AlNiCo magnets are composed of Aluminum, Nickel,Cobalt, and a few transition metals. They have excellent temperature stability, high residual induction, and relatively high energies. AlNiCo
magnets may be manufactured in complex shapes, such as horseshoes, not possible with other magnet materials. They represent the most versatile magnets available.

Manufacturing Process

Alnico magnets are manufactured through either casting or sintering processes. Cast magnets are manufactured by pouring a molten metal alloy into a mold and then further processing it through various heat-treat cycles. The resulting magnet has a dark gray exterior appearance, and may have a rough surface. Machined surfaces have a shiny appearance similar to steel. Sintered magnets are manufactured by compacting fine Alnico powder in a press, and then sintering
the compacted powder into a solid magnet.

Machining & Tolerance

Alnico magnets are hard and brittle, and prone to chipping and cracking. Special machining techniques must be used to machine this material. The Standard tolerances for Alnico magnets are +/- 0.1mm for ground dimensions, but sticter tolerances are possible if specially required.

Surface treatments

The corrosion resistance of Alnico is considered excellent , and no surface treatments are required. However, Alnico magnets are easily plated if specially required.

Magnetizing & Packing

Alnico magnets require magnetizing fields of about 3kOe. Because of their relatively low coercivities, Alnico magnets should be packed properly in order to assure that these magnets are not subjected to adverse repelling fields, since these could partially demagnetize the magnets.