Alnico magnets are a type of permanent magnet made from a combination of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt. There are different types of alnico magnets, but the most common are Alnico 2 and Alnico 5. Alnico 2 is weaker than Alnico 5 but has a higher magnetic permeability.
This makes it better for high-frequency applications. Alnico 5 is stronger and less brittle than Alnico 2, making it ideal for use in low-frequency applications. Both types of alnico magnets have their own unique properties that make them suitable for different applications. Knowing the difference between these two types of magnets can help you choose the right one for your needs.
What is Alnico 2?
Alnico 2 is an alloy of Aluminium, Nickel, and Cobalt. It has high magnetic strength and is used in the manufacture of electric guitar pickups, loudspeakers, and medical devices. Alnico 2 magnets are also used in “horseshoe” magnets for their high magnetic strength and resistance to oxidation. Alnico 2 magnets are made by consolidating Aluminium, Nickel, and Cobalt powders using hot isostatic pressing (HIP).
The Aluminium powder is first oxidized to Al2O3 and then reduced to Al using either sodium or potassium. The Aluminium is then mixed with the Nickel and Cobalt powders and consolidated using HIP. The Alnico 2 magnets are then sintered in a hydrogen atmosphere at a temperature of around 1200°C. This gives the Alnico 2 magnets their high magnetic strength and resistance to oxidation.
What is Alnico 5?
Alnico 5 is a type of magnet that is made from aluminum, nickel, and cobalt. It is one of the most common types of magnets used in electrical applications. Alnico 5 has a high magnetic flux density and good temperature stability. It is also resistant to demagnetization. Alnico 5 magnets are often used in electric motors, generators, and sensors. They are also used in loudspeakers and musical instrument pickups. Alnico 5 magnets are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Difference between Alnico 2 and Alnico 5
Alnico 2 and Alnico 5 are two types of metal alloys that are commonly used in the manufacture of electric guitars and other musical instruments. Alnico 2 is composed of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt, while Alnico 5 is composed of these same metals plus copper and titanium. Both alloys have a high magnetic resistance, which makes them ideal for use in pickups and other electronic components.
Alnico 2 is known for its clear, bright tone, while Alnico 5 is known for its richer, fuller sound. Alnico 2 is also less likely to break or crack under stress than Alnico 5, making it the preferred choice for vintage instruments. However, Alnico 5 is more widely available and typically less expensive, making it the more popular choice among today’s guitarists.
Conclusion
Alnico 2 and Alnico 5 are two types of magnets used in guitar pickups. They have different properties that affect the sound of the pickup. Alnico 2 is stronger and has a higher output, while Alnico 5 is weaker but has a warmer sound. Which type of magnet you choose depends on what kind of tone you want your guitar to have.
