alnico

thumb|A "horseshoe magnet" made of Alnico 5, about 1 [[inch high. The metal bar (bottom) is a keeper, which is placed across the poles when the magnet is not in use. This helps to preserve the magnetization.]]

Alnico is a family of iron alloys which, in addition to iron, are composed primarily of aluminium (Al), nickel (Ni), and cobalt (Co), hence the acronym al-ni-co. They also include copper, and sometimes titanium. Alnico alloys are ferromagnetic, and are used to make permanent magnets. Before the development of rare-earth magnets in the 1970s, they were the strongest permanent magnet type. Other trade names for alloys in this family are: Alni, Alcomax, Hycomax, Columax, and Ticonal.