1. What are neodymium magnets? Are they the same as "rare earth"?
Neodymium magnets are a member of the rare earth magnet family. They are called "rare earth"
because neodymium is a member of the "rare earth" elements on the periodic table. Neodymium
magnets
are the strongest of the rare earth magnets and are the strongest permanent magnets in the world.
2. What are neodymium magnets made from and how are they made?
Neodymium magnets are actually composed of neodymium, iron and boron (they are also referred
to as NIB
or NdFeB magnets). The powdered mixture is pressed under great pressure into molds. The material is then
sintered (heated under a vacuum), cooled, and then ground or sliced into the desired shape. Coatings are then
applied if required. Finally, the blank magnets are magnetized by exposing them to a very powerful magnetic
field in excess of 30 KOe.
3. How is the strength of a magnet measured?
Gaussmeters are used to measure the magnetic field density at the surface of the magnet. This is
referred to as
the surface field and is measured in Gauss (or Tesla). Pull Force Testers are used to test the holding force of
a magnet that is in contact with a flat steel plate. Pull forces are measured in pounds (or kilograms).
4. What does the "N rating", or grade, of the neodymium magnets mean?
The grade, or "N rating" of the magnet refers to the Maximum Energy Product of the material that
the magnet is
made from. It refers to the maximum strength that the material can be magnetized to. The grade
of neodymium
magnets is generally measured in units millions of Gauss Oersted (MGOe). A magnet of grade
N42 has a
Maximum Energy Product of 42 MGOe. Generally speaking, the higher the grade, the stronger the magnet.
5. What is the difference between the different platings and coatings?
Choosing different coatings does not affect the magnetic strength or performance of the magnet,
except for our
Plastic and Rubber Coated Magnets. The preferred coating is dictated by preference or intended
application. More detailed specifications can be found on our Specs page.
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