Segmentation by type classifies samarium sputtering targets into three core groups, each with distinct sub‑types that affect production volume and pricing structures. The first group, pure metallic samarium, is supplied as a metallic Sm target and serves applications requiring minimal alloying effects, such as baseline magnetic layer studies; its market share is modest but essential for purity‑sensitive processes. The second group, samarium‑based alloys, includes Sm‑Co alloy targets and Sm‑Fe alloy targets; these sub‑types dominate the market due to their enhanced magnetic coercivity and mechanical strength, respectively, and together represent roughly 55 % of total sales. The third group, doped samarium targets, involves the addition of secondary rare‑earth or transition‑metal dopants to tailor electrical or optical characteristics; examples are doped Sm targets used in specialized optoelectronic coatings, comprising about 15 % of the market. This taxonomy clarifies how each type’s functional attributes translate into quantifiable contributions to overall market size.