Facts About Neodymium Magnets

By combining boron, iron, some trace metals and neodymium the neodymium magnet is made. Similar to the metallic look and small but strong, this magnet can be shaped as blocks, discs or rings. Its most common use is in the computers but it can also be found in the speakers, printers, vehicle starters, linear actuators, microphones, servomotors, among many others.

When magnetic properties are required then neodymium proves to be a perfect choice for several reasons. If the requirement is about resisting demagnetization then this combination of metal proves just right. Even in ambient temperatures it performs perfectly well and carries a higher level of energy. Compared to different types of metals used for magnet purpose neodymium is an inexpensive material.


At the same time there are some negative points to the neodymium magnets. Because it is prone to corrosive effects, to assure a longer duration for the output some kind of coating is recommended. While at present its resistance to high heat is not very effective, scientists are at work to overcome this shortcoming. While using neodymium magnets there are some other things that requires being careful about. For example, it is not a perfect choice for magnet material to be used in traditional machining processes because the metal is prone to cracking and chipping. While on the other hand a big amount of coolant makes it ground abrasive. Incidence of fractures resulting from the heat can be decreased by this cooling process. Fire may be caused during the grinding process by the oxidized dust, but this risk is reduced by using the coolant.





For those looking for an inexpensive magnet there are other options, actually less costly than neodymium. The name is ceramic. Generally used for the speaker, ceramic magnets are also incorporated in the manufacturing of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machines, outboard motor magnetos, lawnmower, automobile motors and assembling systems that are designed to retrieve, separate, hold and lift produced items. A diamond cutter or a grinding wheel is required for ceramic magnets during the finishing process. Shape variation is not that much possible with this magnet but it releases less energy compared to the neodymium magnets.

Compared to the neodymium magnets and ceramic, cobalt magnets are more costly. The higher price is because of the fact that against the demagnetization, cobalt is highly resistant, for a longer period maintains its temperature and higher amount of energy is released comparatively. The use of cobalt magnets are in wave tubes, linear actuators, satellites, computer hard disk drives, sensors, among many others. Cobalt magnets are also used when temporary stability is needed in any motor.


For a variety of uses alnico magnets are used. The usage include ringers for bells, security systems, loudspeakers, generators, microphones, telephones, magnetos, separators, motors, sensors, electron tubes, bearings, clutches, coin slots and radar. When it involves high level of heat then compared to neodymium magnets, alnico is better placed and can work at almost 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.