Rare Earth Magnets
Neodymium iron boron, also called neo magnet, and samarium cobalt are rare earth magnets that are used in many ways. Currently available magnetic material containing rare earth elements are neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) and samarium cobalt (SmCo). Both (NdFeB) neodymium iron boron and samarium cobalt (SmCo) rare earth magnets and the composition must be specified when designing or ordering.
Both Rare Earth Magnet alloys are manufactured by a powdered metal process, but the resulting magnets have several distinct differences.
- (NdFeB) Neodymium Iron Boron (Neo) rare earth magnets is highly reactive to environmental conditions, where Samarium Cobalt magnets is very corrosion resistant.
- Samarium Cobalt rare earth magnets will withstand high temperatures without demagnetizing, but care must be used when utilizing Neo above ambient room temperatures.
- (NdFeB) Neodymium Iron Boron (Neo) rare earth magnets are moderately priced and offer a good value when compared to performance. Samarium Cobalt magnets however is extremely expensive because of its Cobalt content.
- (NdFeB) Neodymium Iron Boron (Neo) rare earth magnets are less brittle that Samarium Cobalt rare earth magnets 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.