CM PML-3 / N45 - magnetic gripper

Pros and cons of rare earth magnets.

Besides their tremendous field intensity, neodymium magnets offer the following advantages:

• Their power remains stable, and after around ten years it decreases only by ~1% (according to research),
• They feature excellent resistance to weakening of magnetic properties when exposed to external fields,
• The use of an aesthetic coating of noble metals (nickel, gold, silver) causes the element to look better,
• Magnets exhibit very high magnetic induction on the working surface,
• Thanks to resistance to high temperature, they can operate (depending on the shape) even at temperatures up to 230°C and higher...
• Considering the option of flexible forming and adaptation to specialized requirements, neodymium magnets can be modeled in a variety of forms and dimensions, which makes them more universal,
• Huge importance in future technologies – they are utilized in data components, brushless drives, medical equipment, as well as industrial machines.
• Compactness – despite small sizes they provide effective action, making them ideal for precision applications

What to avoid - cons of neodymium magnets: application proposals

• To avoid cracks upon strong impacts, we recommend using special steel holders. Such a solution protects the magnet and simultaneously increases its durability.
• When exposed to high temperature, neodymium magnets experience a drop in strength. Often, when the temperature exceeds 80°C, their power decreases (depending on the size and shape of the magnet). For those who need magnets for extreme conditions, we offer [AH] versions withstanding up to 230°C
• They rust in a humid environment - during use outdoors we advise using waterproof magnets e.g. in rubber, plastic
• Limited ability of creating nuts in the magnet and complex forms - preferred is casing - mounting mechanism.
• Possible danger to health – tiny shards of magnets can be dangerous, in case of ingestion, which becomes key in the context of child health protection. It is also worth noting that small elements of these products can disrupt the diagnostic process medical after entering the body.
• With budget limitations the cost of neodymium magnets can be a barrier,

Maximum lifting force for a neodymium magnet – what contributes to it?

Magnet power was determined for the most favorable conditions, taking into account:

• using a sheet made of mild steel, functioning as a circuit closing element
• with a cross-section no less than 10 mm
• characterized by lack of roughness
• with zero gap (without paint)
• under perpendicular force direction (90-degree angle)
• in neutral thermal conditions

Practical aspects of lifting capacity – factors

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

• Distance – existence of any layer (rust, dirt, air) interrupts the magnetic circuit, which reduces power rapidly (even by 50% at 0.5 mm).
• Force direction – declared lifting capacity refers to pulling vertically. When slipping, the magnet holds much less (often approx. 20-30% of nominal force).
• Substrate thickness – to utilize 100% power, the steel must be sufficiently thick. Paper-thin metal restricts the lifting capacity (the magnet "punches through" it).
• Metal type – not every steel reacts the same. High carbon content weaken the attraction effect.
• Plate texture – ground elements ensure maximum contact, which increases force. Uneven metal weaken the grip.
• Thermal conditions – NdFeB sinters have a sensitivity to temperature. At higher temperatures they are weaker, and at low temperatures they can be stronger (up to a certain limit).

* Lifting capacity testing was conducted on plates with a smooth surface of suitable thickness, under perpendicular forces, however under shearing force the load capacity is reduced by as much as fivefold. In addition, even a slight gap {between} the magnet and the plate lowers the load capacity.