CM PML-10 / N45 - magnetic gripper

Pros and cons of neodymium magnets.

In addition to their long-term stability, neodymium magnets provide the following advantages:

• They do not lose power, even over nearly 10 years – the decrease in strength is only ~1% (theoretically),
• Neodymium magnets are distinguished by remarkably resistant to loss of magnetic properties caused by external interference,
• By applying a shiny layer of gold, the element gains an modern look,
• Magnetic induction on the working part of the magnet turns out to be exceptional,
• Due to their durability and thermal resistance, neodymium magnets are capable of operate (depending on the form) even at high temperatures reaching 230°C or more...
• Possibility of precise creating and modifying to defined requirements,
• Fundamental importance in high-tech industry – they are commonly used in hard drives, brushless drives, medical devices, as well as modern systems.
• Relatively small size with high pulling force – neodymium magnets offer strong magnetic field in tiny dimensions, which enables their usage in compact constructions

Drawbacks and weaknesses of neodymium magnets and ways of using them

• At very strong impacts they can break, therefore we recommend placing them in steel cases. A metal housing provides additional protection against damage, as well as increases the magnet's durability.
• Neodymium magnets decrease their force 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 stability 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
• Limited possibility of producing threads in the magnet and complicated forms - preferred is casing - magnetic holder.
• Possible danger related to microscopic parts of magnets can be dangerous, if swallowed, which is particularly important in the aspect of protecting the youngest. It is also worth noting that small elements of these magnets can complicate diagnosis medical when they are in the body.
• Due to complex production process, their price is higher than average,

Maximum lifting capacity of the magnet – what it depends on?

The force parameter is a measurement result executed under standard conditions:

• using a sheet made of mild steel, functioning as a ideal flux conductor
• possessing a thickness of minimum 10 mm to ensure full flux closure
• with a plane free of scratches
• with total lack of distance (without paint)
• during pulling in a direction vertical to the mounting surface
• at temperature room level

Practical lifting capacity: influencing factors

Please note that the working load may be lower influenced by elements below, starting with the most relevant:

• Distance – the presence of foreign body (paint, tape, gap) interrupts the magnetic circuit, which reduces power rapidly (even by 50% at 0.5 mm).
• Pull-off angle – remember that the magnet holds strongest perpendicularly. Under shear forces, the holding force drops significantly, often to levels of 20-30% of the maximum value.
• Wall thickness – the thinner the sheet, the weaker the hold. Magnetic flux passes through the material instead of generating force.
• Material type – ideal substrate is high-permeability steel. Stainless steels may generate lower lifting capacity.
• Plate texture – ground elements guarantee perfect abutment, which improves force. Rough surfaces reduce efficiency.
• Thermal environment – temperature increase results in weakening of induction. It is worth remembering the maximum operating temperature for a given model.

* Holding force was measured on a smooth steel plate of 20 mm thickness, when the force acted perpendicularly, whereas under attempts to slide the magnet the load capacity is reduced by as much as 5 times. Additionally, even a minimal clearance {between} the magnet and the plate decreases the lifting capacity.