The magnetocrystalline anisotropy of the easy-plane compounds Y2Fe17,
Y2Fe17N3 and Sm2Fe17 are measured. To simplify the analysis of the mag
netisation data, the metallic powders are aligned in a magic cylinder
device. Based on the Sucksmith-Thompson method, K-1 and K-2 are determ
ined between 4.2 K and room temperature. The values are used to separa
te the transition metal anisotropy contribution from the rare-earth co
ntribution in Sm2Fe17.