Vicalloy I Procurement Guide: A Transformable Permanent Magnet Alloy
Jul 21, 2026
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Status of materials
In the realm of precision alloys, most permanent magnet materials are notorious for being "hard" and "brittle," making shaping and processing a significant challenge. However, one specific alloy breaks this mold: it delivers reliable permanent magnetic properties while offering remarkable ductility and workability. This is Vicalloy I (an iron-cobalt-vanadium permanent magnet alloy)-a classic material developed in 1940 that continues to hold a vital place in high-end electromechanical and aerospace applications today.
For the Lork Group, our three years of experience with this type of permanent magnet alloy have coincided with the dawn of the AI era, seeing its increased adoption in emerging global industries. As customer needs become more diverse, this "deformable permanent magnet alloy" presents a solution that is both more complex and more practical from the perspectives of procurement and engineering application.
What is Vicalloy I?
The name "Vicalloy" itself encodes its composition: V stands for Vanadium, I for Iron, and C for Cobalt. It is a machinable, precipitation-hardening permanent magnet alloy based on the iron-cobalt-vanadium ternary system.
How does it differ from conventional permanent magnet materials?
What is the biggest drawback of conventional permanent magnet materials (such as Alnico or ferrites)? They are too brittle. Once cast, they are essentially limited to grinding; creating complex shapes is difficult, and drawing them into fine wire is impossible.
Vicalloy I takes a different approach: it starts soft and becomes hard. In its as-supplied state-following a solution treatment-the material is highly soft and ductile, allowing it to be forged, rolled, stamped, cold-drawn, and machined just like ordinary steel. Once formed into the desired shape, it undergoes a final heat treatment (aging) to harden it; this process precipitates a second phase, achieving magnetic hardening and imparting permanent magnetic properties.
This "form-then-harden" processing route gives Vicalloy I a unique position within the family of permanent magnet materials.
Typical application scenarios
Vicalloy I is primarily used in applications requiring both permanent magnetic properties and complex shapes:
- Micro-motors: Hysteresis motor rotors
- Magnetic components: Tape recorder heads, magnetic elements
- Precision instruments: Bias magnets, magnetic actuatorsNavigation equipment: Marine compasses
- Electromechanical equipment: Relays, electromagnetic switches, etc.
Due to its excellent mechanical properties and high-temperature resistance, Vicalloy I is also used for high-temperature components in the aerospace industry.
chemical composition
The typical chemical composition of Vicalloy I is as follows:
| Element | Content range (wt.%) |
| Co | 51.0 - 53.0% |
| V | 9.5 - 10.5% |
| Fe | Bal |
| C | ≤ 0.12% |
| Mn | ≤ 0.70% |
| Ni | ≤ 0.70% |
Procurement Alert: Cobalt and vanadium contents are critical thresholds. If cobalt falls below 51% or vanadium below 9.5%, magnetic properties may fail to meet specifications. You must conduct spot checks using a PMI (handheld spectrometer) to verify these levels upon receipt of materials.
Product Form and Supply Specifications
Vicalloy I is available in various forms:
| Form | Size Range | Delivery Condition |
| Bars | Φ5 - 200mm | Hot-rolled / Hot-forged |
| Plates/Sheets | 3.5 - 40mm | Hot-rolled / Hot-forged |
| Strip | Thickness 0.05–1.0 mm, width 5–200 mm | Cold-rolled |
| Wire | Φ0.1 - 6.0mm | Cold-drawn |
Procurement Note: Lork Group typically supplies strip material in the cold-rolled condition without heat treatment; customers perform the final aging treatment themselves to achieve the desired magnetic properties. Alternatively, please discuss your specific delivery condition requirements with us before placing an order.
Lork Supplies
Lork Group Precision Alloy Materials
We supply Vicalloy, Elinvar Alloy, Ni-Span C Alloy 902 in the form of bars, plates, tubes, coils, strips, wires, forgings, and more.
Why choose Lork Group?
- Product Forms: We can supply the rods, strips, or wires you require, with specifications tailored to your needs; we also have a track record of fulfilling orders for Vicalloy I material for existing clients.
- Delivery Condition: We can supply the material in solution-annealed or aged conditions, or customize it according to your specific processing requirements.
- Quality Assurance: Lork Group provides comprehensive Material Test Certificates (MTC) detailing heat numbers, chemical composition, and mechanical properties.
- Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): We cater to small- and medium-batch procurement needs, with MOQs ranging from 20 kg to 50 kg.
Sample Testing: Many clients-particularly those using the material for critical magnetic circuits-require small samples for machining and heat treatment testing. Our engineering team is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of various users and providing effective solutions.
About Lork Group
When purchasing, look for Lork Group and focus strictly on three key specifications-cobalt content (51–53%), vanadium content (9.5–10.5%), and delivery condition (solution-treated vs. aged)-and you will essentially avoid any pitfalls.
Media Contact
Lork Group | Brand & Marketing Department
Email: susan@lorkgroup.com
Phone: +86 199 3707 5488
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