Alnico Magnets

Alnico Magnet Features & Characteristics

• What are the main characteristics of alnico magnets? Alnico magnets offer high magnetic strength, energies but low coercivities. They are less brittle than Rare Earth magnets, are highly resistant to corrosion, have excellent temperature stability and can be used at very high temperatures. Manufactured through either a casting or sintering process, they can be made into complex shapes (such as horseshoe shapes) that are not possible with other magnet materials.


• What grades & shapes are available for alnico magnets? Grades 5 and 8 are the most commonly used Alnico grades. Non-standard shapes can be custom fabricated to blueprint specifications from raw stock in sintered, or cast forms, & we can custom manufacture virtually any shape & size to meet your specialty requirements. Send us a request for quote, and we'll work with you to determine the most economical way to manufacture your specialty project.


• Are there machining constraints for alnico magnets? Alnico magnets are hard and brittle, and prone to chipping & cracking. They require very careful machining & it is not generally recommended that these materials be used for structural or decorative purposes. Machining or drilling cannot be accomplished by ordinary methods. Cutting & grinding should be done prior to magnetizing. Holes must be made by EDM methods. We are fully equipped to machine these materials to your blueprint specifications.


• What are some common applications for alnico magnets? Instrumentation, meters, microwave devices, actuators, holding devices, sensors, are among the most common applications for Alnico magnets.


• Do alnico magnets require surface treatments? Alnico magnets do not typically require a protective coating or plating since they exhibit excellent resistance to corrosion.


• What are some safety precautions that should be taken into consideration when working with alnico magnets? Special care should be taken to assure that these magnets are not subjected to adverse repelling fields, since these could partially demagnetize the magnets. If Alnicos are partially demagnetized, they may be easily re-magnetized.


• What is a permanent magnet? Permanent magnets represent the majority of magnetic materials available today. A permanent magnet is made from ferromagnetic materials, which have magnetic fields that do not turn on and off like electromagnets. We carry a large stock inventory of permanent magnets; neodymium, alnico, ceramic (ferrite) and samarium cobalt, available in a wide range of sizes, shapes and grades.


• What is the standard dimensional tolerance for alnico magnets? Generally, the standard dimensional tolerance for Alnico Magnets is +/-0.005" on diameter, width & thickness dimensions and +/-0.015" on length dimensions.

Alnico Magnet Manufacturing Methods

Alnico magnets are manufactured through either a casting or sintering process. They can be made into complex shapes such as horseshoes, which is not possible to do with other magnet materials.

Applications for Alnico Magnets

Alnico magnets are relatively high in magnetic strength and offer excellent temperature stability (they can be used in temperatures up to 1000°F/500°C). They are ideal for industrial, technical and consumer applications, where temperature stability is critical. Common applications for alnico magnets include:

Custom Alnico Magnets - How Can We Help?

We carry a large inventory of alnico disc magnets, alnico rod magnets, and alnico bar magnets in assorted sizes and shapes, not all of which is shown on this website. In addition, we can custom manufacture alnico magnets to your exact specifications. Contact us today or send us a special request, and our experienced team of engineers will work with you to determine the best solution for your specialty project. Our sister company, Integrated Magnetics, has over 60 years of expertise in manufacturing complex magnetic assemblies for more technical applications.