SmCo Magnet Grade Comparison Chart: Matching International Specs to Chinese Equivalents

Buyers Sourcing Directly from China

Previously, purchasing Samarium Cobalt magnets from China was straightforward. Under the new regulations, even finished products are subject to strict export controls.

• The Challenge: Obtaining the necessary export licenses introduces procedural delays, directly affecting availability and extending lead times.

• The Reality: While the manufacturing capacity exists, the logistics cycle has lengthened.

Buyers Sourcing from International Suppliers

Many engineers specify a SmCo magnet grade from well-known international suppliers (in Europe, the US, or Japan), whose part numbers are already integrated into system designs and drawings.

• The Challenge: It is important to note that China almost monopolizes the refining and supply of Samarium. The new restrictions also cover Samarium metal—the essential raw material for Samarium Cobalt magnets.

• The Reality: International suppliers, who rely on imported Samarium metal, now face a raw material bottleneck. Without access to the feedstock, their ability to produce these specified grades is severely compromised.

Recommendation: Collaborate with the Source

Given that international suppliers face fundamental raw material shortages, while compliant Chinese suppliers face only procedural licensing steps, we recommend that customers continue to collaborate with Chinese suppliers to ensure reliable Samarium Cobalt magnets export.

Once the export license is secured, Chinese manufacturers remain the most stable source for these magnets.

To assist in this transition, the following chart cross-references common international designations to their equivalent Chinese SmCo magnet grades.

The following tables provide a direct performance mapping between Chinese equivalent grades and widely used international specifications.

This chart covers equivalents for popular market references, including grades found in the Recoma^® (Arnold), Vacomax^® (VAC), and EEC product lines. These Chinese equivalents are engineered to match the magnetic properties and temperature stability of their Western counterparts.

(Note: Recoma^®, Vacomax^®, and other brand names mentioned are trademarks of their respective owners. They are listed here for reference purposes only to assist engineers in identifying compatible material specifications.)

The comparison charts above represent the most common industry standards. However, in the current market, replacing a legacy grade requires more than just matching parameters—it requires supply chain security.

While international manufacturers face feedstock bottlenecks, SDM Magnetics leverages China’s integrated rare earth supply chain to maintain a stable production of Samarium Cobalt magnets. We combine this raw material advantage with expert export compliance to provide:

• Drop-in Replacements: Immediate alternatives for discontinued or long-lead-time international grades.

• Custom Formulation: Tailored solutions for specific temperature coefficients or dimension constraints found in legacy drawings.

• Export Compliance: Full support in navigating the latest Dual-Use export regulations to ensure your magnets clear customs smoothly.