CM PML-10 / N45 - magnetic gripper

Advantages and disadvantages of neodymium magnets.

In addition to their pulling strength, neodymium magnets provide the following advantages:

• They virtually do not lose strength, because even after ten years the performance loss is only ~1% (in laboratory conditions),
• They retain their magnetic properties even under close interference source,
• The use of an elegant coating of noble metals (nickel, gold, silver) causes the element to have aesthetics,
• Magnets possess very high magnetic induction on the active area,
• Through (appropriate) combination of ingredients, they can achieve high thermal resistance, allowing for action at temperatures approaching 230°C and above...
• Thanks to flexibility in designing and the capacity to adapt to unusual requirements,
• Universal use in advanced technology sectors – they are used in hard drives, brushless drives, diagnostic systems, and other advanced devices.
• Relatively small size with high pulling force – neodymium magnets offer high power in compact dimensions, which enables their usage in compact constructions

Problematic aspects of neodymium magnets: weaknesses and usage proposals

• They are prone to damage upon heavy impacts. To avoid cracks, it is worth securing magnets in special housings. Such protection not only protects the magnet but also increases its resistance to damage
• Neodymium magnets decrease their power under the influence of heating. As soon as 80°C is exceeded, many of them start losing their power. 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 corrode. Therefore while using outdoors, we suggest using waterproof magnets made of rubber, plastic or other material protecting against moisture
• Due to limitations in realizing nuts and complicated shapes in magnets, we recommend using casing - magnetic mechanism.
• Health risk resulting from small fragments of magnets pose a threat, in case of ingestion, which gains importance in the aspect of protecting the youngest. Additionally, tiny parts of these magnets are able to complicate diagnosis medical after entering the body.
• High unit price – neodymium magnets cost more than other types of magnets (e.g. ferrite), which can limit application in large quantities

Maximum lifting capacity of the magnet – what contributes to it?

The lifting capacity listed is a measurement result performed under the following configuration:

• using a base made of high-permeability steel, serving as a circuit closing element
• whose transverse dimension is min. 10 mm
• characterized by smoothness
• with total lack of distance (without paint)
• during pulling in a direction vertical to the plane
• at ambient temperature room level

Determinants of lifting force in real conditions

In practice, the real power is determined by a number of factors, presented from most significant:

• Distance – the presence of foreign body (paint, tape, gap) acts as an insulator, which lowers power steeply (even by 50% at 0.5 mm).
• Force direction – catalog parameter refers to pulling vertically. When slipping, the magnet exhibits significantly lower power (often approx. 20-30% of maximum force).
• Element thickness – for full efficiency, the steel must be adequately massive. Paper-thin metal limits the attraction force (the magnet "punches through" it).
• Material type – the best choice is high-permeability steel. Cast iron may attract less.
• Surface finish – ideal contact is possible only on smooth steel. Rough texture reduce the real contact area, reducing force.
• Thermal environment – temperature increase causes a temporary drop of induction. Check the maximum operating temperature for a given model.

* Lifting capacity was measured using a steel plate with a smooth surface of suitable thickness (min. 20 mm), under vertically applied force, whereas under parallel forces the holding force is lower. In addition, even a slight gap {between} the magnet’s surface and the plate reduces the lifting capacity.