Mechanical Strength and Energy Losses Optimization of Somaloy 3P 700-Based Components

Abstract

The effect of processing parameters on the properties of a soft magnetic composite prepared from Somaloy 3P 700 was investigated using a Box–Behnken design. The pressing pressure, heat treatment temperature, and soaking time were considered relevant factors to predict the transverse rupture strength (TRS) and total energy losses under the measurement conditions of maximum induction of 1 T and frequencies of 60, 500, and 1000 Hz. The highest forecasted TRS (82.7 ±13.5 MPa) was achieved with the combination of low pressing pressure (700 MPa) and high temperature of heat treatment (550 °C) for a long soaking time (15 min) under a long heat treatment cycle. On the other hand, the optimal parameters regarding the total losses presented a dependence of the operating frequency, especially concerning the heat treatment temperature due to the effect of this process parameter on the electrical resistivity.