Q: Do alnico V magnets corrode?
A: They are so resistant to corrosion that even when exposed to motor oil, solvents, petrol and alcohol, they do not corrode.
Q: What is the difference between alnico 2 and alnico 5?
A: AlNiCo V has a stronger magnetic pull than AlNiCo II or III. This translates into tighter low end response and a more aggressive, edgy tone. A good way to imagine the difference between alnico V magnets is to compare them to shocks in a car.
Q: How do you store alnico V magnets?
A: Alnico V magnets should be stored in a low humidity and mild temperature environment. The magnetized Alnico alloy is very strong and it will attract ferrous particle from the air and surrounding surfaces. These particles will accumulate and appear as small "hairs" on the surface of the magnet or packaging.
Q: Can you machine alnico V magnets?
A: Machining alnico is hard and brittle, and prone to chipping and cracking. Special machining techniques must be used to machine this material. Holes must be made by EDM methods. We are fully equipped to machine these materials to your blueprint specifications.
Q: What is the maximum temperature for alnico V magnets?
A: Alnico V magnets can be used for continuous duty applications where temperature extremes of up to 930°F (500°C) can be expected. Temperatures above 1000°F will result in permanent metallurgical changes which can only be recovered by reheat treating.
Q: How strong are alnico V magnets?
A: Sintered anisotropic alnico V magnets have a maximum energy product range of 4.45-5.5 MGOe while stronger cast anisotropic alnico V magnets range from 4.25-10 MGOe. Anisotropic magnets have their direction of magnetism permanently set during their manufacturing process giving them a stronger magnetic performance.
Q: What are the main characteristics of alnico V magnets?
A: Alnico V magnets offer high magnetic strength, energies but low coercivities. They are less brittle than Rare Earth magnets, are highly resistant to corrosion, have excellent temperature stability and can be used at very high temperatures. Manufactured through either a casting or sintering process, they can be made into complex shapes (such as horseshoe shapes) that are not possible with other magnet materials.
Q: What grades & shapes are available for alnico V magnets?
A: Grades 5 and 8 are the most commonly used Alnico grades. Non-standard shapes can be custom fabricated to blueprint specifications from raw stock in sintered, or cast forms, & we can custom manufacture virtually any shape & size to meet your specialty requirements.
Q: Are there machining constraints for alnico V magnets?
A: Alnico V magnets are hard and brittle, and prone to chipping & cracking. They require very careful machining & it is not generally recommended that these materials be used for structural or decorative purposes. Machining or drilling cannot be accomplished by ordinary methods. Cutting & grinding should be done prior to magnetizing. Holes must be made by EDM methods. We are fully equipped to machine these materials to your blueprint specifications.
Q: What are some common applications for alnico V magnets?
A: Instrumentation, meters, microwave devices, actuators, holding devices, sensors, are among the most common applications for alnico V magnets.
Q: Are alnico V magnets good?
A: Alnico V magnets are a great choice for very high temperature applications, with grades capable of operating at temperature up to 550 degrees C (1022 degrees F).
Q: Is alnico a rare earth magnet?
A: Alnico V magnets are made from an alloy of aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), and cobalt (Co), along with iron and sometimes copper and titanium. Rare Earth Magnets are made from alloys of rare earth elements.
Q: Are alnico V magnets better than neodymium?
A: Neodymium or rare earth magnets are some of the strongest permanent magnets available and offer higher performance than Alnico and ferrite, however, Alnico remains one of the most commonly used materials in several applications.
Q: What are the advantages of alnico V magnets?
A: The advantages of alnico V magnets are high remanence (up to 1.35T) and low-temperature coefficient. When the temperature coefficient is -0.02%/℃, their maximum operating temperature can reach about 520℃.
Q: Do alnico V magnets lose their magnetism?
A: Their output changes least when operating at high temperatures when compared to other types of magnet such as ferrite/ceramic magnets, or rare-earth magnets. However, regular increasing temperatures can lead to some loss of magnetism but this very much depends on the shape and size of the magnet.
Q: Are alnico V magnets brittle?
A: Care should be taken when handling alnico material since it is brittle and can chip or break if dropped on a hard surface. Also, because it has a low resistance to demagnetization, it will lose power if it is stored improperly (poles repelling each other).
Q: Where are alnico V magnets used?
A: While alnico V magnets have largely been replaced by stronger rare-earth magnets, alnico are still commonly used in the manufacturing of sensors, guitar pickups, relays and high temperature handling equipment. alnico V magnets play a critical part in all electro permanent magnetic chucks and lifting magnets.
Q: How to tell the difference between ceramic and alnico V magnets?
A: Ceramic pickups are brighter and harsher than alnico pickups, as well as usually having higher output. They have strong and sharp highs, pronounced upper mids, punchy bass, and more compressed dynamics.
Q: What is the best alnico V magnet?
A: Alnico 5 is the strongest of the three alnico grades. The tone and response of the magnet is more powerful than its two cousins. This makes it perfect for bridge pickups, where there is the least vibration. If you want an aggressive, in-your-face kind of sound, Alnico 5 is your best bet.
Q: What are the facts about alnico V magnets?
A: Alnico V magnets are generally stronger than regular ferrite (ceramic) magnets, they are also electrically conductive unlike ceramic/ferrite magnets. To their advantage, alnico magnets though still brittle are typically less brittle than most rare-earth magnets and produce a strong magnetic field.