Exploring Magnetic Shielding Supermalloy: Technical Specifications, Performance, and Engineering Applications

Types of Magnetic Shielding Supermalloy

Magnetic shielding supermalloy is a high-permeability nickel-iron alloy renowned for its exceptional ability to redirect and absorb magnetic fields, making it one of the most effective materials for electromagnetic shielding. Available in various configurations, supermalloy shielding is engineered to meet precise requirements based on field strength, frequency, spatial constraints, and environmental conditions. Its unique composition—typically 75–80% nickel, with iron, molybdenum, and small amounts of copper and chromium—provides extremely low coercivity and high magnetic permeability, ideal for shielding sensitive equipment from low-frequency and static magnetic fields.

Layered Shielding

Constructed from multiple thin supermalloy sheets separated by non-magnetic spacers like plastic or aluminum, this design maximizes magnetic flux closure points, significantly enhancing attenuation of low-frequency fields.

Advantages

• Superior attenuation of low-frequency fields
• Reduces eddy current losses
• Ideal for high-precision environments
• Minimizes magnetic saturation risk

Limitations

• More complex and costly to manufacture
• Increased overall thickness
• Requires precise assembly

Best for: MRI machines, electron microscopes, quantum sensors, and aerospace instrumentation

Cylindrical Shielding

Designed as a seamless or welded tube, cylindrical supermalloy shielding provides uniform protection along the axis of the cylinder, making it optimal for protecting rod-shaped or axial components in uniform magnetic fields.

Advantages

• Excellent symmetry for uniform field blocking
• Easy integration into sensors and probes
• High shielding effectiveness along the axis
• Minimizes end effects with proper end caps

Limitations

• Less effective at ends without caps
• Limited to axial or tubular applications
• Welding can reduce local permeability

Best for: Magnetic field sensors, NMR equipment, laser systems, and industrial probes

Spherical Shielding

Offering the highest degree of isotropic protection, spherical supermalloy enclosures provide uniform shielding in all directions, making them ideal for environments with unpredictable or multidirectional magnetic fields.

Advantages

• Perfect symmetry ensures equal attenuation in all directions
• Maximum shielding factor for enclosed volume
• Ideal for zero-field environments
• Used in ultra-sensitive physics experiments

Limitations

• Extremely difficult and expensive to fabricate
• Limited internal access
• Heavy and bulky for large sizes

Best for: Fundamental physics research, atomic clocks, magnetometry, and space-based instrumentation

Box-Shaped Shielding

Constructed from flat supermalloy plates welded or overlapped into a rectangular or cubic enclosure, this is the most common and practical form of magnetic shielding for general applications.

Advantages

• Simple design and cost-effective manufacturing
• Easy access and modularity
• Widely used across industries
• Can be multi-layered for enhanced performance

Limitations

• Corners and seams create flux leakage points
• Lower shielding effectiveness than spherical
• Requires careful joint design to minimize gaps

Best for: Consumer electronics, control panels, industrial automation, and laboratory equipment

Customized Shielding

Tailored solutions fabricated to meet unique spatial, geometric, or magnetic field requirements. These shields are precision-cut, bent, and assembled using advanced techniques to fit complex devices or irregular enclosures.

Advantages

• Optimized for specific device geometry
• Maximizes space efficiency
• Solves complex shielding challenges
• Supports rapid prototyping and R&D

Limitations

• Higher cost due to customization
• Longer lead times
• Requires expert design and simulation

Best for: Research laboratories, medical devices, defense systems, and advanced robotics

Type	Shielding Effectiveness	Design Complexity	Cost	Typical Applications
Layered	Very High	High	High	Medical imaging, scientific instruments
Cylindrical	High	Medium	Medium	Sensors, probes, measurement systems
Spherical	Extremely High	Very High	Very High	Physics research, space tech, atomic devices
Box-Shaped	Medium to High	Low to Medium	Low to Medium	Electronics, industrial controls, labs
Customized	Variable (Optimized)	High	High	R&D, defense, medical, robotics

Expert Tip: For optimal performance, supermalloy shields should undergo proper annealing in a hydrogen atmosphere after fabrication to restore maximum magnetic permeability and ensure consistent shielding effectiveness.

