34 grade usually means a high-energy sintered Sm2Co17 path
Public EEC 2:17-34 data lists typical BHmax 34 MGOe, minimum 32 MGOe, typical Br 11.9 kG, and minimum intrinsic coercivity 18 kOe.
[R1] Reviewed 2026-06-07
Run the application-fit tool first to decide whether 34 grade SmCo deserves an RFQ review. Then use the same page to check evidence, temperature limits, supplier naming differences, alternatives, and risk controls.
Published: 2026-06-07 · Last reviewed: 2026-06-07
Score whether 34 grade samarium cobalt is a defensible first-choice material for your application. The tool uses public 2:17-34 reference values, then flags where supplier-specific evidence is still required.
Public EEC 2:17-34 data lists typical BHmax 34 MGOe, minimum 32 MGOe, typical Br 11.9 kG, and minimum intrinsic coercivity 18 kOe.
[R1] Reviewed 2026-06-07
The strongest application fit is not generic pull force. It is compact magnetic output under elevated temperature, reverse-field, or reliability constraints.
[R1][R2][R3] Reviewed 2026-06-07
EEC lists 300 C maximum operating temperature but notes operating temperature depends strongly on geometry and operating point.
[R1] Reviewed 2026-06-07
Arnold publishes nearby high-energy grades such as 33E and 35E, while Goudsmit common-grade tables stop at S32 and ask buyers to contact them for other grades.
[R4][R5] Reviewed 2026-06-07
Demagnetization curves by temperature, load-line assumptions, coating plan, and geometry-specific inspection limits are the evidence needed for production decisions.
[R1][R4][P1] Reviewed 2026-06-07
DOE listed cobalt, dysprosium, neodymium, praseodymium, and terbium as 2023 critical materials for energy; samarium is also on the USGS critical minerals list. SmCo may reduce heavy-rare-earth NdFeB dependency, but it still needs supply-chain review.
[R7][R8] Reviewed 2026-06-07
| Stage1b Gap | Research Added | Decision Impact | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature limit looked too absolute | EEC 34 grade data gives a 300 C maximum operating temperature reference but explicitly ties actual maximum operating temperature to geometry and operating point. The EEC technical brief also frames 2:17-34 as a grade that can operate up to 300 C depending on magnetic-circuit design. | A buyer should treat 300 C as a screening ceiling and ask for geometry-specific curves before approving any peak or continuous duty near that value. | [R1][R6] |
| Grade portability needed stronger proof | Arnold lists RECOMA grades from 18 through 35E and publishes 33E/35E-class high-energy options, while Goudsmit common grades stop at S32 and state that other grades require supplier contact. | RFQs should compare BHmax, Br, Hcb, Hcj, temperature coefficient, maximum operating temperature, and curve evidence rather than asking every supplier for exactly "34 grade". | [R4][R5] |
| Standards and test method context was missing | ASTM A1102-19 covers sintered SmCo permanent magnets, identifies SmCo 1:5 and SmCo 2:17 families, and points demagnetization-curve characterization to ASTM A977/A977M. | For regulated or audited programs, include the standard/test-method expectation in the drawing or quality clause instead of accepting a catalog table alone. | [R9] |
| Supply-chain risk was described generically | The 2023 DOE critical materials notice lists cobalt, dysprosium, neodymium, praseodymium, and terbium as critical materials for energy, and the USGS critical-minerals list includes samarium. | SmCo can be a hedge against Dy/Tb-heavy high-temperature NdFeB in some motors, but cobalt and samarium sourcing still need program-level review. | [R7] |
| Defense procurement impact was under-specified | DFARS 252.225-7052 covers samarium-cobalt magnets and, effective January 1, 2027, expands the restriction to the entire supply chain from cobalt and samarium ore/feedstock through finished magnets for covered contracts. | Defense and aerospace RFQs should ask early for origin, melt/production route, and documentation capability; late discovery can invalidate a material choice. | [R8] |
| Fit Segment | Profile | Decision Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Strong fit | Continuous temperature above 150 C, package density is critical, reverse-field exposure is modeled, and sourcing documentation matters. | Start with 34 grade or supplier-equivalent high-energy Sm2Co17, then request curves for the exact geometry. |
| Conditional fit | Thermal load is real but package pressure is moderate, or geometry is thin/chip-sensitive. | Compare 32 MGOe Sm2Co17, 35E-equivalent high-energy SmCo, and a custom grade before committing. |
| Poor first choice | Application stays below 120-150 C, has low reverse-field exposure, and has no tight package-density or compliance pressure. | A lower grade, SmCo5, or high-temperature NdFeB may be more economical. |
This section separates known public properties from assumptions that still require supplier-specific review. The values below should be used for screening, not final magnetic-circuit approval.
