BM 550x180x70 [4x M8] - magnetic beam

Pros and cons of neodymium magnets.

Besides their stability, neodymium magnets are valued for these benefits:

• They retain magnetic properties for around ten years – the loss is just ~1% (according to analyses),
• Neodymium magnets are characterized by extremely resistant to magnetic field loss caused by external interference,
• A magnet with a shiny nickel surface is more attractive,
• Magnets exhibit exceptionally strong magnetic induction on the active area,
• Thanks to resistance to high temperature, they are able to function (depending on the form) even at temperatures up to 230°C and higher...
• Thanks to the potential of precise shaping and customization to specialized requirements, neodymium magnets can be created in a variety of geometric configurations, which expands the range of possible applications,
• Universal use in electronics industry – they are used in hard drives, brushless drives, diagnostic systems, as well as complex engineering applications.
• Compactness – despite small sizes they offer powerful magnetic field, making them ideal for precision applications

Cons of neodymium magnets: application proposals

• They are fragile upon heavy impacts. To avoid cracks, it is worth protecting magnets in a protective case. Such protection not only protects the magnet but also improves its resistance to damage
• Neodymium magnets decrease their strength under the influence of heating. As soon as 80°C is exceeded, many of them start losing their force. Therefore, we recommend our special magnets marked [AH], which maintain durability even at temperatures up to 230°C
• Magnets exposed to a humid environment can rust. Therefore while using outdoors, we advise using waterproof magnets made of rubber, plastic or other material protecting against moisture
• We suggest casing - magnetic mount, due to difficulties in creating nuts inside the magnet and complex shapes.
• Potential hazard to health – tiny shards of magnets are risky, in case of ingestion, which gains importance in the context of child health protection. Additionally, tiny parts of these devices can complicate diagnosis medical when they are in the body.
• With budget limitations the cost of neodymium magnets can be a barrier,

Maximum lifting force for a neodymium magnet – what it depends on?

The declared magnet strength refers to the peak performance, measured under ideal test conditions, meaning:

• on a plate made of mild steel, optimally conducting the magnetic field
• whose thickness reaches at least 10 mm
• characterized by smoothness
• under conditions of gap-free contact (metal-to-metal)
• under perpendicular application of breakaway force (90-degree angle)
• at ambient temperature approx. 20 degrees Celsius

Key elements affecting lifting force

In real-world applications, the real power results from a number of factors, listed from crucial:

• Space between surfaces – every millimeter of distance (caused e.g. by varnish or dirt) drastically reduces the magnet efficiency, often by half at just 0.5 mm.
• Force direction – remember that the magnet has greatest strength perpendicularly. Under sliding down, the capacity drops drastically, often to levels of 20-30% of the nominal value.
• Plate thickness – insufficiently thick plate does not accept the full field, causing part of the power to be wasted to the other side.
• Metal type – not every steel reacts the same. High carbon content weaken the interaction with the magnet.
• Base smoothness – the more even the plate, the larger the contact zone and stronger the hold. Unevenness acts like micro-gaps.
• Thermal environment – heating the magnet results in weakening of induction. It is worth remembering the thermal limit for a given model.

* Lifting capacity was determined using a polished steel plate of suitable thickness (min. 20 mm), under perpendicular detachment force, whereas under shearing force the load capacity is reduced by as much as fivefold. Additionally, even a minimal clearance {between} the magnet and the plate lowers the holding force.