CM PML-6 / N45 - magnetic gripper

Strengths as well as weaknesses of rare earth magnets.

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

• They have stable power, and over around ten years their performance decreases symbolically – ~1% (in testing),
• Magnets effectively protect themselves against demagnetization caused by ambient magnetic noise,
• A magnet with a shiny nickel surface looks better,
• They are known for high magnetic induction at the operating surface, making them more effective,
• Due to their durability and thermal resistance, neodymium magnets are capable of operate (depending on the shape) even at high temperatures reaching 230°C or more...
• Thanks to the potential of accurate forming and adaptation to individualized needs, magnetic components can be produced in a variety of geometric configurations, which amplifies use scope,
• Versatile presence in modern industrial fields – they are used in hard drives, electric motors, advanced medical instruments, and technologically advanced constructions.
• Compactness – despite small sizes they provide effective action, making them ideal for precision applications

Disadvantages of neodymium magnets:

• Susceptibility to cracking is one of their disadvantages. Upon strong impact they can fracture. We advise keeping them in a strong case, which not only secures them against impacts but also increases their durability
• Neodymium magnets decrease their force 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 durability even at temperatures up to 230°C
• Due to the susceptibility of magnets to corrosion in a humid environment, we recommend using waterproof magnets made of rubber, plastic or other material resistant to moisture, when using outdoors
• Due to limitations in realizing threads and complex forms in magnets, we propose using cover - magnetic mechanism.
• Health risk related to microscopic parts of magnets are risky, when accidentally swallowed, which gains importance in the context of child safety. Additionally, tiny parts of these devices can complicate diagnosis medical in case of swallowing.
• Due to complex production process, their price exceeds standard values,

Maximum holding power of the magnet – what contributes to it?

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

• with the use of a sheet made of special test steel, ensuring full magnetic saturation
• possessing a massiveness of min. 10 mm to ensure full flux closure
• characterized by smoothness
• with direct contact (without paint)
• for force acting at a right angle (pull-off, not shear)
• in stable room temperature

What influences lifting capacity in practice

Effective lifting capacity is influenced by working environment parameters, including (from priority):

• Distance – existence of foreign body (rust, tape, air) interrupts the magnetic circuit, which reduces capacity rapidly (even by 50% at 0.5 mm).
• Direction of force – maximum parameter is reached only during perpendicular pulling. The force required to slide of the magnet along the plate is typically several times lower (approx. 1/5 of the lifting capacity).
• Steel thickness – too thin steel does not close the flux, causing part of the flux to be lost into the air.
• Material composition – not every steel attracts identically. High carbon content weaken the interaction with the magnet.
• Plate texture – smooth surfaces guarantee perfect abutment, which increases force. Uneven metal reduce efficiency.
• Operating temperature – neodymium magnets have a sensitivity to temperature. When it is hot they are weaker, and in frost gain strength (up to a certain limit).

* Holding force was checked on the plate surface of 20 mm thickness, when the force acted perpendicularly, however under parallel forces the load capacity is reduced by as much as 75%. Additionally, even a small distance {between} the magnet and the plate decreases the lifting capacity.