BS EN 60404-1:2017

What is BS EN 60404-1 – Classification of magnetic materials about? 

BS EN IEC 60404 is a multi-part series of international standard that discusses magnetic materials. The main aim of the series is to provide manufacturers with best industry guidance and practices to assess the performance of magnetic materials. 

BS EN 60404-1 is the first part of a multi-series that specifies the classification of magnetic materials is based upon the generally recognized existence of two main groups of products: 

• Soft magnetic materials (coercivity ≤1 000 A/m) 
• Hard magnetic materials (coercivity >1 000 A/m) 

Note: A classification by specific areas of application cannot be applied to all materials because different materials can very often be used for the same application depending on the characteristics required. 

Who is BS EN 60404-1 - Classification of magnetic materials for? 

BS EN 60404-1 on magnetic materials is relevant to: 

• Magnetic material manufacturers 
• Transition metal manufacturers 
• Manufacturers of industrial applications such as transformers, inductors etc 
• Metallurgists 
• Product engineers 
• Electrical engineers 
• Quality testing personnel 

Why should you use BS EN 60404-1- Classification of magnetic materials? 

BS EN 60404-1 provides you with best industry guidance on chemical composition and physical characteristics of magnetically soft and hard materials based on various classes. 

Within the main groups specified, the classification when appropriate recognizes the following characteristics: 

• The main alloying element and the metallurgical state and physical properties of the material 
• When possible and convenient, the relationship between these characteristics is identified 

As a result, with BS EN 60404-1-compliant classification you can assess the magnetic susceptibility of the materials, helping you identifying the right magnetic materials for your specific manufacturing methods and engineering needs.  

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN 60404-1:2017 supersedes BS IEC 60404-1:2000 which is withdrawn. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: 

• Consistent with the aim of the document to be a classification and not a specification 
• Enlargement of the Ni content for the classes E1 and E3 
• Enlargement of the Co content for the classes F3 
• Addition of a new class: U5 bonded rare earth-iron-nitrogen magnets