Features of Magnetic Shielding Supermalloy

Supermalloy is a specialized nickel-iron-molybdenum alloy renowned for its exceptional magnetic shielding capabilities. Its unique combination of physical and magnetic properties makes it a preferred choice in industries requiring precise control over electromagnetic interference (EMI), such as aerospace, medical imaging (MRI), telecommunications, and precision instrumentation. Understanding the key features of supermalloy enables engineers and manufacturers to optimize its use in sensitive applications where even minimal magnetic interference can compromise performance.

Core Magnetic Properties of Supermalloy

Low Reluctance

Supermalloy exhibits exceptionally low magnetic reluctance, meaning it offers minimal resistance to magnetic flux. This property allows the material to act as a highly efficient conduit for magnetic field lines, effectively "short-circuiting" stray fields around protected components rather than allowing them to penetrate sensitive areas.

This makes supermalloy ideal for creating closed magnetic paths in shielding enclosures, ensuring that external or internal magnetic fields are redirected along the shield’s surface and contained within designated zones. As a result, electronic circuits, sensors, and measurement devices remain isolated from disruptive magnetic influences.

High Magnetic Permeability

One of the most defining characteristics of supermalloy is its extremely high initial and maximum magnetic permeability—often exceeding 100,000 μ₀ in optimized conditions. This surpasses most conventional magnetic materials, including standard electrical steels and even other high-permeability alloys like Mu-metal.

High permeability enables supermalloy to absorb and reroute weak magnetic fields with remarkable efficiency, making it especially effective in shielding against low-frequency and static (DC) magnetic fields. This is critical in environments where Earth's magnetic field or nearby power systems could interfere with delicate equipment such as electron microscopes or quantum sensors.

Low Coercivity

Supermalloy has very low coercivity, typically ranging between 0.2 to 1 A/m, indicating that it requires minimal reverse magnetic field strength to demagnetize after exposure. This reflects its status as a "magnetically soft" material with negligible hysteresis loss.

The low coercivity ensures that once an external magnetic field is removed, supermalloy does not retain significant residual magnetism. This rapid and complete demagnetization prevents the shield itself from becoming a source of interference, which is essential in applications requiring repeated or dynamic magnetic field control, such as in magnetic resonance systems or magnetic sensors.

High Electrical Resistivity

Despite being a metallic alloy composed primarily of nickel (~79%), iron (~15%), and molybdenum (~5%), supermalloy possesses relatively high electrical resistivity compared to pure metals. This property plays a crucial role in reducing eddy current formation when exposed to alternating (AC) magnetic fields.

Eddy currents can degrade shielding effectiveness by generating opposing magnetic fields that leak through the material. The higher resistivity of supermalloy suppresses these currents, enhancing performance in high-frequency environments and improving overall shielding integrity across a broad frequency spectrum—from DC up to several hundred kilohertz.

Magnetically Soft Nature

Supermalloy belongs to the class of magnetically soft materials, characterized by easy magnetization and demagnetization under small applied fields. This behavior stems from its low anisotropy and magnetostriction, combined with a fine-grained microstructure achieved through precise annealing processes.

Its soft magnetic nature allows supermalloy to respond instantaneously to changing magnetic environments, making it ideal for applications requiring temporary or adaptive shielding. Once the external field is withdrawn, the material returns to a nearly non-magnetic state, ensuring consistent performance over repeated cycles without degradation.

Composition & Structural Sensitivity

Supermalloy’s performance is highly dependent on its precise chemical composition and metallurgical processing. Small deviations in nickel, iron, or molybdenum content can significantly affect permeability and coercivity. Additionally, mechanical stress or improper heat treatment can degrade its magnetic properties.

To achieve optimal shielding, supermalloy must undergo controlled annealing in a hydrogen atmosphere to relieve internal stresses and promote domain wall mobility. This sensitivity necessitates careful handling and installation but results in unparalleled shielding performance when properly processed.

Property	Typical Value	Engineering Significance
Relative Permeability (μr)	80,000 – 100,000+	Enables superior absorption and redirection of weak magnetic fields
Coercivity (Hc)	0.2 – 1 A/m	Ensures minimal residual magnetism and fast response to field changes
Electrical Resistivity	~62 μΩ·cm	Reduces eddy current losses in AC field environments
Core Losses (at 10 kHz)	Very Low	Ideal for high-frequency shielding and energy-efficient designs

Applications and Best Practices

Medical Imaging: Used in MRI rooms and equipment housings to prevent external magnetic interference and maintain field homogeneity.

