An alnico magnet is a type of permanent magnet that is made up of a combination of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt. Its name is derived from the first two letters of each of these metals. Alnico magnets were first developed in the 1930s and were one of the first types of permanent magnets to be widely used in industry.
Alnico magnets have a high magnetic flux density and are known for their excellent temperature stability, which makes them well-suited for use in high-temperature applications. They are also corrosion-resistant, which means they can be used in harsh environments without deteriorating over time.
Alnico magnets are typically made through a process called casting or sintering, where the raw materials are melted and then poured into a mold or pressed into a shape. The magnet is then cooled slowly to create a solid magnet. Once formed, alnico magnets can be magnetized in either direction and can maintain their magnetization even when exposed to high temperatures.
Alnico magnets are commonly used in a variety of applications, including electric motors, generators, speakers, and sensors. They are also used in many household items, such as refrigerator magnets and guitar pickups. Alnico magnets are often used in applications where high magnetic strength is required, but the size and weight of the magnet are not a concern.
Overall, alnico magnets are a reliable and versatile type of magnet that is well-suited for use in high-temperature and high-stress environments. They have been used for decades in a variety of applications and continue to be a valuable resource in modern technology and industry.
Custom magnets and magnetic assemblies, factory-direct. PPAP and ISO 9001 documentation available.
Start a Custom Order →10M+ magnets stocked on both coasts, fixed-rate pricing up to 1 year, credit terms and blanket orders.
Talk to Sales →Start with Magnets 101, work up to 201, then test yourself against the grade selector in the Knowledge Base.
Open the Knowledge Base →The 26 most-used guides are listed here. The full library runs to 68 guides and 25 tools, all filterable in one place.
Browse All Resources →Our free iOS app puts the full catalog and tools in your pocket.
Download on the App Store →True radial magnetization, ISO 9001, U.S. inventory on both coasts, same-day shipping by 2PM EST.
Why Radial Magnets →