Application of Soft Magnetic Composite Materials in Electrical Machines: A Review

Soft magnetic composite (SMC) materials and their application in electrical machines have undergone significant development in the past decade. The major advantages of the materials include isotropic magnetic and thermal properties, very low eddy current loss and relatively low total core loss at medium and higher frequencies, and nearly net-shape low cost fabrication process with good tolerance and surface finish by using the well developed powder metallurgical techniques (no need of further machining). It is even anticipated that the application of SMC may lead to a revolutionary development in the electrical machine manufacturing industry. This paper reviews the study about the application of SMC in electrical machines by the authors and other researchers. Both successful experiences and existing difficulties are discussed, and possible further work required for the commercial success of SMC machines is proposed.