Aerospace & Defense: Protects navigation systems, sensors, and communication devices from electromagnetic disturbances in aircraft and satellites.

Scientific Instruments: Shields electron microscopes, SQUID magnetometers, and atomic clocks from ambient magnetic noise.

Consumer Electronics: Employed in high-end audio equipment and precision sensors to ensure signal fidelity.

Installation Tip: Always handle supermalloy with care—avoid bending or impacting the material, as mechanical stress can degrade its magnetic performance. Post-installation annealing may be required in critical applications.

Important: Supermalloy’s performance is highly sensitive to mechanical stress, contamination, and improper heat treatment. To maintain its superior shielding properties, it must be annealed under controlled conditions after fabrication. Never use supermalloy as a structural component—its primary function is magnetic, not mechanical. Using incorrect processing techniques or substituting with lower-grade alloys can severely compromise shielding effectiveness.

Uses of Magnetic Shielding Supermalloy

Supermalloy is a high-permeability nickel-iron alloy renowned for its exceptional ability to shield sensitive equipment from external magnetic fields. With one of the highest magnetic permeabilities of any known material, it effectively redirects and absorbs stray magnetic flux, creating a near-zero magnetic environment critical for precision instruments. This makes Supermalloy indispensable across advanced technological and scientific fields where even minimal magnetic interference can compromise performance, accuracy, or data integrity.

Electron Microscopes

Electron microscopes rely on precisely controlled magnetic fields to focus electron beams for high-resolution imaging at the nanoscale. External magnetic disturbances—such as those from nearby electrical equipment or Earth's magnetic field—can deflect electron trajectories, leading to image distortion, blurring, or reduced resolution.

• Supermalloy enclosures create a magnetically quiet environment, ensuring beam stability and imaging precision
• Used in transmission electron microscopes (TEM) and scanning electron microscopes (SEM) for materials science, semiconductor analysis, and biological research
• Multiple layers of Supermalloy shielding may be employed in ultra-high-resolution systems to achieve optimal field attenuation

Key benefit: Enables sub-angstrom resolution by minimizing magnetic noise in beam path components

Medical Imaging Systems

In medical diagnostics, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines and other sensitive imaging systems depend on highly uniform magnetic fields. External interference can degrade image quality, reduce contrast, or introduce artifacts that hinder accurate diagnosis.

• Supermalloy shields protect MRI magnet arrays and signal detection coils from ambient magnetic fields
• Used in open MRI systems and portable imaging units where external shielding is more challenging
• Helps maintain field homogeneity, improving signal-to-noise ratio and diagnostic reliability

Critical impact: Enhances early disease detection by preserving image clarity and anatomical detail

Data Storage Devices

Hard disk drives (HDDs) store data in microscopic magnetic domains on spinning platters. Uncontrolled external magnetic fields can alter or erase these domains, leading to data corruption or loss—especially in high-density storage systems.

• Supermalloy shields are integrated into HDD enclosures to protect read/write heads and platters from electromagnetic interference (EMI)
• Essential in aerospace, military, and industrial computing systems where equipment operates near strong magnetic sources
• Also used in legacy tape storage and magnetic memory systems requiring long-term data integrity

Performance advantage: Maintains data fidelity in environments with fluctuating magnetic conditions

Scientific Instruments

Precision scientific instruments such as atomic clocks, SQUID magnetometers, and quantum sensors require near-perfect magnetic isolation to function accurately. Even microtesla-level interference can skew measurements or destabilize quantum states.

• Supermalloy chambers shield atomic clocks to maintain timekeeping accuracy over decades
• Used in magnetoencephalography (MEG) systems to detect faint neural magnetic fields
• Essential in quantum computing research for protecting qubits from decoherence caused by magnetic noise

Research enabler: Allows detection of extremely weak magnetic signals in physics and neuroscience

Telecommunications Equipment

Modern communication systems—from satellite transceivers to cellular base stations—rely on sensitive analog and RF components that can be disrupted by magnetic interference, leading to signal degradation, crosstalk, or dropped connections.

• Supermalloy shields protect oscillators, filters, and amplifiers in high-frequency communication circuits
• Used in satellite payloads to ensure reliable signal transmission in magnetically noisy space environments
• Integrated into 5G infrastructure and IoT devices where miniaturization increases susceptibility to EMI

Network reliability: Prevents interference-induced outages and maintains signal clarity in dense urban environments

Additional Applications

Beyond the core industries, Supermalloy finds use in emerging and specialized technologies where magnetic precision is paramount.

