Use SMC when the flux path is genuinely 3D
Axial flux stators, segmented teeth, flux concentrators, and compact actuators often combine axial, radial, and circumferential flux components.
Compare SMC material routes, density planning, B-H curve requirements, and high-frequency core-loss benchmarks before your AFPM stator or 3D flux core enters tooling.
Axial flux stators, segmented teeth, flux concentrators, and compact actuators often combine axial, radial, and circumferential flux components.
Low-frequency permeability, high-frequency loss, thermal behavior, density, and tooling feasibility must be reviewed together.
Core loss and B-H data shift with sample geometry, compaction density, stress relief, coating, temperature, and test method.
The final route should be selected from the motor operating point, geometry, required density, post-process, validation scope, and procurement traceability requirement.
| Route | Material Basis | Best Fit | Validation Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baseline SMC Route | Somaloy 1P family or equivalent buyer-approved SMC grade | Cost-sensitive prototypes, baseline magnetic studies, and geometry feasibility programs. | Density, B-H curve, low-to-mid frequency loss, dimensional stability, and coating requirement review. |
| Strength-Focused SMC Route | Somaloy 3P family or equivalent strength-oriented route | Segmented teeth, vibration exposure, eVTOL or robotics samples, and handling-sensitive geometries. | Density uniformity, edge integrity, mechanical handling risk, insulation checks, and magnetic acceptance data. |
| High-Frequency Low-Loss Route | Somaloy 5P family or equivalent high-resistivity SMC route | High-speed AFPM machines, compact generators, drone propulsion, and designs above conventional lamination comfort zones. | Core loss at target frequency and flux density, B-H curve, thermal window, density, and sample geometry control. |
| Buyer-Specified Custom Route | Customer nominated powder, insulation system, coating, or traceability requirement | Automotive, aviation, research, or repeat-production programs where the material stack is already frozen. | Incoming material document, process route, inspection plan, test coupon method, and revision-controlled report package. |
These are RFQ planning fields, not universal guaranteed values. Released acceptance data should be tied to the selected material lot, part geometry, and agreed test method.
| Property | Planning Basis | Engineering Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pressed Density Target | 7.4-7.6 g/cm3 planning window | Density target is confirmed by material grade, geometry, press direction, compaction window, and the buyer acceptance method. |
| Magnetic Flux Behavior | 3D isotropic SMC magnetic path | Use SMC where axial, radial, and circumferential flux components all matter, then validate with the final sample or coupon test plan. |
| DC Permeability Review | B-H curve by grade, density, and heat-treatment route | A full curve is more useful than a single permeability number because local saturation and tooth-root loading drive AFPM behavior. |
| AC Loss Review | Frequency, flux density, waveform, and temperature dependent | Compare material options at the motor duty point instead of relying on one catalog number from a different sample geometry. |
| Electrical Insulation | Particle insulation plus project coating or Hi-pot scope | Core-side insulation, winding-side insulation, coating continuity, and corrosion protection should be separated in the RFQ. |
| Temperature Window | Buyer continuous and peak temperature requirement | The useful operating window depends on the powder route, stress-relief process, coating, potting, and motor thermal path. |
Planning benchmark from the requirements brief. Use it to frame buyer questions; confirm production decisions with sample-specific test reports.
Silicon steel can still be attractive at low frequency when 2D laminations match the magnetic path.
High-frequency eddy-current behavior starts to favor insulated-particle SMC in compact axial flux designs.
SMC becomes a strong candidate when the design combines high frequency, 3D flux, and compact packaging.
Example planning curve format for RFQ discussion. The released curve should come from the selected material route and sample geometry.
Existing visuals are suitable for a first technical data center: permeability, high-frequency iron loss, density control, and SMC powder route. Replace with real lab charts and signed reports when customer-approved proof assets become available.
No. This page provides RFQ planning data and a technical evaluation structure. Released specifications should be confirmed with the selected powder route, sample geometry, test method, and buyer acceptance criteria.
Yes. The RFQ can start from a buyer-selected grade, a target loss curve, or an operating point. The quote should then separate material sourcing, compaction, post-process, and validation scope.
Provide frequency, flux density, waveform, temperature, sample geometry, target report format, and whether the test should compare SMC against silicon steel or another baseline.
No. SMC is strongest when 3D magnetic paths, compact net-shape geometry, high-frequency loss control, or segmented manufacturing justify the route. Low-frequency 2D flux paths may still favor laminations.
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Attach STEP/DXF/PDF plus frequency, flux density, sample quantity, annual forecast, and destination.