samarium cobalt tuning rotors

[snellemin]

But isn't the Cobalt stuff a bit more brittle?

[NovakTwo]

Originally Posted by snellemin

But isn't the Cobalt stuff a bit more brittle?

Yes, it is. It must be handled more carefully when outside the motor. We did a complete incoming inspection and there were very few dinged in transit from China. We also perform torque-tests on all rotors to make sure the magnets have been glued to the shafts properly.

[ta_man]

Originally Posted by NovakTwo

Yes, it is. It must be handled more carefully when outside the motor. We did a complete incoming inspection and there were very few dinged in transit from China. We also perform torque-tests on all rotors to make sure the magnets have been glued to the shafts properly.

If these are coming from China, arean't you exposing yourself to the same pricing instability for these as with the Neo magnets?

[NovakTwo]

Originally Posted by ta_man

If these are coming from China, arean't you exposing yourself to the same pricing instability for these as with the Neo magnets?

During the availability/price crisis of last year, the SmCo prices didn't skyrocket like Neo. I don't think that rare earths can be mined affordably anywhere else; so China will be the supplier. China completely closed their Neo mines for a period last year.

Many motors, of all sizes depend on Neo for magnet material; the situation affected other motor mfgs, not just R/C. When Adnan went to China on his last trip, he visited one of the Neo mines and met with additional mfgs who can fabricate rotors. Sourcing magnet materials will be a continuing problem.