• Aerospace & Defense: Shields avionics, navigation systems, and radar equipment from electromagnetic pulses (EMP) and onboard interference
• Particle Physics: Lines beamlines and detectors in particle accelerators like the LHC to prevent field leakage
• Consumer Electronics: Protects MEMS sensors and Hall effect devices in smartphones and wearables
• Industrial Automation: Ensures accuracy in robotic control systems and precision measurement tools

Future potential: Growing demand in quantum technologies and AI hardware requiring ultra-low noise environments

Engineering Insight: When designing with Supermalloy, proper annealing after fabrication is crucial to restore its high permeability. Mechanical stress, cutting, or bending can degrade magnetic performance, so post-processing heat treatment in a hydrogen atmosphere is often required. Additionally, multi-layer shielding configurations (Supermalloy + mu-metal or aluminum) are frequently used to block both low-frequency magnetic fields and high-frequency electromagnetic interference.

Application	Magnetic Sensitivity	Shielding Requirement	Performance Benefit
Electron Microscopy	Extremely High	Multi-layer Supermalloy enclosure	Sub-nanometer imaging stability
MRI Systems	Very High	Room or component-level shielding	Improved diagnostic accuracy
Hard Disk Drives	High	Localized internal shielding	Data integrity preservation
Atomic Clocks	Extreme	Hermetic Supermalloy chamber	Nanosecond-level timekeeping precision
Satellite Communications	High	Component-level RF shielding	Reliable signal transmission

Material Advantages and Considerations

• Ultra-High Permeability: Supermalloy can achieve initial permeability values exceeding 100,000 µ, making it one of the most effective magnetic shields available
• Low Coercivity: Requires minimal energy to magnetize and demagnetize, reducing hysteresis losses
• Saturation Limitation: Effective primarily in low-field environments; performance diminishes in strong magnetic fields
• Cost and Handling: More expensive than standard shielding materials; requires careful handling to avoid mechanical stress
• Corrosion Resistance: Generally stable but may require protective coatings in humid or corrosive environments

How to Choose the Right Supermalloy Magnetic Shielding

Selecting the appropriate supermalloy magnetic shielding is crucial for achieving optimal performance in sensitive electronic and scientific applications. Supermalloy, known for its exceptional magnetic properties, is widely used in environments where precise control of magnetic fields is essential. This guide outlines the key factors to consider when purchasing supermalloy shielding to ensure it meets your technical and environmental requirements.

Important Note: Supermalloy is a highly specialized alloy. Improper selection or handling can significantly degrade its magnetic performance. Always consult with material engineers or shielding specialists for mission-critical applications such as medical imaging, aerospace systems, or quantum research.

Key Factors in Supermalloy Shielding Selection

• Permeability

  Magnetic permeability is the most critical property of supermalloy shielding. It measures how easily a material can support the formation of a magnetic field within itself—essentially how well it "conducts" magnetic flux. Higher permeability means the material can more effectively redirect and absorb magnetic field lines, providing superior shielding.

  Supermalloy boasts the highest initial permeability of any known commercial alloy—often exceeding 100,000 µ₀ under optimal conditions. This makes it ideal for shielding low-intensity magnetic fields in applications like MRI equipment, electron microscopes, and precision sensors. When selecting, ask your supplier for permeability test data under conditions similar to your operating environment, as performance can vary with field strength and frequency.

• Thickness

  The thickness of the supermalloy directly impacts its shielding effectiveness (SE), especially in high-field environments. Thicker layers provide greater attenuation of magnetic fields due to increased material volume for flux shunting. However, there are diminishing returns beyond a certain point, and added weight and cost must be considered.

  For low-field applications (e.g., protecting circuitry from Earth's magnetic field or ambient EMI), thin foils (0.1–0.5 mm) may suffice. For high-field environments such as near transformers or industrial motors, multi-layered or thicker sheets (0.5–2.0 mm) are typically required. Consider the required shielding factor (in dB) and consult shielding effectiveness charts to determine the optimal thickness for your application.

• Form and Fabrication

  Supermalloy is available in various forms to suit different shielding needs, including thin foils, sheets, tapes, tubes, and custom enclosures. The choice of form depends on the geometry of the component being shielded and spatial constraints.

