Which metal is most suitable for MRI-compatible equipment?

Aluminum is the most suitable metal for MRI-compatible equipment due to its non-magnetic properties. MRI machines utilize powerful magnetic fields, and the materials used in their construction must not interfere with these fields. Aluminum is classified as a paramagnetic material, meaning it does not exhibit significant magnetic properties and thus does not become magnetized in the presence of an external magnetic field. This characteristic allows aluminum to be safely used in close proximity to MRI machines without causing artifacts or affecting the functionality of the imaging system.

In contrast, cobalt and iron are ferromagnetic materials, which means they can be magnetized and would pose a significant risk when used near MRI systems, potentially leading to hazardous situations. Nickel, though less magnetic than cobalt and iron, can still have undesirable magnetic interactions in strong magnetic fields, making it a less favorable choice compared to aluminum.