SM 32x350 [2xM8] / N52 - magnetic separator

Strengths as well as weaknesses of neodymium magnets.

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

• They do not lose power, even over nearly ten years – the decrease in strength is only ~1% (theoretically),
• They show high resistance to demagnetization induced by external field influence,
• A magnet with a shiny gold surface has an effective appearance,
• The surface of neodymium magnets generates a powerful magnetic field – this is a distinguishing feature,
• Through (appropriate) combination of ingredients, they can achieve high thermal strength, allowing for functioning at temperatures approaching 230°C and above...
• Thanks to flexibility in forming and the ability to adapt to client solutions,
• Key role in innovative solutions – they find application in mass storage devices, electric drive systems, medical devices, also industrial machines.
• Relatively small size with high pulling force – neodymium magnets offer impressive pulling force in compact dimensions, which allows their use in miniature devices

Disadvantages of neodymium magnets:

• To avoid cracks under impact, we recommend using special steel housings. Such a solution protects the magnet and simultaneously increases its durability.
• When exposed to high temperature, neodymium magnets experience a drop in power. Often, when the temperature exceeds 80°C, their strength decreases (depending on the size and shape of the magnet). For those who need magnets for extreme conditions, we offer [AH] versions withstanding up to 230°C
• When exposed to humidity, magnets start to rust. For applications outside, it is recommended to use protective magnets, such as magnets in rubber or plastics, which secure oxidation as well as corrosion.
• We recommend casing - magnetic mount, due to difficulties in realizing threads inside the magnet and complicated shapes.
• Potential hazard to health – tiny shards of magnets are risky, when accidentally swallowed, which is particularly important in the aspect of protecting the youngest. It is also worth noting that small components of these products can disrupt the diagnostic process medical when they are in the body.
• Due to expensive raw materials, their price exceeds standard values,

Maximum lifting capacity of the magnet – what affects it?

Breakaway force is the result of a measurement for optimal configuration, including:

• on a block made of mild steel, optimally conducting the magnetic flux
• whose transverse dimension is min. 10 mm
• with an ideally smooth contact surface
• without the slightest air gap between the magnet and steel
• during pulling in a direction perpendicular to the plane
• at room temperature

Magnet lifting force in use – key factors

In practice, the real power depends on several key aspects, ranked from crucial:

• Clearance – the presence of any layer (rust, dirt, gap) interrupts the magnetic circuit, which lowers power steeply (even by 50% at 0.5 mm).
• Loading method – declared lifting capacity refers to detachment vertically. When slipping, the magnet holds significantly lower power (often approx. 20-30% of nominal force).
• Metal thickness – thin material does not allow full use of the magnet. Part of the magnetic field passes through the material instead of converting into lifting capacity.
• Metal type – not every steel attracts identically. Alloy additives worsen the interaction with the magnet.
• Surface finish – ideal contact is possible only on polished steel. Any scratches and bumps reduce the real contact area, reducing force.
• Thermal environment – temperature increase results in weakening of force. It is worth remembering the maximum operating temperature for a given model.

* Lifting capacity testing was conducted on a smooth plate of optimal thickness, under a perpendicular pulling force, however under shearing force the load capacity is reduced by as much as fivefold. In addition, even a small distance {between} the magnet and the plate decreases the load capacity.