Magnet materials briefly: ferrite, neodymium and SmCo – properties and applications

Whether for creative craft projects, practical household solutions or technical applications - magnets are versatile helpers in everyday life. In the world of magnets, the magnet materials used play a decisive role in their performance and possible applications. Three magnet materials stand out in particular: Ferrite, neodymium and samarium cobalt (SmCo).

Each of these materials has unique magnetic properties that qualify it for specific applications. We explain the differences between these magnet types, examine their manufacturing processes, magnetic strength, temperature resistance and typical fields of application. Whether you are looking for extra strong neodymium magnets or are interested in the variety and differences of all different types of magnets - this comparison will give you a comprehensive overview.

Find out what makes these magnetic materials so special and in which situations they best demonstrate their respective strengths.

Ferrite magnets: The cost-effective All-rounders

Ferrite magnets, also known as ceramic magnets, are widely used permanent magnets. The material is characterized by its magnet cost efficiency and versatile application areas as a magnet material all-rounder.

Production and composition

Ferrite magnets are mainly made of the materials iron oxide and strontium carbonate or barium carbonate. The manufacturing process involves pressing the powder mixture into the desired shape and then sintering it at high temperatures. This process gives the magnets their characteristic magnetic properties.

Magnetic properties

Although ferrite magnets have lower magnetic strength compared to neodymium or SmCo magnets, they still offer some notable advantages:

● High coercive field strength, which makes it resistant to demagnetization
● Good temperature resistance up to 250°C
● Excellent corrosion resistance

Areas of application

Due to its low manufacturing costs and robust properties, ferrite is used as a magnet material in numerous applications:

● Engines and generators
● Magnetic cell phone holders for the car
● Magnetic clasps
● Advertising magnets and refrigerator magnets

Neodymium magnets: The power packs among permanent magnets

Neodymium magnets, also known as NdFeB or NIB magnets, are the strongest commercially available permanent magnets.

Production and composition

This magnet material is made of an alloy of neodymium, iron and boron (Nd2Fe14B). The manufacturing process is complex and involves melting the raw materials, rapid cooling, grinding into fine powder, pressing into shape and finally sintering.

Magnetic properties

Magnets made of neodymium material are characterized by their exceptional magnetic strength:

● Strongest permanent magnets available
● High adhesive strength despite small size
● Sensitive to high temperatures (usually usable up to 80°C)

Areas of application

Due to their enormous power, neodymium magnet materials are used in many high-tech applications, but they also often appear in everyday life: 

● Magnetic closures for jewelry or bags
● Strong magnets for tools or keys
● Magnetic name tags or buttons
● Medical devices (e.g. MRI scanners)

In the magnet shop you will find a wide selection of neodymium magnets in different shapes and strengths, ideal for technical and creative projects.

SmCo magnets: The specialists for extreme conditions

Magnets made of samarium cobalt (SmCo) material are high-performance magnets that are particularly characterized by their temperature resistance.

Production and composition

SmCo magnets are made from an alloy of samarium, a rare earth metal, and cobalt. The manufacturing process is similar to that of neodymium magnets, but the material requires even higher temperatures during sintering.

Magnetic properties

SmCo magnets offer a unique combination of properties:

● Very high magnetic strength (between ferrite and neodymium)
● Exceptional temperature resistance (up to 350°C)
● Excellent corrosion resistance
● High Curie temperature (temperature at which the magnetic properties are lost)

Areas of application

Due to their special properties, SmCo magnets are often used in demanding environments:

● High-temperature environments
● Precision instruments
● High-quality sensors in cars or household appliances

Although this magnet material is more expensive to produce, it offers unmatched performance under extreme conditions.

AlNiCo: The classic among permanent magnets

AlNiCo magnets, which are an alloy of aluminum, nickel and cobalt, were widely used before the development of rare earth magnets. They are characterized by these points:

● Very good temperature stability (up to 450°C)
● High remanence, but low coercive field strength
● Good corrosion resistance

Despite competition from modern magnetic materials, AlNiCo magnets are still used in special areas where the unique properties of the magnetic material are in demand.

Magnetic force comparison of the different magnet materials

The magnetic force of the different materials varies considerably. Extra strong neodymium magnets clearly outperform all other permanent magnet materials. A small disc magnet made of neodymium, for example, can develop a holding force, that is many times higher than a ferrite magnet of the same size. This extreme strength makes neodymium magnets particularly attractive for applications that require a high magnetic force in a very small space.

Coercivity and magnetic stability of magnet materials

The coercive field strength is an important parameter for the stability of a magnet. It indicates how resistant the magnet material is to demagnetization by an external magnetic field. Ferrite and neodymium magnets have a high coercive field strength, which makes them particularly robust against demagnetization. SmCo magnets are in the middle range, while AlNiCo magnets have a low coercive field strength.

Comparison of magnet materials

To better illustrate the properties of the different magnet materials, here is a comparative table:

Practical tips for buying and using magnetic materials

● Choose the right strength: For light tasks like holding notes, ferrite magnets are often sufficient. For stronger holding power, go for neodymium magnets.
● Consider the size: Smaller neodymium magnets can often provide the same force as larger ferrite magnets.
● Consider the temperature: If you plan to use magnets in warm environments, ferrite or SmCo magnets are a better choice.
● Corrosion protection: Make sure neodymium magnets have a coating if you plan to use them in humid environments.
● Safety first: Strong magnets can interfere with electronic devices and cause injury if handled improperly. Keep them out of the reach of children and away from electronic devices.

Safety when handling strong magnets

Care must be taken when handling extra strong magnets, especially neodymium magnets. The strong magnetic field of the material can not only affect electronic devices but can also lead to injuries if fingers get caught between two attracting magnets. It is therefore advisable to always store magnets individually and at a safe distance from each other.

Storing magnets correctly

Proper storage of magnets is crucial to their longevity and performance. Here are some tips for storing your magnets: 

● Dry environment: Store your magnets in a dry environment to avoid corrosion.
● Temperature control: Avoid extreme temperatures that can affect the magnetic properties.
● Separate storage: Store strong magnets individually to prevent accidental attraction.
● Soft magnetic shielding: For particularly sensitive magnet materials, shielding made of soft magnetic material can be useful.

Magnetic solutions for home crafters

Magnets offer a wide range of uses for home crafters and hobbyists. From organizing tools in the workshop to creative DIY projects – magnets can be useful in many areas:

● Magnetic toolbars: Organize your tools efficiently with magnetic strips.
● Hidden attachments: Use magnets for invisible attachments in furniture or decorations.
● Magnetic clasps: Create elegant locking solutions for cabinets or jewelry boxes.