
Magnetic alloys are materials capable of producing magnetic fields for long periods of time. Limited elements present in the earth's crust are capable of producing magnetic alloys with permanent magnetic properties at ambient temperatures. Elements such as iron, cobalt, nickel and rare earth metals are the major chemical elements used in the production of magnetic alloys. Magnetic alloys possess various useful properties, which enables their usage in a number of industries. They offer good resistance to corrosion and can be used in high temperature applications (up to 500oC). Magnetic alloys can be categorized into various types, depending on the type of element used in the magnetic alloy. Alnico magnetic alloys comprise elements such as iron, nickel, cobalt and aluminum and find applications in the aerospace industry, military and proprietary designs. Rare earth magnetic alloys comprise two of the most rare earth metals, i.e. samarium and neodymium. They consist of samarium cobalt and neodymium iron boron magnets. Neodymium magnetic alloys offer a wide operating temperature range of 80 – 200oC, depending on the application. Neodymium magnetic alloys are generally used in audio devices, motors for novelties and hard disc drives. Other magnetic alloys such as ceramic and bonded type are used in industries such as automotive and steel.