Samarium Cobalt magnets are manufactured through powder metallurgy. The process begins with vacuum induction melting to produce the alloy, followed by crushing and jet milling to obtain fine powder. The powder is then filled into molds and pressed in the presence of a magnetic field so that the particles are oriented before sintering.
After pressing, the compacted green body is densified in a vacuum sintering furnace. The subsequent heat treatment process differs between SmCo5 and Sm2Co17 magnets, and this difference plays an important role in achieving their final magnetic properties. In general, Sm2Co17 magnets require a more complex heat treatment route than SmCo5 magnets.
After heat treatment, the sintered blanks are machined to the required shapes and then magnetized for use.
See how Samarium Cobalt magnets are made in detail.
Samarium Cobalt magnets are mainly divided into two material systems: SmCo5 and Sm2Co17. Although both belong to the SmCo magnet family, they differ in composition, magnetic performance, temperature capability, and processing route.
In general, SmCo5 magnets are suitable for applications that require excellent temperature stability and corrosion resistance, while Sm2Co17 magnets are more often selected when higher magnetic performance and more demanding high-temperature performance are required. The choice between these two systems depends on the required magnetic output, operating conditions, and cost considerations. For a more detailed comparison, see our article on SmCo5 vs. Sm2Co17.
Samarium Cobalt magnets are available in a wide range of grades with different magnetic characteristics. Their performance is commonly evaluated by parameters such as remanence, coercivity, intrinsic coercivity, and maximum energy product. In practice, selecting the right SmCo grade depends on the required magnetic output, operating temperature, and application design.
The grade of Samarium Cobalt magnets is typically specified by alloy composition, number, and letter. In general, the number indicates the maximum energy product, while the letter is related to intrinsic coercivity. Some special grades, such as LTC grades, are designed to provide lower variation in magnetic output over temperature changes.
Samarium Cobalt magnets are known for their excellent temperature stability, strong resistance to demagnetization, and good resistance to corrosion and oxidation. These characteristics make them suitable for many demanding applications where reliable magnetic performance is required under harsh operating conditions.
At the same time, Samarium Cobalt magnets are brittle materials with relatively poor mechanical properties. They are prone to cracking and chipping during machining, handling, and assembly, so their mechanical limitations should be considered carefully in product design.
In general, SmCo5 magnets offer better machinability than Sm2Co17 magnets, while Sm2Co17 magnets are often selected when higher magnetic performance and more demanding temperature capability are required.
The table below shows typical physical property differences between SmCo5 and Sm2Co17 magnets.
Samarium Cobalt magnets are well known for their outstanding temperature stability and excellent corrosion resistance. Compared with Neodymium magnets, they are more suitable for applications that require reliable magnetic performance at elevated temperatures and in corrosive environments.
These characteristics make Samarium Cobalt magnets especially suitable for applications where high temperature resistance and long-term environmental stability are critical. In many cases, additional protective coating is unnecessary, although special finishes may still be used for appearance, cleanliness, or specific application requirements.
If you are still comparing Samarium Cobalt magnets with Neodymium magnets, see our guide to Neodymium Magnets vs. Samarium Cobalt Magnets.
Samarium Cobalt magnet assemblies combine Samarium Cobalt magnets with shafts, housings, sleeves, carriers, or other functional parts to create integrated magnetic components for specific applications. For projects that require better dimensional consistency, reduced assembly complexity, or closer coordination between magnetic performance and mechanical structure, this route can be more practical than sourcing raw magnets alone.
Samarium Cobalt magnets require a stronger external magnetic field for saturation than Neodymium magnets, especially high-coercivity Sm2Co17 magnets. For this reason, they are typically magnetized by fast impulse magnetization before being used in their final applications. Magnetizing Samarium Cobalt magnets also requires magnetizing equipment with sufficient capacity to generate the necessary field strength.
Samarium Cobalt magnets have a preferred magnetization direction, and different pole configurations can be achieved as long as they do not conflict with the preset orientation direction. In practical applications, however, the design and capability of the magnetizing fixture often become the key factors that limit the achievable multipole magnetization pattern.
Samarium Cobalt magnets are widely used in demanding applications that require high magnetic performance, excellent temperature stability, and long-term reliability. They are especially suitable for products and systems operating in harsh environments where corrosion resistance and stable magnetic output are critical.
Choosing the right Samarium Cobalt magnet depends on several factors, including the required magnetic output, operating temperature, magnet shape, dimensional requirements, and magnetization direction. In many cases, magnetic performance, temperature capability, and corrosion resistance should be considered together during the selection process.
It is also important to determine whether SmCo5 or Sm2Co17 is more suitable for the application. SmCo5 magnets are generally easier to machine, while Sm2Co17 magnets are often selected when higher magnetic performance and more demanding high-temperature performance are required. Mechanical limitations, assembly conditions, and cost considerations may also affect the final choice.
If you need help selecting the right grade, material system, shape, or magnetization direction, feel free to contact us for technical support and product recommendations.
See the price trend of Samarium Cobalt magnets.
For projects involving export-controlled Samarium Cobalt magnets from China, planning the right supply path early can save time and reduce uncertainty. We aim to help customers move projects forward more smoothly by reviewing the application scenario, clarifying documentation needs, and discussing workable supply options at an early stage.
We have already been following these changes closely and continue to update related progress on our website as policies, licensing practices, and supply-chain conditions evolve. For some projects, supplying a finished magnetic assembly rather than raw magnet material may be a more practical option, especially when a clearer end-use presentation is important.
If you are sourcing Samarium Cobalt magnets from China, contact us early to discuss your application, documentation path, and whether a finished magnetic assembly may be the better solution for your project.
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