What Is Samarium Cobalt Powder? Samarium Cobalt (SmCo) is a rare earth magnetic material used to manufacture high-performance permanent magnets. Known for its exceptional thermal stability, corrosion resistance, and strong magnetic force, SmCo magnets are ideal for demanding environments like aerospace, defense systems, medical devices, and high-temperature motors. The powder form of Samarium Cobalt is typically synthesized through a rapid solidification or mechanical alloying process, resulting in irregular or flaky particles that must be tightly classified before being compacted or sintered into finished magnets.
Contract Manufacturing Experience
To achieve the desired magnetic performance and material density, particle size distribution of SmCo powder must be extremely controlled. Powders often need to be screened to below 44 microns, and in some applications, down to 10 microns or finer, depending on the sintering technique and magnet geometry. Uniformity in particle size ensures consistent packing density, magnetic field orientation, and structural strength in the final component.
Elcan Industries has experience handling rare earth powders like Samarium Cobalt using its Hi-Sifter high energy screening machine technology, which applies intense vertical energy to prevent screen mesh blinding and screen fine, abrasive materials down to 10 microns. The energy input is critical for processing flaky, angular powders like SmCo without damaging the mesh or compromising yield. When particle sizes below 10µm are required, Elcan’s Elbow Jet Air Classifier offers a no-screen solution, ideal for separating ultra-fine powder fractions while maintaining purity and consistency. To protect against contamination, the CG Electromagnetic Separator can be used to eliminate ferrous impurities before sieving—particularly important when purity levels directly impact magnetic strength and reliability.
All processing takes place at our ISO 9001-certified toll processing facility in Tuckahoe, NY, with the ability to run both R&D trials and full-scale commercial batches.