| Property | Public Value | Decision Use | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum energy product | Typical 34 MGOe; minimum 32 MGOe | Package-density signal for compact motors, actuators, and assemblies. | [R1] |
| Residual induction Br | Typical 11.9 kG / 1.19 T; minimum 11.7 kG / 1.17 T | Starting point for magnetic-circuit output modeling. | [R1] |
| Coercivity Hc | Typical 11.1 kOe; minimum 10.8 kOe | Useful screening value, but not enough for reverse-field approval. | [R1] |
| Intrinsic coercivity iHc | Minimum 18 kOe / 1433 kA/m | Primary public guardrail for demagnetization margin. | [R1] |
| Reversible temperature coefficient of Br | Typical -0.035%/C | Estimate reversible flux-density drift; EEC notes one public 34 grade source calculates this between -50 C and 150 C, so do not extrapolate blindly to 300 C. | [R1][R5] |
| Maximum operating temperature | Typical 300 C reference | Thermal screen only; final approval depends on geometry and operating point. | [R1] |
| Application | Why 34 Fits | Must Check | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed motors and generators | High energy density can reduce rotor package size while SmCo keeps better hot-zone stability than many NdFeB paths. | Rotor retention, thermal soak, reverse-field margin, and balance after coating or sleeve decisions. | [R1][R4] |
| Aerospace actuators and aircraft assemblies | Compact magnetic output, elevated-temperature stability, and compliance-sensitive sourcing can matter more than lowest room-temperature cost. | Traceability, DFARS clauses where applicable, thermal cycling, vibration, country-of-origin evidence, and lot documentation. | [R1][R4][R8] |
| Microwave signal amplification and RF circuits | Stable field behavior and controlled demagnetization curves support magnetic-circuit consistency. | Field map, temperature coefficient, geometry tolerance, and assembly retention method. | [R1] |
| Oil and gas exploration tooling | Temperature exposure and media risk can justify SmCo when lower-cost magnets lose margin. | Coating/sealing, pressure environment, shock, corrosion media, and peak temperature duration. | [R1][R3] |
| Biomedical and surgical equipment | Small, stable assemblies may benefit when cleaning exposure and repeatability requirements are defined. | Biocompatibility of surrounding assembly, cleaning chemistry, coating integrity, and documentation. | [R1] |
| Operating Condition | Implication | Caveat | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| High package density + >150 C continuous operation | High-energy Sm2Co17 deserves first-pass review because the extra BHmax can reduce magnet volume while retaining hot-zone margin. | Still requires operating-point curves; do not use room-temperature BHmax as the only justification. | [R1][R4][R6] |
| Very high peak temperature near 300 C | Public data supports screening up to the 300 C class for specific 34/35E-type materials. | Peak dwell time, load line, geometry, and irreversible loss must be tested. Mark as pending until supplier curves are available. | [R1][R4][R6] |
| Harsh media, cleaning chemistry, or galvanic contact | SmCo has better corrosion positioning than many NdFeB choices, but it is not a no-review material. | Coating/sealing remains application-specific; public data is insufficient for universal corrosion approval. | [R2][R3][P1] |
| Loose package envelope or moderate temperature | 34 grade is usually an expensive first choice when lower Sm2Co17, SmCo5, or high-temperature NdFeB can pass. | Use the tool score to trigger a fallback comparison, then validate with total cost and qualification time. | [R3][R5] |
| Thin rings, small arcs, sharp corners, or press-fit assembly | Material selection cannot be separated from geometry and handling risk. | No reliable public universal derating table was found; require supplier review and sample inspection data. | [P1] |
The tool and report follow a conservative screening method: first establish what is publicly known, then force every decision-critical unknown into the RFQ evidence list.
