Understanding the magnetic properties of AlNiCo magnets is essential for selecting the right grade for specific applications. AlNiCo magnets have many trade names used for naming the grades like Columax, Alcomax, Hycomax, Ticonal, etc. Most people still know AlNiCo magnet under MMPA class names such as Alnico 2, Alnico 3, Alnico 5, Alnico 5DG, Alnico 8, Alnico 8HC, and Alnico 9. Grades of AlNiCo vary in Cobalt content which ranges from zero (Alnico 3) and 40% (Alnico 8). Lower grades (2, 3 and 4) are unoriented and their magnetic properties are isotropic. Therefore, their magnetic output is relatively low. Anisotropic grades (5, 6, 8 and 9) are intended to produce high magnetic output in the specific direction.
Chinese nomenclature system has given cast AlNiCo magnets starting with the letters LNG or LNGT followed by a number. The letters LNGT are the acronym for Aluminum, Nickel, Cobalt, and Titanium in Chinese phonetic alphabet, respectively. The latter number that follows represent the minimum value of the maximum energy product (BH)max of the magnet in SI unit “kJ/m3”. The is letter J tagged on the end determine the high coercivity. For sintered AlNiCo magnets, the letter F is the acronym for sintered powder material in Chinese phonetic alphabet.
