The original definition of magnetic steel is an AlNiCo alloy (AlNiCo is the abbreviation of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt in English). Magnetic steel is composed of several hard and strong metals, such as iron combined with aluminum, nickel, cobalt, etc., and sometimes with copper, niobium, or tantalum. It is used to make super-hard permanent magnetic alloys (Any of several hard, strong alloys of iron, aluminum, nickel, cobalt and sometimes copper, niobium, or tantalum, used to make strong permanent magnets). Different compositions of its metal components result in different magnetic properties and thus different applications. It is mainly used in various fields such as sensors, instruments, electronics, electromechanics, medical treatment, teaching, automobiles, aviation, and military technology.
Alnico magnetic steel is one of the oldest types of magnetic steel and is known as a natural magnet. Although it is the oldest, its excellent adaptability to high temperatures makes it still one of the most important magnetic steels to this day. Alnico can work normally under high temperatures above 500 °C, which is its most prominent feature. In addition, its corrosion resistance is also stronger than that of other magnets.
The Alnico alloy is an iron alloy. Besides iron, it also has added aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and a small amount of other components that enhance magnetic properties. The Alnico alloy has high coercivity and is a very suitable material for permanent magnets. The Alnico alloy is hard and brittle and cannot be cold-worked. It must be manufactured by casting or sintering processes.
