Introduction
Permalloy is an alloy consisting of iron and nickel. It’s primarily used for its magnetic properties in applications such as electrical transformers, inductors, and MRI machines. Permalloy also has a high resistivity, making it an ideal material for radio frequency shielding and heat dissipation. Because of its properties, permalloy is often referred to as a high-coercivity alloy.
The term “permalloy comes from its combination of properties, making it particularly useful in applications that require electrical contact with a permanent magnets. In addition to its electrical and magnetic properties, permalloy also maintains its form upon being subjected to heat working or cold working processes. It also has excellent electrical conductivity and a low susceptibility to corrosion.
History
Permalloy was first developed in the early 20th century by Charles L. Wallace, an American engineer who also worked at Westinghouse Electric. Wallace purportedly developed the alloy primarily for use in electric motors, but it soon made its way into other fields as well. By the 1920s, it was being used in the manufacture of transformers and other electrical components, due to its ability to remain magnetized even when exposed to heat or other forms of stress.
In the 1950s, permalloy became a much sought-after alloy for industrial and military applications. Its ability to maintain electrical contact with permanent magnets and its low susceptibility to corrosion made it an ideal material for creating permanent magnets. Its high resistivity also made it an excellent choice for protecting sensitive electronic components from electromagnetic interference (EMI).
In the decades since its invention, permalloy has remained a popular choice among engineers and scientists who require a material that can handle a variety of conditions. Its high-coercivity allows it to retain its shape and resist deformation when exposed to intense heat or cold. Its excellent electrical and magnetic properties have made it an ideal choice for transformers, inductors, and electrical motors and generators.
Properties and Uses
Permalloy is an iron and nickel alloy that is largely made up of FeNi (iron-nickel) material. It has a relatively low residual flux density, giving it a high-coercivity and ferromagnetic properties. Permalloy also has a high resistivity, as well as excellent electrical conductivity, making it an ideal material for protecting sensitive electronic components from electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Due to its properties, permalloy is often used in applications that require electrical contact with permanent magnets. This includes components such as transformers, electrical motors and generators, and inductors. It is also used in fields such as medical imaging and robot engineering.
Permalloy’s excellent electrical and magnetic properties also make it an ideal material for producing EMI shielding and heat dissipation devices. It can also be used in transmission systems and various other communication systems.
Conclusion
Permalloy is an alloy consisting of iron and nickel. It has a relatively low residual flux density, giving it a high-coercivity and ferromagnetic properties. Its excellent electrical and magnetic properties make it an ideal material for a wide range of applications, such as transformers, electrical motors and generators, inductors, and MRI machines. Due to its properties, permalloy is often used in applications that require electrical contact with permanent magnets. Its low susceptibility to corrosion and its ability to remain magnetized even when exposed to heat or other forms of stress also make it an ideal material for creating permanent magnets and for protecting sensitive electronic components from EMI.
