MW 10x3 / N38 - cylindrical magnet

Strengths as well as weaknesses of neodymium magnets.

Apart from their notable magnetism, neodymium magnets have these key benefits:

• They virtually do not lose strength, because even after ten years the decline in efficiency is only ~1% (according to literature),
• They have excellent resistance to weakening of magnetic properties as a result of external fields,
• By covering with a lustrous layer of gold, the element presents an modern look,
• Neodymium magnets achieve maximum magnetic induction on a small surface, which increases force concentration,
• Thanks to resistance to high temperature, they are able to function (depending on the shape) even at temperatures up to 230°C and higher...
• Possibility of precise modeling as well as adjusting to specific needs,
• Key role in electronics industry – they find application in hard drives, electric motors, diagnostic systems, as well as other advanced devices.
• Compactness – despite small sizes they offer powerful magnetic field, making them ideal for precision applications

Disadvantages of neodymium magnets:

• Susceptibility to cracking is one of their disadvantages. Upon intense impact they can break. We recommend keeping them in a steel housing, which not only protects them against impacts but also increases their durability
• We warn that neodymium magnets can reduce their power at high temperatures. To prevent this, we advise our specialized [AH] magnets, which work effectively even at 230°C.
• Magnets exposed to a humid environment can rust. Therefore when using outdoors, we suggest using water-impermeable magnets made of rubber, plastic or other material protecting against moisture
• Limited possibility of making threads in the magnet and complicated forms - recommended is casing - magnetic holder.
• Possible danger to health – tiny shards of magnets are risky, in case of ingestion, which becomes key in the context of child health protection. It is also worth noting that tiny parts of these magnets can complicate diagnosis medical after entering the body.
• Higher cost of purchase is a significant factor to consider compared to ceramic magnets, especially in budget applications

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

The specified lifting capacity refers to the peak performance, measured under optimal environment, meaning:

• with the application of a sheet made of special test steel, ensuring maximum field concentration
• possessing a massiveness of min. 10 mm to ensure full flux closure
• characterized by lack of roughness
• without any insulating layer between the magnet and steel
• for force applied at a right angle (in the magnet axis)
• at temperature approx. 20 degrees Celsius

Practical aspects of lifting capacity – factors

In practice, the actual lifting capacity is determined by a number of factors, ranked from most significant:

• Gap (between the magnet and the metal), as even a microscopic clearance (e.g. 0.5 mm) leads to a reduction in force by up to 50% (this also applies to varnish, rust or dirt).
• Force direction – remember that the magnet holds strongest perpendicularly. Under sliding down, the holding force drops significantly, often to levels of 20-30% of the maximum value.
• Element thickness – to utilize 100% power, the steel must be adequately massive. Paper-thin metal limits the lifting capacity (the magnet "punches through" it).
• Material type – ideal substrate is pure iron steel. Stainless steels may attract less.
• Surface finish – ideal contact is possible only on smooth steel. Rough texture create air cushions, reducing force.
• Thermal environment – temperature increase results in weakening of force. Check the maximum operating temperature for a given model.

* Lifting capacity testing was performed on plates with a smooth surface of optimal thickness, under a perpendicular pulling force, in contrast under attempts to slide the magnet the lifting capacity is smaller. In addition, even a slight gap {between} the magnet and the plate lowers the holding force.