  Due to its soft magnetic properties and sensitivity to mechanical stress, fabrication must be done carefully. Processes like cutting, bending, or welding can introduce dislocations and residual stresses that reduce permeability. High-precision techniques such as electron-beam welding or laser cutting with post-fabrication annealing are often used to maintain magnetic performance. If you require custom shapes, ensure the manufacturer follows proper heat treatment protocols after fabrication to restore optimal magnetic properties.

• Geometrical Configuration

  The shape of the shield plays a significant role in its effectiveness. Enclosures with continuous, seamless designs (e.g., cylindrical or spherical) provide the best shielding by minimizing flux leakage at seams and joints. Sharp corners and gaps can create magnetic "short circuits," reducing performance.

  Common configurations include:

  • Cylindrical shields: Ideal for protecting sensors, coils, and electron beams.
  • Box enclosures: Used for circuit boards and electronic modules.
  • Multi-layer designs: Employed in ultra-sensitive applications where maximum attenuation is required.

  Always design the shield to fully encompass the protected component, with minimal openings. Any apertures should be kept small and strategically placed to avoid compromising the magnetic circuit.

• Coating and Corrosion Protection

  While supermalloy contains molybdenum, which enhances its corrosion resistance, it is not immune to oxidation and environmental degradation—especially in humid or saline environments. Surface oxidation can impair magnetic performance and structural integrity over time.

  For enhanced durability, consider coated variants such as:

  • Nickel plating: Offers excellent corrosion resistance and can also provide additional EMI shielding at high frequencies.
  • Organic coatings (e.g., epoxy or lacquer): Provide a thin protective layer while maintaining magnetic performance.
  • Passivation treatments: Improve surface stability without adding thickness.

  Ensure that any coating is applied uniformly and does not introduce magnetic impurities or mechanical stress that could degrade shielding efficiency.

Selection Factor	Key Considerations	Typical Applications	Performance Tips
Permeability	Must exceed 50,000 µ₀ for high-sensitivity shielding	MRI, electron microscopy, quantum sensors	Request certified test data; avoid mechanical stress
Thickness	Balances shielding effectiveness with weight and cost	Thin: consumer electronics; Thick: industrial systems	Use multi-layer for high attenuation; anneal after forming
Form & Fabrication	Custom shapes require precision manufacturing	Custom enclosures, aerospace components	Use e-beam welding; perform post-fabrication annealing
Geometry	Seamless designs minimize flux leakage	Sensors, RF shields, scientific instruments	Avoid sharp corners; minimize apertures
Corrosion Protection	Environmental exposure dictates coating needs	Marine, outdoor, medical devices	Nickel plating recommended for harsh environments

Expert Tip: After installation, always perform a magnetic field mapping test to verify shielding effectiveness. Even minor gaps or improper seams can drastically reduce performance. Consider using Helmholtz coils or Gauss meters for accurate field measurements.

Additional Recommendations

• Store supermalloy in a dry, temperature-controlled environment to prevent oxidation before use.
• Handle with clean gloves to avoid contamination from oils and salts on the skin.
• Always perform a final annealing cycle after any mechanical modification to restore magnetic properties.
• Work with suppliers who provide full material traceability and compliance with ASTM or MIL standards.
• For multi-layer shields, ensure proper spacing between layers to avoid magnetic coupling that reduces effectiveness.

Choosing the right supermalloy magnetic shielding involves balancing material properties, geometric design, and environmental factors. By carefully evaluating permeability, thickness, form, configuration, and protection needs, you can ensure reliable and long-lasting magnetic isolation for even the most demanding applications. When in doubt, partner with experienced shielding engineers to optimize your design and avoid costly performance issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About Supermalloy Magnetic Shielding

Q1: What is magnetic shielding supermalloy?

Supermalloy is a specialized soft magnetic alloy engineered specifically for high-performance magnetic shielding applications. It is composed primarily of nickel (79–80%), iron (15–16%), and molybdenum (2–5%), with trace amounts of chromium and copper sometimes added to enhance specific properties.

Due to its unique metallurgical structure, Supermalloy exhibits exceptionally high initial and maximum magnetic permeability—often exceeding 100,000 µ₀—making it one of the most effective materials for redirecting and absorbing low-intensity magnetic fields. Its extremely low coercivity means it can be easily magnetized and demagnetized without retaining residual magnetism, which is crucial for precision environments where magnetic hysteresis must be minimized.

