Researchers at Drexel University have created a process to manufacture soft magnetic composites (SMCs) that withstand high temperatures for use in electromagnetic devices. Oxide coated ferrous powders are magnetically permeable, electrically resistive, and mechanically durable to allow for complex shapes to be produced. Traditional electric motors utilize silicon steel laminations; however, they are inefficient at high frequencies and often result in overheating due to eddy currents. By using an oxide material as an insulating layer between ferrous powders, eddy currents can be significantly reduced to avoid thermal losses. A distinct advantage of SMCs is the reduction in weight and size, since a much lower applied field is needed to produce the same response as laminations.  Other key advantages of using powder metallurgy techniques is the reduction of production cost and improvement in efficiency, due to minimal manufacturing waste. Overall, ferrous powders coated with oxide material will allow electromagnetic devices to perform at higher frequencies, needed for improved efficiency.