Abstract: Electric motor components, such as a plurality of electromagnetic poles of an annular stator, are formed of soft magnetic composites comprising compacted, electrically isolated iron alloy particles. Embodiments comprise predetermining particular alloy compositions and processing conditions, such as compaction pressures and temperatures, and post compaction heat treating temperatures and atmospheres, for an intended mode of operation, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency and reliability in tailoring soft magnetic composite components for particular design situations.