AlNiCo Magnets

Manufactured by traditional foundry methods, Alnico magnets are produced from complex alloys of Aluminium, Nickel, Cobalt, Copper and Iron.

Although newer generations of permanent magnet materials have higher energy levels, Alnico magnets still offer the best temperature stability of any available magnetic material, which together with its high magnetic flux density, ensures that Alnico remains the material of choice for many applications.

Sintered Alnico are made with a powdered metal process. Lower grades are isotropic, which can be magnetized in any direction. The powder metal version of Alnico allows for easier integration of features since a tool is used and the magnet is finished to near net shape.

Cast Alnico magnets are cast in sand moulds and usually require finish grinding. Casting Alnico is the most typical manufacturing method and most cast Alncio is “orientated” and anisotropic. This means that the magnet can only be magnetized in one direction, but this improves the magnetic strength

Alnico as a permanent magnet material

Alnico is a well-established permanent magnet material manufactured from complex alloys of aluminium, nickel, cobalt, copper and iron. Despite the development of newer magnet materials with higher energy products, Alnico remains a preferred solution in applications where temperature stability and magnetic consistency are critical.

Temperature stability and magnetic performance

One of the key advantages of an Alnico permanent magnet is its exceptional temperature stability. Compared to many other magnetic materials, Alnico maintains stable magnetic properties across a wide temperature range. Combined with its high magnetic flux density, this makes Alnico suitable for demanding environments where performance must remain consistent over time.

Sintered and cast Alnico magnets

Sintered Alnico magnets are produced using a powdered metal process. Lower grades are isotropic and can be magnetized in any direction, while the tooling-based process allows for near net shape production and easier integration of mechanical features.
Cast Alnico magnets are manufactured using traditional sand mould casting. This is the most common production method, and most cast Alnico magnets are anisotropic and oriented in one magnetic direction. While this limits magnetization direction, it significantly improves magnetic strength and overall performance as a permanent magnet.

Typical applications

Alnico permanent magnets are widely used in sensors, measuring instruments, electric motors and other electromechanical systems where thermal stability and long-term reliability are essential. Sura Magnets supplies both sintered and cast Alnico solutions, supporting customers in selecting the optimal permanent magnet based on performance requirements and application conditions.