| Step | Output | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Confirm grade meaning | Treat "34 grade" as a high-energy Sm2Co17 request unless supplier documentation says otherwise. | [R1][R4][R5] |
| 2. Map thermal profile | Separate continuous temperature, peak temperature, dwell time, and thermal-cycle count. | [R1][R3] |
| 3. Check magnetic load line | Request demagnetization curves at operating temperature and compare against reverse-field exposure. | [R1][R4] |
| 4. Review geometry manufacturability | Thin walls, sharp corners, and small rings need edge protection and inspection planning because sintered SmCo is brittle. | [R3][P1] |
| 5. Lock sourcing evidence | RFQ should ask for grade, curve set, coating plan, lot traceability, and sample validation scope. | [R1][R4][P2] |
| Standard / Compliance Item | Known Boundary | Buyer Action | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material family | Public 34 grade evidence points to sintered Sm2Co17, not SmCo5. | Ask the supplier to state alloy family and grade table values in the quote. | [R1][R9] |
| Magnetic test evidence | A property table does not replace a demagnetization curve at operating temperature. | Specify demagnetization curves, test temperature, and whether ASTM A977/A977M or an equivalent method is required. | [R1][R9] |
| Critical-material exposure | SmCo avoids NdFeB reliance in some designs but still uses cobalt and samarium. | Document why SmCo is selected and whether a lower-grade SmCo or NdFeB alternative was rejected for technical reasons. | [R7] |
| Defense supply chain | Covered U.S. defense contracts can trigger magnet-origin and production restrictions. | Add DFARS review to the RFQ if the assembly may enter a covered defense program. | [R8] |
| Supplier equivalence | Nearby labels such as 33E, 35E, S32, or 32 MGOe-class Sm2Co17 are not automatically equivalent. | Use a side-by-side property and curve comparison before accepting substitution. | [R4][R5][P2] |
34 grade SmCo can be the right material only when its extra energy density and validation overhead solve a real constraint. If the constraint is weak, the grade can add cost without reducing risk.
Public evidence is not enough to publish a universal 34 grade derating factor for every shape, coating, and magnetic circuit. Where this page says pending or supplier-specific, treat that as a required RFQ input rather than a missing catalog detail.
Assumptions: 180 C continuous, high package-density priority, modeled reverse field below 8 kOe, sleeve retention planned.
Path: Tool should return strong or conditional fit; request 34 grade curves and rotor-specific thermal validation.
Result: 34 grade is defensible if supplier confirms geometry-specific loss and mechanical retention limits.
Assumptions: Thermal cycling to 230 C peak, traceability requirement, tight envelope, vibration exposure.
Path: Use 34 grade as a candidate, but require lot traceability, demag curves, vibration plan, and fallback grade comparison.
Result: Decision depends on evidence package, not the grade name alone.
Assumptions: 90 C continuous, low reverse-field exposure, loose package envelope, cost-sensitive sourcing.
Path: Tool should push away from 34 grade first-choice status.
Result: Lower-cost SmCo or high-temperature NdFeB should be checked before high-energy SmCo.
Assumptions: 250 C peak, cleaning fluids or downhole media, shock exposure, corrosion concern.
Path: 34 grade may fit only after coating/sealing and peak-duration assumptions are reviewed.
Result: Supplier engineering review is mandatory before production quote.
| Option | Strengths | Constraints | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34 grade Sm2Co17 | High energy density with elevated-temperature SmCo behavior and compact assembly potential. | Requires tighter supplier evidence; may not be listed under the same naming system by every vendor. | High-speed motors, actuators, RF assemblies, and compact harsh-duty magnetic circuits. |
| 32 MGOe-class Sm2Co17 | More common public grade band; often easier to quote across suppliers. | Slightly lower package-density signal may require larger magnet volume. | Programs that need Sm2Co17 stability but can accept modestly larger geometry. |
| SmCo5 | Good corrosion resistance and simpler lower-energy grade positioning. | Lower maximum energy product than high-energy Sm2Co17 options. | Compact parts where thermal needs are high but energy-density pressure is not extreme. |
| High-temperature NdFeB | Strong room-temperature output and often lower initial material cost. | Hot-zone performance, corrosion protection, and heavy rare-earth dependency can become limiting. | Moderate-temperature programs where cost and room-temperature field dominate. |
| Custom high-energy SmCo | Can tune performance and compliance path around a demanding application. | Longer development loop, higher validation cost, and stronger MOQ pressure. | Aerospace, defense, motorsport, or oilfield programs where the public grade table is not enough. |
| Validation Gate | Pass Signal | Fail Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Gate 1: public-data screen | Application needs compact output, high temperature, and documented reverse-field margin. | Only generic holding force, moderate temperature, or low documentation demand. |
