MW 20x2 / N38 - cylindrical magnet

Advantages and disadvantages of neodymium magnets.

Besides their remarkable pulling force, neodymium magnets offer the following advantages:

• They do not lose magnetism, even during nearly ten years – the drop in power is only ~1% (according to tests),
• They are resistant to demagnetization induced by external field influence,
• The use of an elegant layer of noble metals (nickel, gold, silver) causes the element to be more visually attractive,
• The surface of neodymium magnets generates a unique magnetic field – this is one of their assets,
• 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 versatility in forming and the capacity to customize to unusual requirements,
• Universal use in modern technologies – they are utilized in computer drives, motor assemblies, medical equipment, also multitasking production systems.
• Compactness – despite small sizes they generate large force, making them ideal for precision applications

Characteristics of disadvantages of neodymium magnets: tips and applications.

• At very strong impacts they can break, therefore we advise placing them in steel cases. A metal housing provides additional protection against damage and increases the magnet's durability.
• We warn that neodymium magnets can lose their strength 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 corrode. Therefore during using outdoors, we recommend using waterproof magnets made of rubber, plastic or other material resistant to moisture
• Limited ability of producing nuts in the magnet and complex forms - preferred is casing - magnet mounting.
• Possible danger related to microscopic parts of magnets pose a threat, when accidentally swallowed, which becomes key in the context of child safety. Furthermore, tiny parts of these products are able to be problematic in diagnostics medical after entering the body.
• With budget limitations the cost of neodymium magnets is economically unviable,

Maximum magnetic pulling force – what contributes to it?

The force parameter is a theoretical maximum value conducted under standard conditions:

• on a base made of mild steel, perfectly concentrating the magnetic flux
• possessing a massiveness of minimum 10 mm to avoid saturation
• with an polished touching surface
• without any clearance between the magnet and steel
• during pulling in a direction perpendicular to the plane
• at ambient temperature approx. 20 degrees Celsius

Lifting capacity in real conditions – factors

Real force is affected by working environment parameters, such as (from most important):

• Gap between magnet and steel – every millimeter of separation (caused e.g. by veneer or dirt) drastically reduces the magnet efficiency, often by half at just 0.5 mm.
• Loading method – catalog parameter refers to pulling vertically. When applying parallel force, the magnet holds much less (typically approx. 20-30% of maximum force).
• Wall thickness – thin material does not allow full use of the magnet. Magnetic flux penetrates through instead of generating force.
• Steel type – mild steel attracts best. Alloy admixtures lower magnetic properties and holding force.
• Surface finish – ideal contact is obtained only on polished steel. Any scratches and bumps reduce the real contact area, weakening the magnet.
• Thermal environment – heating the magnet causes a temporary drop of induction. Check the maximum operating temperature for a given model.

* Holding force was tested on a smooth steel plate of 20 mm thickness, when the force acted perpendicularly, however under shearing force the lifting capacity is smaller. Additionally, even a slight gap {between} the magnet and the plate lowers the load capacity.