RM R3 - 13000 Gs / N52 - magnetic distributor

Advantages as well as disadvantages of rare earth magnets.

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

• They do not lose strength, even after around 10 years – the drop in lifting capacity is only ~1% (theoretically),
• Neodymium magnets are distinguished by exceptionally resistant to demagnetization caused by external magnetic fields,
• The use of an elegant layer of noble metals (nickel, gold, silver) causes the element to present itself better,
• The surface of neodymium magnets generates a concentrated magnetic field – this is a key feature,
• Made from properly selected components, these magnets show impressive resistance to high heat, enabling them to function (depending on their shape) at temperatures up to 230°C and above...
• Thanks to flexibility in designing and the ability to adapt to complex applications,
• Fundamental importance in electronics industry – they find application in magnetic memories, drive modules, advanced medical instruments, and complex engineering applications.
• Thanks to efficiency per cm³, small magnets offer high operating force, with minimal size,

Cons of neodymium magnets: weaknesses and usage proposals

• Brittleness is one of their disadvantages. Upon strong impact they can break. We recommend keeping them in a steel housing, which not only secures them against impacts but also raises their durability
• We warn that neodymium magnets can reduce their strength at high temperatures. To prevent this, we recommend our specialized [AH] magnets, which work effectively even at 230°C.
• When exposed to humidity, magnets usually rust. For applications outside, it is recommended to use protective magnets, such as those in rubber or plastics, which prevent oxidation as well as corrosion.
• Due to limitations in creating nuts and complex forms in magnets, we recommend using a housing - magnetic holder.
• Possible danger to health – tiny shards of magnets are risky, when accidentally swallowed, which becomes key in the context of child health protection. Furthermore, small elements of these products can complicate diagnosis medical in case of swallowing.
• Higher cost of purchase is a significant factor to consider compared to ceramic magnets, especially in budget applications

Breakaway strength of the magnet in ideal conditions – what contributes to it?

The force parameter is a measurement result executed under specific, ideal conditions:

• using a base made of mild steel, serving as a circuit closing element
• whose transverse dimension reaches at least 10 mm
• with an polished contact surface
• under conditions of gap-free contact (metal-to-metal)
• under perpendicular application of breakaway force (90-degree angle)
• at conditions approx. 20°C

Key elements affecting lifting force

Effective lifting capacity is affected by working environment parameters, mainly (from most important):

• Gap between surfaces – even a fraction of a millimeter of distance (caused e.g. by veneer or dirt) diminishes the pulling force, often by half at just 0.5 mm.
• Force direction – declared lifting capacity refers to pulling vertically. When attempting to slide, the magnet holds much less (often approx. 20-30% of nominal force).
• Wall thickness – the thinner the sheet, the weaker the hold. Magnetic flux penetrates through instead of converting into lifting capacity.
• Material composition – not every steel attracts identically. High carbon content weaken the attraction effect.
• Smoothness – full contact is obtained only on polished steel. Any scratches and bumps reduce the real contact area, reducing force.
• Thermal environment – heating the magnet results in weakening of force. Check the thermal limit for a given model.

* Lifting capacity testing was conducted 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. Moreover, even a small distance {between} the magnet’s surface and the plate lowers the holding force.