Ferrite

Often called 'ceramic' because it's hard and brittle like porcelain. It's the most widely used magnet material because of its low cost of manufacture and high coercive properties. It has the following features:

• Operates at lower temperatures than Cast Alnico - up to 250 degrees C maximum.
• Economical
• High coercivity - doesn't lose its magnetic properties easily
• Hard and brittle

There are 2 main forms: sintered and bonded

Sintered Ferrite

Produced from Strontium and has anisotropic properties (the magnet is much stronger along one axis at the expense of other axes). Usually formed by wet pressing.

Bonded Ferrite

Ferrite powders are mixed with polymer based resisns which makes it cheaper to manufacture. Used for a wide range of electronic and small motors used in the automotive industry.

Typical Applications:

Sintered Ferrite

• Audio / television
• Holding / clamping
• Loud speakers
• Reed switches
• Security systems
• Sump plugs
• Water conditioners

Bonded Ferrite

• Instrumentation
• Reed switches
• Sensor applications