MPL 50x20x5 / N38 - lamellar magnet

Advantages and disadvantages of neodymium magnets.

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

• They virtually do not lose strength, because even after ten years the performance loss is only ~1% (according to literature),
• They retain their magnetic properties even under external field action,
• A magnet with a shiny nickel surface has better aesthetics,
• They show high magnetic induction at the operating surface, which affects their effectiveness,
• Through (appropriate) combination of ingredients, they can achieve high thermal strength, allowing for operation at temperatures approaching 230°C and above...
• Thanks to versatility in forming and the ability to adapt to complex applications,
• Key role in electronics industry – they are commonly used in magnetic memories, electric motors, precision medical tools, and complex engineering applications.
• Compactness – despite small sizes they generate large force, making them ideal for precision applications

Disadvantages of neodymium magnets:

• Brittleness is one of their disadvantages. Upon intense impact they can break. We recommend keeping them in a strong case, which not only secures them against impacts but also raises their durability
• Neodymium magnets lose power when exposed to high temperatures. After reaching 80°C, many of them experience permanent weakening of power (a factor is the shape and dimensions of the magnet). We offer magnets specially adapted to work at temperatures up to 230°C marked [AH], which are extremely resistant to heat
• Due to the susceptibility of magnets to corrosion in a humid environment, we advise using waterproof magnets made of rubber, plastic or other material stable to moisture, when using outdoors
• We suggest a housing - magnetic mechanism, due to difficulties in producing nuts inside the magnet and complex shapes.
• Potential hazard to health – tiny shards of magnets can be dangerous, when accidentally swallowed, which becomes key in the context of child safety. Additionally, small components of these products are able to disrupt the diagnostic process medical when they are in the body.
• With mass production the cost of neodymium magnets is economically unviable,

Magnetic strength at its maximum – what affects it?

Information about lifting capacity was defined for the most favorable conditions, assuming:

• using a base made of low-carbon steel, serving as a ideal flux conductor
• with a cross-section of at least 10 mm
• with a plane free of scratches
• without any clearance between the magnet and steel
• under perpendicular application of breakaway force (90-degree angle)
• at room temperature

Lifting capacity in real conditions – factors

In practice, the actual holding force depends on many variables, presented from most significant:

• Space between magnet and steel – every millimeter of distance (caused e.g. by varnish or dirt) significantly weakens the magnet efficiency, often by half at just 0.5 mm.
• Force direction – catalog parameter refers to detachment vertically. When applying parallel force, the magnet exhibits significantly lower power (often approx. 20-30% of maximum force).
• Substrate thickness – to utilize 100% power, the steel must be adequately massive. Thin sheet restricts the attraction force (the magnet "punches through" it).
• Chemical composition of the base – mild steel attracts best. Alloy admixtures reduce magnetic permeability and holding force.
• Smoothness – full contact is possible only on smooth steel. Rough texture reduce the real contact area, weakening the magnet.
• Temperature influence – hot environment weakens magnetic field. Exceeding the limit temperature can permanently demagnetize the magnet.

* Lifting capacity was assessed with the use of a steel plate with a smooth surface of suitable thickness (min. 20 mm), under vertically applied force, however under shearing force the lifting capacity is smaller. Additionally, even a small distance {between} the magnet and the plate lowers the load capacity.