PI-KEM & PI-KEM Hart, suppliers of special magnetic flakes including Novamet nickel flakes, permalloys and stainless steel flakes in fine, leafing and water formats
Special Magnetic Flakes are a type of flake that exhibit soft ferromagnetism, so they are easily magnetised and demagnetised in the presence of an external magnetic field.
PI-KEM and PI-KEM Hart are proud to partner with Novamet Specialty Products Corporation.
Special Magnetic Flakes are used in a wide range of applications, including:
Novamet nickel flakes are bright, high surface area particles with irregular platelet shapes, manufactured from high purity (99.8%) carbonyl nickel feedstock. All flakes exhibit ferromagnetic characteristics, demonstrable corrosion resistance and are inert in water.
Seven grades of nickel flake are available, one for electrically conductive applications, four for decorative/protective uses, one for pigments and a further product for general non-conductive industrial applications, as follows:
Conductive HCA-1 Nickel Flake
Fine and Standard Grade Leafing Nickel Flake
Fine and Standard Grade Water Nickel Flake
Pigment Grade Nickel Flake
Type CHT Flake
Nickel Flakes have a wide range of applications, including:
Solvent- and water-based paints
Powder coatings - for long-term architectural stability, e.g. trim, wheels, under-the-hood parts, office and outdoor furniture
High temperature anti-seize lubricants
Printing inks – can create a magnetic signature in security inks
Hard metal binder – additives to Tungsten Carbides for uniform dispersion
EMI/RFI Shielding for electronic components
Conductive inks, adhesives and anti-static floor coatings
• Discrete irregular 99.8% purity nickel platelets
• Heat treated in a controlled atmosphere to remove surface oxidation for maximised conductivity
• Flake thickness approximately 1.0 µm
• Aspect ratio around 20:1
• Compatible with acrylic, epoxy, urethane, and vinyl resins and water-based formulations and powder coating systems
Nickel Flake Leafing Grade
• Bright attractive, high purity material (99.8%)
• Leafing pigments tend to concentrate near the surface of a paint film, creating a metallic appearances
• Fine Leafing Flake: 0.5 µm flake thickness
• Standard leafing paste: 1 µm flake thickness
• Appropriate for use as an additive in Tungsten Carbides (WC)
• Good corrosion resistance in alkaline environments
Nickel Flake Water Grade
• Bright attractive, high purity material (99.8%)
• Developed for incorporation into aqueous and solvent coating system, water pigments randomly disperse throughout the paint film
• Fine Water Grade: 0.5 µm flake thickness
• Standard Water Grade: 0.7 µm flake thickness
Nickel Flake Pigment Grade
• An extra fine pigment grade for use in printing inks
• Pigment Grade: 0.3 µm flake thickness
• Can create a magnetic signature in security inks
Nickel Flake Industrial Grade CHT
• An industrial grade nickel product
• Formulated using ceramic- and silicone-based materials
• Ideal for use in extremely elevated temperature and corrosive environments e.g. oil well drilling
• Flake thickness approximately 1.5 µm
• Anti-seize additive for incorporation into lubricants
Novamet Stainless Steel Flakes are all manufactured from high purity UPS–S–31603 stainless steel powder (formerly known as AISI Type 316 L). All show ferromagnetic characteristics, and are a durable and attractive material solution.
Four grades are available:
Novamet Stainless Steel Flake Fine Leafing Grade
Novamet Stainless Steel Flake Standard Leafing Grade
Novamet Stainless Steel Flake Fine Water Grade
Novamet Stainless Steel Flake Standard Water Grade
The Stainless Steel Flakes are formulated to perform excellently in both solvent-based and water-borne systems.
In solvent systems, the leafing pigments create a brilliant metallic sheen by aligning at the surface of the paint film. The water grade pigments offer a non-leafing option with outstanding light reflectivity due to their random dispersion.
When incorporated in water-based systems, the flakes will not form hydrogen, therefore prevents gassing, and eliminating issues such as the popping of can lids. The water grade pigment contains a special lubricant used to prevent saponification.
Benefits
Crafted for durability in harsh environments
Outstanding resistance to wear, abrasion and corrosion
Resistant to salt-spray, acid spotting, strong alkaline cleaners and detergents
Will not chalk or tarnish
Long-lasting performance, maintaining integrity in extreme conditions
• Bright attractive material
• Made from UNS S31603 austenitic stainless steel
• Full leafing qualities
• Excellent corrosion resistance
• Flake thickness 0.8 μm
• Apparent density 0.6 g/cm3
• Mesh screen analysis: 95% -325
• For use in solvent-based paints, organic powder coating systems, and printing inks
Novamet Stainless Steel Flake Standard Leafing Grade
• As fine leafing grade but with larger flake size
• Has a bright, reflective appearance
• Flake thickness 1.0 μm
• Apparent density 0.8g/cm3
• Mesh screen analysis: 80% +325
Novamet Stainless Steel Flake Fine Water Grade
• Bright attractive material
• Made from UNS S31603 austenitic stainless steel
• Non-leafing material
• Developed for incorporation into aqueous coating system
• Compatible with organic powder coating systems
• Flake thickness 0.6 μm
• Apparent density 0.6 g/cm3
• Mesh screen analysis: 95% -325
Novamet Stainless Steel Flake Standard Water Grade
• As fine water grade but with larger flake size
• Has a bright, reflective appearance
• Compatible with aqueous-based and powder-based coating systems
• Flake thickness 1.0 μm
• Apparent density 0.8 g/cm3
• Mesh screen analysis: 80% +325
PI-KEM supplies a wide range of high-performance magnetic flakes, including nickel, stainless steel, and permalloy grades.
These flakes exhibit soft ferromagnetism, making them suitable for applications such as magnetic shielding, recording media, conductive coatings, medical devices, aerospace, and defence technologies. In partnership with Novamet, we offer technical support to help you choose the right flake type and grade for your specific application.
Ready to order your magnetic flakes or discuss your requirements?
