Start with the documents
Use the manufacturer's designation, datasheet, nameplate and component bill of materials before relying on visual assumptions.
Practical magnet guide · Material separation
Distinguishing NdFeB from SmCo when selling to ES Metall
NdFeB and SmCo are different permanent-magnet materials. Appearance, coating and magnetic behaviour may provide clues, but they do not replace reliable material identification.
Material separation
NdFeB or SmCo: identifying the material and its origin
Separation is technically important because their composition, potential recycling route and purchase eligibility may differ.
Collect separately
Do not mix known NdFeB and SmCo batches; label unidentified material separately.
Select a suitable analysis method
Where required, agree on an appropriate method, including sample preparation, matrix reference and uncertainty.
Assess purchase eligibility
Although both are rare-earth magnets, they do not necessarily follow the same purchasing or recycling route.
Important limitation
“Only XRF can distinguish them” is incorrect; equally, a surface reading from a handheld XRF analyser does not automatically provide an exact bulk analysis.
For material assessment
Information needed for NdFeB or SmCo
- 01Manufacturer or component data
- 02Batch and application
- 03Photographs and markings
- 04suitable analysis report
Enquiry in four steps
Confirm the required photographs, quantity and origin, and agree the handover arrangements
- 01
Enquiry
Record the material, form, condition, quantity and unit, country where the material is located and supporting documents.
- 02
Initial assessment
Cross-check the stated material identity, batch, origin, parties, status and general processing route.
- 03
Assessment plan
If required, agree the sample, method, costs, packaging and handover arrangements.
- 04
Commercial terms
Only once a reliable basis has been established should the commercial terms, responsibilities and payment basis be documented.
Frequently asked questions
NdFeB or SmCo: quick answers
Is SmCo always uncoated?
No. Surface condition and coating depend on the specific product and do not reliably establish the material.
Can I offer both types of magnet for sale?
Describe both, but keep known batches separate. Mixing them may make identification and the choice of recycling route more difficult.
Which magnet material is more valuable?
A blanket ranking without considering composition, condition, quantity, documentation and recycling route would not be credible.
Technical and legal sources
Six further references
Time-sensitive legal, transport and market information should be checked directly against the linked primary sources before it is used in a specific case.
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