Cast vs. Sintered Alnico Magnets

1. Cast vs. Sintered Alnico Magnets Size parameters can range from 1 ounce to 70 pounds Alnico is actually an acronym that refers to a family of iron alloys that are made mostly of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt. Alnico magnets were first developed in the 1940s and this class of magnets is still a desirable material because of temperature stability, resistance to corrosion and high magnetic flux density. Before rare- earth magnets were created, alnico magnets were the strongest type of magnet available. its outstanding Alnico alloys can be magnetized in order to product strong magnetic fields. The magnetic field strength at the poles of an alnico magnet can go as high as 1500 gauss (0.15 tesla), which is approximately 3000 times the strength of the magnetic field of Earth. Sintered Alnico Sintered alnico is made from a powdered mixture of ingredients that are put into a die and placed under incredible pressure. This allows for the magnets to be manufactured with higher mechanical strength and to tighter tolerances. Attributes of sintered alnico magnets are: Alnico magnets are manufactured in one of two ways: through a casting process or through a sintering process: Cast Alnico ARGUS MAGNETICS, Inc. When they are made through a casting process, it allows for the magnet to be manufactured into very complicated and complex shapes. Cast alnico is melted down and then poured into a mold. Once it has become solid, it is rough ground and then heat-treated and cooled. This is sometimes done in a magnetic field, and the end result is called anisotropic. If the cast magnet is not heat-treated in a magnetic field, it is called isotropic. Once it has been heat-treated and cooled, it can then be ground for precise tolerances and then magnetized. Attributes of cast alnico magnets are: Office: 10216 Werch Drive #108 Woodridge, IL 60517, USA Call: 630-313-4769 Fax: 630-313-4781 Email: sales@argusintl.com Website: www.argusmagnetics.com Will cast to many different shapes and sizes 