Alnico Magnets
What are alnico magnets?
While alnico magnets have largely been replaced by stronger rare-earth magnets, alnico is still commonly used in the manufacturing of sensors, guitar pickups, relays, and high-temperature handling equipment. Alnico magnets play a critical part in all electro-permanent magnetic chucks and lifting magnets.
Alnico magnets are permanent magnets that are primarily made up of a combination of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt but can also include copper, iron, and titanium. alnico magnets are available in either isotropic or anisotropic versions. The isotropic variety can be magnetised in any direction while anisotropic Alnico magnets can only be magnetised in one pre-defined direction and have a higher magnetic performance.
About Alnico magnets
Alnico magnets are electrically conductive, unlike ceramic/ferrite magnets. To their advantage, alnico magnets though still brittle are typically less brittle than most rare-earth magnets and produce a strong magnetic field. They can also operate at the highest temperatures of any magnetic material, keeping their magnetism even when red hot! However, they are more easily demagnetised than ceramic or rare-earth magnets.
Key Benefits:
- A high maximum temperature of 520°C
- Electrical conductive
- Do not rust
Key Challenges:
- Brittle
- Small resistance against demagnetization
Uses:
- Electric motors
- Microphones
- Sensors
- Loudspeakers
- Cow Magnets