| Gate 2: supplier-equivalence screen | Supplier provides grade family, BHmax, Br, Hcb, Hcj, temperature coefficient, and matching curves. | Quote only says "34 grade" or substitutes a nearby grade without property comparison. |
| Gate 3: geometry and environment screen | Drawing, magnetization direction, thinnest section, coating/media exposure, and operating temperature profile are reviewed together. | Geometry or coating is left for later even though qualification depends on it. |
| Gate 4: program-risk screen | Critical-material, DFARS, traceability, and lot documentation needs are clear before sample order. | Compliance review starts after magnetic samples pass. |
| Risk | Trigger | Impact | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade-label mismatch | Buyer asks for "34 grade" but supplier uses a different grade system or only publishes nearby grades. | Quotes become non-comparable and validation evidence is incomplete. | Request BHmax, Br, Hc, Hcj, temperature coefficient, and curve set rather than relying on label alone. |
| Thermal overclaim | Using the 300 C reference as a blanket approval for all shapes and operating points. | Irreversible loss or field drift can appear during qualification. | Validate continuous and peak conditions with supplier curves and sample thermal cycling. |
| Geometry damage | Thin sections, sharp edges, press-fit retention, or uncontrolled handling. | Chipping, cracks, failed inspection, and inconsistent field output. | Add chamfers, handling fixtures, edge inspection, and retention method review before sampling. |
| Corrosion or coating assumption | Assuming SmCo never needs coating in water, cleaning chemistry, oilfield media, or galvanic contact. | Surface degradation or assembly contamination risk remains hidden. | Specify media exposure and request coating/sealing recommendation with adhesion and inspection criteria. |
| Cost escalation | Selecting 34 grade for a moderate-duty application where lower grades would pass. | Unnecessary material, machining, and qualification cost. | Compare 32 MGOe-class Sm2Co17 and SmCo5 before final RFQ unless package density forces 34 grade. |
Send the fit-tool output with these fields so suppliers can quote comparable material, geometry, and validation scope.
| ID | Source | Date | Coverage | Certainty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R1 | Electron Energy Corporation 34 Grade SmCo Sell Sheet | PDF accessed 2026-06-07 | EEC 2:17-34 properties: BHmax, Br, Hc, iHc, Br temperature coefficient, 300 C maximum operating temperature note, and listed applications. | Known public source |
| R2 | Eclipse Magnetics SmCo technical data sheet | PDF accessed 2026-06-07 | General SmCo application categories, temperature behavior, and Sm2Co17 corrosion context. | Known public source |
| R3 | Bunting/e-Magnets Samarium Cobalt Magnets data sheet | PDF accessed 2026-06-07 | Typical SmCo grade bands, maximum recommended temperatures, and Sm2Co17 temperature coefficient context. | Known public source |
| R4 | Arnold Magnetic Technologies RECOMA SmCo grades page | Web page accessed 2026-06-07 | Comparable high-energy SmCo grade table, applications for 33E/35E-class materials, and sourcing/compliance context. | Known public source |
| R5 | Goudsmit Samarium Cobalt grade system | Issue date 2025-08-22; accessed 2026-06-07 | Public common-grade table through S32 and note that other grades require supplier contact. | Known public source |
| P1 | Universal 34 grade geometry derating table | As of 2026-06-07 | No single public table was found that safely maps every 34 grade shape to loss, chipping, and coating outcomes. | Pending confirmation / supplier-specific review required |
| P2 | Cross-supplier equivalent-grade guarantee | As of 2026-06-07 | Public grade systems differ; equivalent-grade claims require property-by-property comparison. | Pending confirmation / do not assume equivalence |
| R6 | Electron Energy Corporation technical brief: Advancements in Samarium Cobalt Magnetic Properties | PDF accessed 2026-06-07 | 2:17-34 development context, comparison against 2:17-33 and 2:17-31, and note that 300 C operation depends on magnetic-circuit design. | Known public source |
| R7 | U.S. Department of Energy 2023 Critical Materials List / Federal Register notice | Applicable 2023-07-28; published 2023-08-04; accessed 2026-06-07 | Critical materials for energy include cobalt, dysprosium, neodymium, praseodymium, and terbium; the incorporated USGS critical-minerals list includes samarium. | Government source |
| R8 | DFARS 252.225-7052 restriction on certain magnets, tantalum, and tungsten | Accessed 2026-06-07; rule includes 2027 effective supply-chain expansion | Restrictions for samarium-cobalt and neodymium-iron-boron magnets in covered defense acquisitions, including January 1, 2027 supply-chain scope. | Government acquisition source |
| R9 | ASTM A1102-19 Standard Specification for Sintered Samarium Cobalt Permanent Magnets | Published 2019; abstract accessed 2026-06-07 | Standard scope for sintered SmCo permanent magnets, SmCo 1:5 and 2:17 families, and reference to ASTM A977/A977M hysteresisgraph testing. | Standards abstract / full standard may require purchase |
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