Soft Magnetic Composites (SMCs) - SDM Magnetics Co., Ltd.

Ι What Are Soft Magnetic Composites (SMCs)?

Soft magnetic composites (SMCs), often called magnetic powder cores, fall under metallic soft magnetic materials, utilizing metallic soft magnetic powders as their base. They blend the strengths of traditional metallic materials and soft ferrites. Metallic materials offer high saturated magnetic flux density and permeability, ideal for compact designs, but their low resistivity causes eddy current losses at high frequencies. Soft ferrites, with high resistivity, excel in high-frequency uses yet lack density, demanding larger volumes.

Thanks to an insulating layer, SMCs achieve elevated resistivity, while their metallic powder ensures robust magnetic flux density. This synergy enables SMCs to deliver both high-frequency efficiency and miniaturization, making them versatile for advanced magnetic applications requiring compact, high-performance solutions.

Manufacturing Process of Soft Magnetic Composites (SMCs)

Soft magnetic composites begin with metallic soft magnetic powders coated in an electrically insulating layer. These powders, blended with binders and lubricants, form SMCs through high-pressure compaction for optimal density. After shaping, the composites undergo heat treatment, followed by specialized insulating coatings to finalize soft magnetic composites’ production.

Classifications and Performance Metrics of SMCs

Soft magnetic composites derive their names from the metallic soft magnetic powders they employ. As these materials have evolved, SMCs have diversified, leading to standardized and serialized varieties. Popular types of SMCs include iron powder cores, carbonyl iron powder cores, Sendust cores, XFlux cores, High Flux cores, MPP cores, and amorphous/nanocrystalline cores.

Type	Effective permeability	Loss @ 50kHz, 100mT (mW/cm³)	Loss @ 100kHz, 100mT (mW/cm³)	DC bias characteristic @100Oe (60μ)	Curie temperature (℃)	Saturated magnetic flux density (T)	Density (g/cm³)
Iron powder cores	10-100	300-1000	1300-1800	40%	750	0.5-1.4	3.3-7.2
Carbonyl iron powder cores	9	–	–	99% (9μ)	–	0.5	5.1
Sendust cores	26-160	200-300	700-800	45%	500	1.05	6.15
XFlux cores	26-90	300-500	800-1000	74%	700	1.5	7.5
High Flux cores	14-160	260-300	800-1100	67%	500	1.5	7.6
MPP cores	14-550	120-200	500-650	54%	460	0.75	8
Amorphous/Nanocrystalline cores	26-90	200-310	550-650	70%	400	1.05	6

Properties of Höganäs Somaloy® Soft Magnetic Composites

The realm of soft magnetic composites (SMCs) presents a diverse array of materials, each delivering distinct magnetic characteristics for a variety of uses. Iron-based SMCs have seen notable progress, with Höganäs gaining acclaim for its cutting-edge production techniques and extensive application in motor systems. Höganäs’ Somaloy^® materials stand out for their dependability and efficiency, appealing to engineers designing high-performance solutions. Whether you’re new to SMCs or refining motor technologies, this section showcases Höganäs’ SMC grade specifications, providing comprehensive performance metrics to meet your project requirements.

Höganäs Somaloy^® soft magnetic composite powders are graded using the “Somaloy^®” trademark followed by a three-digit code, occasionally with extra letters or numbers. The code indicates the material category, tailored for permeability and core loss optimization. Letters like “i” or “HR” signal improvements such as better insulation or high resistivity, while “1P,” “3P,” or “5P” denote performance tiers based on coating and processing: “1P” prioritizes mechanical durability, “3P” balances strength and permeability, and “5P” minimizes losses, especially at elevated frequencies.

Material	Density g/cm³	Resistivity μOhm·m	TRS MPa	B@10000A/m T	μ_max	T_max ℃	Core losses @ 1 T (W/kg)
							Cross-section 5x5mm				15×15 mm
							100 Hz	400 Hz	1000 Hz	2000 Hz	1000 Hz
Large particles #40
Somaloy 700HR 5P	7.50	700	60	1.57	600	650	6.6	30	92	241	106
Somaloy 1000 5P	7.52	90	65	1.59	720	650	6.6	31	103	–	217
Somaloy 700HR 1P	7.45	1000	35	1.53	440	550	10.0	43	125	307	136
Somaloy 700 1P	7.45	400	40	1.56	540	550	9.9	43	126	312	152
Somaloy 700HR 3P	7.52	600	120	1.57	770	550	10.4	45	130	319	147
Somaloy 700 3P	7.57	200	125	1.61	850	550	10.2	45	132	331	183
Somaloy 1000 3P	7.56	70	140	1.63	950	550	10.3	46	143	–	288
Medium particles #100
Somaloy 130i 5P	7.44	20000	35	1.47	350	650	8.0	93	205	24	94
Somaloy 130i 1P	7.35	8000	33	1.40	290	550	12.0	132	264	29	134
Somaloy 500 1P	7.37	70	50	1.51	500	550	12.6	156	387	–	305
Fine particles #200
Somaloy 110i 1P	7.26	7600	34	1.33	220	550	14.4	153	276	27	155
Somaloy 110i 5P	7.30	18000	42	1.33	220	650	9.9	108	209	18	109

Advantages of Soft Magnetic Composites (SMCs)

Unique 3D magnetic and electrical properties which enable low iron loss at high frequency.
Opening the possibilities of compact design by utilizing 3D geometry.
Perfect for high volume mass production, enable simple net-shaping production with high material utilization ratio and reduced need for secondary operations.
Low total cost, size, and weight.
Enhanced assembly capabilities.

2025-11-21 Rare Earth Price Info
November 21, 2025

Ι What Are Soft Magnetic Composites (SMCs)?

Manufacturing Process of Soft Magnetic Composites (SMCs)

Insulation Treatment

Mixing

Compaction

Heat Treatment

Secondary Processing

Packaging and Shipping

Classifications and Performance Metrics of SMCs

Properties of Höganäs Somaloy® Soft Magnetic Composites

Advantages of Soft Magnetic Composites (SMCs)