This combination of properties makes Supermalloy a top-tier choice in applications requiring ultra-sensitive protection from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and geomagnetic noise.

Q2: What is magnetic supermalloy shielding used for?

Supermalloy shielding plays a critical role in protecting sensitive electronic and scientific equipment from external magnetic interference. Because even weak magnetic fields can disrupt delicate measurements or data integrity, Supermalloy is employed in industries where precision is paramount. Key applications include:

• Medical Imaging: Used in MRI rooms and surrounding components to contain stray magnetic fields and prevent interference with nearby devices.
• Data Storage: Shields hard disk drives and magnetic memory units from external fields that could corrupt stored information.
• Scientific Research: Essential in electron microscopes, mass spectrometers, atomic clocks, and quantum computing setups where nanoscale accuracy is required.
• Aerospace & Defense: Protects navigation systems, sensors, and communication equipment from magnetic anomalies.
• Consumer Electronics: Found in high-end audio equipment and sensors to ensure signal clarity and performance stability.

In all these contexts, Supermalloy acts as a "magnetic short circuit," drawing field lines into itself and away from protected components, thereby maintaining operational integrity.

Q3: What are some of the key properties of supermalloy?

Supermalloy's effectiveness stems from a carefully balanced set of physical and magnetic characteristics:

• Extremely High Permeability: Offers superior ability to concentrate magnetic flux, outperforming many other shielding alloys like Mu-Metal in low-field environments.
• Low Coercivity: Requires minimal energy to magnetize and demagnetize, reducing hysteresis losses and enabling rapid response to changing fields.
• Soft Magnetic Behavior: Classified as a magnetically soft material, meaning it does not retain magnetization after the external field is removed.
• Corrosion Resistance: The inclusion of molybdenum enhances resistance to oxidation and environmental degradation, improving longevity in various operating conditions.
• Excellent Formability: Can be rolled into thin foils, sheets, or complex shapes without cracking, allowing for custom shielding enclosures and layered designs.
• Saturation Flux Density: While lower than steel or iron-based alloys, its saturation point is well-suited for shielding weak to moderate fields typical in electronic systems.

These properties collectively make Supermalloy ideal for applications demanding both high shielding efficiency and long-term reliability under controlled conditions.

Q4: What is the exact composition of supermalloy?

Supermalloy has a tightly controlled chemical composition designed to optimize its magnetic softness and permeability. The standard formulation consists of:

Element	Percentage Range	Role in Alloy
Nickel (Ni)	79% – 80%	Primary contributor to high permeability and low anisotropy; stabilizes the face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structure.
Iron (Fe)	15% – 16%	Provides magnetic strength and contributes to saturation flux density while maintaining soft magnetic properties.
Molybdenum (Mo)	2% – 5%	Enhances resistivity, reduces eddy current losses, improves corrosion resistance, and refines grain structure.
Chromium (Cr) / Copper (Cu)	Trace amounts (optional)	May be added to further improve oxidation resistance or fine-tune magnetic behavior during heat treatment.

The precise balance of these elements allows Supermalloy to achieve near-ideal soft magnetic performance, especially when combined with proper annealing processes after fabrication.

Q5: What is the manufacturing process of supermalloy like?

The production of Supermalloy involves several precision-controlled stages to ensure optimal magnetic performance:

1. Raw Material Preparation: High-purity nickel, iron, molybdenum, and optional additives are precisely weighed according to the desired alloy specification.
2. Melting and Alloying: The metals are melted together in a vacuum induction furnace to prevent contamination and ensure uniform mixing. This step is critical for achieving homogeneity.
3. Casting: The molten alloy is cast into ingots or billets for further processing.
4. Hot and Cold Rolling: The ingots are hot-rolled to reduce thickness and then cold-rolled into thin sheets or foils, often down to fractions of a millimeter, depending on the application.
5. Cutting and Forming: Sheets are cut and formed into shields, enclosures, or custom geometries using stamping, bending, or laser cutting techniques.
6. Heat Treatment (Annealing): A crucial final step performed in a hydrogen or inert gas atmosphere to relieve internal stresses and restore optimal magnetic permeability. This annealing process aligns the crystal structure and removes dislocations that could impede magnetic domain movement.

After manufacturing, Supermalloy components are often handled with care—avoiding mechanical shocks or bending—to preserve their magnetic properties. Any deformation may require re-annealing to restore full shielding effectiveness.