AlNiCo, short for Aluminum-Nickel-Cobalt, forms a non-rare earth permanent magnetic material, blending Aluminum, Nickel, Cobalt, and Iron. Once the cornerstone of the permanent magnet industry, AlNiCo magnets led until rare earth magnets emerged. Manufacturers produce AlNiCo magnets via two main routes: sintering for precision and casting for versatility, with the cast AlNiCo magnet being the more prevalent choice for diverse applications.
The cast AlNiCo magnet takes shape by pouring molten AlNiCo alloy into a resin-bonded sand mold, followed by a series of heat treatment cycles. This process yields a magnet with a dark grey or black, textured surface, though machining reveals a smooth, bright metallic sheen distinctive to its composition.
Compared to sintered versions, a cast AlNiCo magnet delivers superior magnetic strength. Cast AlNiCo 5, the most popular grade, excels at channeling energy efficiently, outperforming other grades and making it a cost-effective option for many magnetic systems.
