MnZn Ferrite
MnZn Ferrite is a sintered iron-oxide magnetic ceramic (Mn–Zn spinel) that combines ferromagnetism with high electrical resistivity, which keeps eddy-current losses low in high-frequency inductive components.
Reference datasheet — MnZn Ferrite is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the MNZN condition
MnZn Ferrite tempers and conditions
MnZn Ferrite is supplied in 2 conditions, soft to hard. MNZN is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 2 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nickel-zinc soft ferrite | Pick for RF chokes, antenna rods, cable/bead EMI suppression above ~1 MHz, or where near-insulating cores and higher operating temperature are needed. | 28 | 0 | 650 HV | 4 W/m·K | |
MNZNDefault Manganese-zinc soft ferrite | Pick for power transformers, chokes and EMI suppression below ~2 MHz where high permeability and low core loss matter more than resistivity. | 30 | 0 | 600 HV | 4 W/m·K |
What is MnZn Ferrite?
MnZn Ferrite is a sintered iron-oxide magnetic ceramic (Mn–Zn spinel) that combines ferromagnetism with high electrical resistivity, which keeps eddy-current losses low in high-frequency inductive components. Engineers specify it as pressed and ground core shapes — E, ETD, toroid, pot cores and beads — where permeability and loss matter more than mechanical strength. The limits are real: 30 MPa tensile strength with no ductility, 4 W/m·K thermal conductivity and a 130 °C maximum service temperature. For frequencies above the usable MnZn band, use the NiZn condition on file. MnZn Ferrite has a density of 4.85 g/cm³ (0.175 lb/in³), heavier than 50% of ceramic grades. It melts at 1,550°C (2,822 °F). MnZn Ferrite has a tensile strength of 30 MPa (4.35 ksi), weaker than 77% of ceramic grades. Elongation at break is 0% and the elastic modulus is 150 GPa (21.8 Msi).
What is MnZn Ferrite used for?
- transformer cores
- inductors
- EMI suppression beads
- recording heads
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 3.2 kg CO₂/kg, better than 84% of ceramic grades
- Easy to machine — 15/100, better than 81% of ceramic grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 130°C (266 °F), worse than 92% of ceramic grades
MnZn Ferrite properties
Typical room-temperature values for MnZn Ferrite-MNZN; bars are the position among ceramic grades.
Physical3
MnZn Ferrite has a density of 4.85 g/cm³ (0.175 lb/in³), heavier than 50% of ceramic grades. It melts at 1,550°C (2,822 °F).
Mechanical12
MnZn Ferrite has a tensile strength of 30 MPa (4.35 ksi), weaker than 77% of ceramic grades. Elongation at break is 0% and the elastic modulus is 150 GPa (21.8 Msi).
Thermal5
MnZn Ferrite is rated for continuous service to 130°C (266 °F). It conducts heat at 4 W/m·K (2.31 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 68% of ceramic grades. Thermal expansion is 10 µm/m·K (5.56 µin/in·°F).
Electrical2
MnZn Ferrite has an electrical resistivity of 1 Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is good (65/100), worse than 67% of ceramic grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of MnZn Ferrite takes about 40 MJ of energy and emits 3.2 kg of CO₂ — less than 88% of ceramic grades. Typical recycled content is 15%.
Manufacturability3
MnZn Ferrite's machinability is poor (15/100, better than 81% of ceramic grades).
Common Calculations4
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the ceramic family
Yield strength against density for every ceramic grade FabDigit runs. MnZn Ferrite is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with MnZn Ferrite
Is MnZn Ferrite easy to machine?
Green machining before sintering is preferred; fired ferrite is hard and brittle and can only be diamond-ground, lapped or slotted, with chipping and magnetic-property degradation from grinding stress.
Can MnZn Ferrite be welded?
Not weldable — cores are joined by adhesive bonding (epoxy on lapped gap faces) or held mechanically by clips and bobbins.
Can MnZn Ferrite be formed, bent or molded?
Formed by dry uniaxial pressing or extrusion of spray-dried granulate, then sintered (MnZn 1250–1400 °C under controlled pO2, NiZn 1100–1280 °C in air) with ~15–20 % linear shrinkage.
MnZn Ferrite chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Fe2O3≈52–54 mol% for MnZn power grades | 66 – 73 | 70 |
| MnO≈25–35 mol% | 16 – 24 | 20 |
| CaO+SiO2+Co/Ti/Nb oxidesgrain-boundary and loss-tuning dopants | 0 – 0.5 | 0.2 |
| NiOreplaces MnO in the NiZn variant (NiZn: ~48–50 mol% Fe2O3, balance NiO+ZnO) | 0 – 25 | 0 |
| ZnO≈10–20 mol%; sets permeability/Curie point | ≥ 6 (balance) |
What surface finishes work on MnZn Ferrite?
Mating gap faces are lapped flat; exposed cores are usually parylene/epoxy coated or resin-dipped for insulation and edge protection — no plating or anodizing applies.
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to MnZn Ferrite in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- Also called
- MnZn/NiZn Ferrite
How much does MnZn Ferrite cost?
MnZn Ferrite is a premium-cost ceramic ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
MnZn Ferrite — frequently asked
What is MnZn Ferrite used for?
MnZn Ferrite is typically used for transformer cores, inductors, EMI suppression beads and recording heads. In short: low-loss HF magnetic core; high-resistivity ferrite ceramic; 130 °C service ceiling.
What is the tensile strength of MnZn Ferrite?
MnZn Ferrite has a typical tensile strength of 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) — weaker than 77% of ceramic grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is MnZn Ferrite easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (15/100, better than 81% of ceramic grades). Green machining before sintering is preferred; fired ferrite is hard and brittle and can only be diamond-ground, lapped or slotted, with chipping and magnetic-property degradation from grinding stress.
Can MnZn Ferrite be welded?
Not weldable — cores are joined by adhesive bonding (epoxy on lapped gap faces) or held mechanically by clips and bobbins.
What surface finishes work on MnZn Ferrite?
Mating gap faces are lapped flat; exposed cores are usually parylene/epoxy coated or resin-dipped for insulation and edge protection — no plating or anodizing applies.
Can MnZn Ferrite be formed, bent or molded?
Formed by dry uniaxial pressing or extrusion of spray-dried granulate, then sintered (MnZn 1250–1400 °C under controlled pO2, NiZn 1100–1280 °C in air) with ~15–20 % linear shrinkage.
What is the maximum service temperature of MnZn Ferrite?
MnZn Ferrite is rated for continuous use to about 130°C (266 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does MnZn Ferrite cost?
MnZn Ferrite is a premium-cost ceramic ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- Soft Ferrites and Accessories — Data Handbook — Ferroxcube (2013)
- Ferrites and Accessories — Material and Core Data — TDK / EPCOS (2023)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol.4: Ceramics and Glasses — ASM International (1991)
- GB/T 9633 (soft ferrite materials) (2019)
- IEC 60401 / IEC 62317 — Terms, dimensions and characteristics for ferrite cores — IEC (2020)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.