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

Strengths as well as weaknesses of neodymium magnets.

Apart from their strong magnetic energy, neodymium magnets have these key benefits:

• Their strength is maintained, and after approximately ten years it drops only by ~1% (according to research),
• Neodymium magnets remain remarkably resistant to magnetic field loss caused by external interference,
• In other words, due to the smooth finish of silver, the element becomes visually attractive,
• The surface of neodymium magnets generates a intense magnetic field – this is one of their assets,
• Made from properly selected components, these magnets show impressive resistance to high heat, enabling them to function (depending on their form) at temperatures up to 230°C and above...
• Thanks to flexibility in constructing and the ability to customize to client solutions,
• Significant place in advanced technology sectors – they are used in hard drives, electric drive systems, medical devices, also complex engineering applications.
• Compactness – despite small sizes they generate large force, making them ideal for precision applications

Drawbacks and weaknesses of neodymium magnets: application proposals

• Susceptibility to cracking is one of their disadvantages. Upon intense impact they can break. We advise keeping them in a special holder, which not only protects them against impacts but also raises their durability
• We warn that neodymium magnets can lose their power at high temperatures. To prevent this, we advise our specialized [AH] magnets, which work effectively even at 230°C.
• Due to the susceptibility of magnets to corrosion in a humid environment, we suggest using waterproof magnets made of rubber, plastic or other material stable to moisture, in case of application outdoors
• Due to limitations in producing nuts and complex forms in magnets, we propose using casing - magnetic mechanism.
• Health risk related to microscopic parts of magnets pose a threat, when accidentally swallowed, which is particularly important in the context of child safety. It is also worth noting that small components of these products can complicate diagnosis medical after entering the body.
• High unit price – neodymium magnets are more expensive than other types of magnets (e.g. ferrite), which hinders application in large quantities

Maximum magnetic pulling force – what contributes to it?

The specified lifting capacity represents the peak performance, measured under ideal test conditions, meaning:

• on a plate made of structural steel, effectively closing the magnetic flux
• possessing a thickness of minimum 10 mm to avoid saturation
• with an ground touching surface
• under conditions of no distance (surface-to-surface)
• during detachment in a direction perpendicular to the plane
• in neutral thermal conditions

What influences lifting capacity in practice

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

• Clearance – existence of any layer (rust, tape, air) acts as an insulator, which lowers power steeply (even by 50% at 0.5 mm).
• Force direction – declared lifting capacity refers to detachment vertically. When applying parallel force, the magnet holds significantly lower power (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.
• Metal type – not every steel attracts identically. Alloy additives weaken the attraction effect.
• Surface condition – ground elements guarantee perfect abutment, which improves field saturation. Uneven metal reduce efficiency.
• Thermal environment – heating the magnet causes a temporary drop of force. It is worth remembering the thermal limit for a given model.

* Holding force was measured on the plate surface of 20 mm thickness, when a perpendicular force was applied, in contrast under parallel forces the lifting capacity is smaller. In addition, even a minimal clearance {between} the magnet and the plate lowers the holding force.