The manufacture of samarium cobalt alloys via the co-reduction of an oxide mix is a specialised process yielding very fine-grained high performance alloy powders. Co-reduction has now become the undisputed industry standard for SmCo5 production.
Since the acquisition of the co-reduction process from the inventors and patent holders, Elektro-Thermit, in 1996, LCM has worked extensively to improve process control and lower impurity levels. Furthermore, the development of co-reduced Sm2Co17 alloys offers a genuine alternative to cast and crushed alloys. Our range of co-reduced Sm2Co17 alloys is proven for reliable and efficient performance.
Different alloy compositions, tailored to give specific magnetic properties, are readily available. LCM technologists are able to advise on appropriate compositions for new applications. Variations on the process permit the incorporation of different rare earth oxides into the reactant mix; praseodymium and/or gadolinium being common additions to samarium cobalt based alloys.
Co-reduction is an extremely versatile technique, with production batches ranging in size from 200kg to 2000kg.
