Samarium-Cobalt Magnets
High-temperature rare-earth permanent magnets used where NdFeB would demagnetise.
Overview
Samarium-cobalt (SmCo) magnets are rare-earth permanent magnets specified where rotor or under-bonnet temperatures would demagnetise NdFeB. They have lower energy product than sintered NdFeB at room temperature but far better thermal stability and corrosion resistance, so they appear in high-temperature traction, turboelectric and auxiliary machines. The library already has NdFeB magnets as the volume automotive default. This page is the SmCo family (1:5 and 2:17 chemistries) used when grade, coating and cooling of NdFeB are not enough. Cobalt content and samarium supply make them more expensive; they are chosen on temperature, not cost. Buyable forms are sintered blocks, segments and bonded powder. They are processed magnets, not elemental samarium or cobalt.
Automotive Applications
Similar Materials
NdFeB Magnets
Rare-Earth Permanent Magnet
Sintered neodymium-iron-boron permanent magnets for traction motors, distinct from elemental neodymium.
Cobalt
Transition Metal
A hard, lustrous metal that is a critical component in lithium-ion battery cathodes used in electric and hybrid vehicles.
Copper
Pure Copper
Highly conductive metal essential for electrical systems
Dysprosium
Rare Earth Element
A heavy rare earth element added to neodymium-iron-boron permanent magnets to improve high-temperature performance in EV traction motors.
Properties
Category
Type
Rare-Earth Permanent Magnet
Available Forms
Key Properties
- High-temperature remanence retention
- Better corrosion resistance than uncoated NdFeB
- Lower energy product than NdFeB at ambient
- Distinct from NdFeB magnets
- Sintered or bonded rare-earth magnet
- Cobalt- and samarium-bearing