Cast Alnico magnets, which are aluminum nickel-cobalt iron alloys, are the most established and widely used magnet materials. Because of their high flux density and superior temperature stability, cast alnico has been accepted in the widest range of application.

Alnico magnets can be both anisotropic and isotropic. Anisotropic grades are oriented in the manufacturing direction and must be magnetized in the direction of orientation. Isotropic grades are not oriented and can be magnetized in any direction.