There are 4 categories of Permanent magnetic materials on the AMF website. Each type of magnetic material has unique benefits or advantages depending on your type of application and the environment in which the magnet will operate.

Some magnets are available with surface coatings that are applied during production at the factory. Find more information about surface coatings here.

You can find more information about AMF magnetic products in the FAQ section here.

Neodymium (NdFeB)
The shiny metallic look of Nickel coated Neodymium magnetic products can be appealing and suited to a range of consumer products. Neodymium is a rare earth material and is also the strongest of all the 4 common magnet types. It is reasonably mechanically strong and durable, while many other magnetic materials are inherently brittle. Although more expensive to produce and purchase, strong Neodymium magnets have become the most widely used magnetic products around the world for both commercial and domestic applications.
Neodymium has superior attracting strength so even a small Neodymium magnet has an impressive holding ability. This is a characteristic favoured in most modern and cutting edge technologies that require excellent weight to strength ratios in order to keep products more compact. Standard Neodymium products will tolerate temperatures up to 80°C max. Higher operating temperatures require specialised high temp Neodymium products.
Neodymium Pot magnets are devices that combine strong Neodymium discs and a steel protective cover which act to protect the magnet and also enhance the magnets field strength. These robust magnetic devices are ideal for holding, suspending and attachment applications. Find AMF Neodymium products here.

Ferrite / Ceramic
This magnetic material has reasonable magnetic strength, is a low cost magnetic material and although being mechanically quite brittle, is highly resistant to moisture and corrosion. Ferrite Pot magnet versions are also available to increase the durability aspect of Ceramic magnetic products. Additionally, this ceramic style magnetic product is extremely heat resistant. Unlike the stronger and more favoured Neodymium products, Ceramic material can retain its magnetic properties in operating temperatures up to 250°C. Prior to the development of the stronger and more durable Neodymium magnetic material, Ferrite/Ceramic material was the most practical, cost effective and readily available magnetic material around the world. Find AMF Ferrite/Ceramic products.

Alnico
This magnetic material is a metal alloy, and as the acronym title indicates, the alloy contains Aluminium, Nickel and Cobalt material. Other components can include Iron, Copper and Titanium. As is common with many alloys, Alnico magnets are mechanically robust and highly resistant to corrosion. However, in certain environments, some Alnico material can become demagnetised by external forces (low coercivity value).The long Bar or Rod magnet shape is typically used for Alnico magnets to help overcome their demagnetisation tendencies..
Alnico magnets have very high temperature capabilities (up to 538 °C) and are electrically conductive. These combined properties make Alnico the ideal material for a range of environments and technical applications where they can be used for sophisticated industrial sensor devices..One traditional application for Alnico magnets has been electric guitar pickups and audio and recording equipment magnets. Manufacturing processes and Scientific applications can also often require the specialised properties of Alnico magnets. Find AMF Alnico magnets.

Samarium Cobalt (SmCo)
This material is also from the powerful Rare Earth mineral category which includes Neodymium magnets. The material is mechanically weak and can easily break, crack or chip. Samarium Cobalt magnets are not quite as magnetically strong as their Neodymium cousins but are highly resistant to corrosion, chemical impact and demagnetisation. They can also tolerate extremely low operating temperatures below zero degrees Celsius. Industries such as Defence, Aerospace and Scientific programs find Samarium Cobalt magnets to be highly appropriate for their requirements. This category of magnet is also the ideal substitute for Neodymium products in highly corrosive marine environments, high humidity locations or where the required operating temperatures for the magnet is over 80 °C and up to 300°C. Find AMF Samarium Cobalt magnets.