Electrical machine with improved loss characteristics and method of making same

A rotor for an electrical machine, comprising:

• a generally cylindrical first portion comprising a first material;
• and
• a second portion comprising a conductive layer of a second material plated integrally over the first portion, the conductive layer having predetermined thickness, wherein the second material has a higher electrical conductivity relative to the first material.

The rotor of claim 12, wherein the second section is plated over the first section via at least one of electroplating, electroless plating, hot isostatic pressing, or high velocity powder spraying.

A method for manufacturing a rotor, comprising:

• fabricating a generally cylindrical first section of a rotor from a magnetic material;
• and
• plating a second section over at least a portion of the first section of the rotor, wherein the second section comprises a electrically conductive material that is applied to a predetermined radial thickness and wherein the electrically conductive material is configured to exhibit a higher electrical conductivity relative to the magnetic material.