Rare Earth
Magnet alloys that utilize elements from the Lanthanide Series of the periodic table are commonly referred to as Rare Earth Magnets. Currently available magnetic material containing rare earth elements are Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) and Samarium Cobalt (SmCo). Both alloys are considered Rare Earth Magnets and the composition must be specified when designing or ordering. Additional descriptions and technical information is available for each type of Rare Earth Magnet on their individual pages.
Both Rare Earth Magnet alloys are manufactured by a powdered metal process, but the resulting magnets have several distinct differences.
- Neodymium Iron Boron (Neo) is highly reactive to environmental conditions, where Samarium Cobalt is very corrosion resistant.
- Samarium Cobalt will withstand high temperatures without demagnetizing, but care must be used when utilizing Neo above ambient room temperatures.
- Neodymium is moderately priced and offers a good value when compared to performance. Samarium Cobalt however is extremely expensive because of it’s Cobalt content.
- Neo is less brittle that Samarium Cobalt and it is easier to machine and integrate into assemblies. Both alloys require diamond tooling, EDM, or abrasive grinding when machining.
Magnet alloy selection is usually application driven. Please contact a Dura team member so a review of your application can be initiated.