnets are corrosion resistant, i.e. no surface treatment is required. - High maximum operating temperature
SmCo magnets can be used even at 350°C. This is significant in applications where they are exposed to high temperatures, such as in the car or aerospace industries. - High strength
SmCo magnets are close in strength to neodymium magnets.
SmCo magnets are suitable for applications where a strong magnet and a high maximum working temperature are required. They find their applications where corrosion resistance is required.
The disadvantage of the SmCo magnets is their fragility. They can easily disintegrate if subjected to shock or pressure. Therefore, they must be handled with care. Samarium magnets belong among the higher-priced permanent magnets due to the use of rare earth elements such as samarium and cobalt.
Comparison of different types of permanent magnets
A basic comparison of the different types of permanent magnets can be found in the table as follows.
| Magnet type | Holding force | Temperature resistance | Price | Chemical resistance | Corrosion resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrite magnet |  |
250 °C |  |
 |
|
| Neodymium NdFeB magnet | |
80 - 230 °C |  |
|
|
| Samarium SmCo magnet | |
350 °C | |
|
|
| AlNiCo magnet | |
450 °C | |
|
|