Neodymium Magnets Information
Neodymium Magnets
Neodymium magnets are a member of the rare earth magnet family and are the most permanent magnets in the world. They’re composed of Neodymium (Nd), Iron (Fe) and Boron (B), which makes them vulnerable to rust if they’re exposed to the elements. The magnet is usually coated with nickel to protect the magnet from corrosion and strengthen the brittle magnet material. Neodymium Magnets, however, will still be brittle and subject to corrosion.
Neodymium Discs
Neodymium discs are strong magnets and are very useful for hanging or holding circular or disc-shaped metal objects as well as a wide range of other magnetic applications.
Neodymium Rings
Ring magnets, as their name suggests, have a circular shape and a hollow centre. The circular shape is like that of disc magnets, which are similarly popular due to their versatility and utility. The hollow cutout at the centre opens this magnet up to an enormous range of possibilities and makes it uniquely well-suited for many different applications.
Neodymium Blocks
Neodymium blocks are strong magnets and are very useful for hanging or holding square, rectangular or similar-shaped metal objects and a wide range of other magnetic applications.
Neodymium Balls
Neodymium ball magnets are also known as zen magnets or buckyballs. These magnets are small but curiously strong rare earth magnets. They are attracted to ferromagnetic materials, as well as other magnets.
Countersunk Magnets
Countersunk Magnets, also known as Round Base, Round Cup, Cup or RB magnets, are powerful mounting magnets, built with neodymium magnets in a steel cup with a 90° countersunk hole on the working surface to accommodate a standard flat-head screw.
HIGH HEAT AND NEODYMIUM MAGNETS
Like other rare earth magnets, neodymium magnets have a high resistance to demagnetization. They will not lose their magnetisation around other magnets or if dropped. However, neodymium magnets will completely lose their magnetisation if heated above their Curie temperature of 310 °C for standard N grades.
Neodymium magnets are available for standard-temperature and high-temperature applications. Standard temperature neodymium magnets will begin to lose strength if they are heated above their maximum operating temperature, which is 80°C.
THINGS TO KNOW WHEN USING NEODYMIUM MAGNETS & IMPORTANT SAFETY CAUTIONS
If left exposed to the elements, the iron in the magnet will rust. To protect the magnet from corrosion and to strengthen the brittle magnet material, we recommend coating the magnet in nickel plating. Other coating options are zinc, tin, copper, epoxy, silver, and gold. Neodymium Magnets, however, will still be brittle and subject to corrosion.
Neodymium magnets must be handled carefully to avoid injury and damage to you and the magnet. Keep the following things in mind when handling neodymium magnets:
Fingers and hands can get severely pinched between two attracting magnets. They must be kept out of the reach of small children.
Neodymium magnets are brittle and can peel, crack or shatter if allowed to slam together.
Eye protection should be worn.
Neodymium magnets can also damage credit cards, magnetic identification cards, or videotapes.
Never place neodymium magnets near electronic devices. It is crucial to never allow them near a person with a pacemaker or similar medical aid.
Neodymium magnets should not be machined. The material is brittle and prone to chipping and cracking, so it does not machine well by conventional methods. Machining the magnets will generate heat, which if not carefully controlled, can demagnetise the magnet or even ignite the toxic material when burned.
APPLICATIONS
Neodymium magnets have a variety of uses, which makes perfect sense, considering they’re extremely strong and affordable. Here are just a few of the ways you’ll see neodymium magnets applied to everyday life:
Electronics — Cell phones, loudspeakers, headphones, and more everyday electronics use neodymium magnets.
Industrial applications — Alternators, flow meters, linear actuators, and gyroscopes.
Clamps — A couple of neodymium blocks or cubes are perfect for holding pieces of metal in place. This is most common for welding, drilling, or machining purposes.
Green Energy — Both hybrid and electric vehicles, as do wind turbines, employ neodymium magnets.
Healthcare — Pacemakers and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines use neodymium magnets.
Oil Filters — Ever wonder how metal chips are filtered out of oil? Neodymium magnets!
Stud Finders — These magnets are powerful enough to find hidden nails and other metal pieces inside walls.
Magnetic Therapy — Neodymium magnets fit the bill perfectly for those who use magnetic therapy as a healing tool. There are different-sized blocks to choose from depending on the size of the body being worked on.
Closers — Need to hold a brochure, box, binder, or other presentation piece shut? Neodymium magnets are perfect for the job.
Toys — You’ve probably played with magnets at some point. They were probably neodymium magnets! They’re used quite often as entertainment.
Remagnetisation — Neodymium magnets can be used to put the magnetisation back in other magnets, such as Alnico horseshoes and other bar magnets.
Metal Detectors — Did you know neodymium magnets are used in metal detectors?