The market price of alnico magnets varies depending on the type (cast or sintered), grade (magnetic properties), size, shape, and quantity of the magnets. Cast alnico magnets are generally more expensive than sintered alnico magnets due to their higher manufacturing costs and better magnetic properties.

The market price of cast alnico magnets typically ranges from (100 - )300 per kilogram. Standard grade cast alnico magnets (with an energy product of 5 - 8 MGOe) may cost around (100 - )150 per kilogram, while high - performance cast alnico magnets (with an energy product of 8 - 12 MGOe) can cost (150 - )300 per kilogram. The price of cast alnico magnets is also influenced by the cobalt content, with high - cobalt cast alnico magnets costing more than low - cobalt cast alnico magnets.

The market price of sintered alnico magnets typically ranges from (80 - )200 per kilogram. Standard grade sintered alnico magnets (with an energy product of 4 - 6 MGOe) may cost around (80 - )120 per kilogram, while high - performance sintered alnico magnets (with an energy product of 6 - 8 MGOe) can cost (120 - )200 per kilogram.

The quantity of alnico magnets purchased has a significant impact on the market price, with volume discounts available for large orders. For example, a small order of 20 kilograms of standard grade cast alnico magnets may cost (150 per kilogram, while a large order of 500 kilograms or more may cost )100 - (120 per kilogram. Similarly, a small order of 20 kilograms of standard grade sintered alnico magnets may cost )120 per kilogram, while a large order of 500 kilograms or more may cost (80 - )100 per kilogram.

The size and shape of alnico magnets also affect the market price. Small, simple - shaped magnets (such as discs or blocks) are easier to manufacture and have lower production costs, resulting in lower prices. Large, complex - shaped magnets require more specialized manufacturing processes (such as custom molds for cast alnico magnets or specialized pressing tools for sintered alnico magnets) and are more expensive. For example, a small disc - shaped standard grade cast alnico magnet (12mm in diameter and 6mm thick) may cost (0.30 - )0.50 per unit, while a large, custom - shaped high - performance cast alnico magnet for a sensor application (with dimensions of 60mm x 30mm x 10mm) may cost (3 - )5 per unit.

Cost Comparison with Other Strong Magnets

Alnico magnets are more expensive than ferrite magnets but less expensive than samarium cobalt magnets and comparable in price to low - to - medium - grade neodymium magnets.

Compared to ferrite magnets: Alnico magnets are 10 - 60 times more expensive than isotropic ferrite magnets ((2 - )5 per kilogram) and 5 - 40 times more expensive than anisotropic ferrite magnets ((5 - )15 per kilogram). However, alnico magnets have higher magnetic properties than ferrite magnets, with an energy product of 4 - 12 MGOe compared to 1 - 5 MGOe for ferrite magnets. They also have better thermal stability, with alnico magnets able to operate at temperatures up to 550°C, compared to a maximum of 250°C for ferrite magnets. These properties make alnico magnets suitable for applications where higher magnetic performance and thermal stability are required, such as high - temperature sensors and meters, even though they are more expensive than ferrite magnets.

Compared to neodymium magnets: Alnico magnets are generally less expensive than high - grade neodymium magnets (such as N52 grade, (150 - )200 per kilogram) but comparable in price to low - to - medium - grade neodymium magnets (such as N35 grade, (80 - )120 per kilogram). However, alnico magnets have lower coercivity than neodymium magnets, making them more susceptible to demagnetization in the presence of external magnetic fields. They also have a lower energy product than neodymium magnets (4 - 12 MGOe vs. 28 - 52 MGOe), which means they are larger and heavier than neodymium magnets for the same magnetic performance. On the other hand, alnico magnets have better thermal stability than neodymium magnets, with a maximum operating temperature of 550°C compared to 200°C for high - temperature neodymium magnets. This makes alnico magnets more suitable for high - temperature applications where neodymium magnets would fail, even though they have lower overall magnetic performance.

Compared to samarium cobalt magnets: Alnico magnets are 2 - 8 times less expensive than samarium cobalt magnets ((300 - )800 per kilogram). Samarium cobalt magnets have higher coercivity and better corrosion resistance than alnico magnets, making them more suitable for harsh environments such as aerospace and defense applications. However, alnico magnets have better thermal stability than samarium cobalt magnets (maximum operating temperature of 550°C vs. 350°C for Sm₂Co₁₇ magnets) and a lower cost, making them a more cost - effective choice for high - temperature applications where corrosion resistance is not a major concern.