ZK XLINK 1026 elementów - construction toy

Strengths as well as weaknesses of NdFeB magnets.

Besides their durability, neodymium magnets are valued for these benefits:

• Their magnetic field remains stable, and after approximately ten years it decreases only by ~1% (according to research),
• Neodymium magnets are distinguished by extremely resistant to magnetic field loss caused by magnetic disturbances,
• The use of an aesthetic finish of noble metals (nickel, gold, silver) causes the element to have aesthetics,
• The surface of neodymium magnets generates a maximum magnetic field – this is one of their assets,
• Due to their durability and thermal resistance, neodymium magnets can operate (depending on the shape) even at high temperatures reaching 230°C or more...
• Thanks to modularity in designing and the capacity to customize to client solutions,
• Key role in electronics industry – they serve a role in magnetic memories, electromotive mechanisms, diagnostic systems, also multitasking production systems.
• Thanks to their power density, small magnets offer high operating force, occupying minimum space,

Disadvantages of NdFeB magnets:

• Susceptibility to cracking is one of their disadvantages. Upon strong impact they can break. We advise keeping them in a strong case, which not only secures them against impacts but also increases their durability
• When exposed to high temperature, neodymium magnets experience a drop in strength. 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
• Magnets exposed to a humid environment can rust. Therefore during using outdoors, we recommend using waterproof magnets made of rubber, plastic or other material protecting against moisture
• We suggest cover - magnetic mount, due to difficulties in producing nuts inside the magnet and complex forms.
• Possible danger resulting from small fragments of magnets can be dangerous, when accidentally swallowed, which becomes key in the context of child health protection. Additionally, tiny parts of these magnets can disrupt the diagnostic process medical when they are in the body.
• With large orders the cost of neodymium magnets is economically unviable,

Maximum holding power of the magnet – what contributes to it?

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

• on a base made of mild steel, perfectly concentrating the magnetic flux
• possessing a thickness of minimum 10 mm to avoid saturation
• characterized by smoothness
• without any insulating layer between the magnet and steel
• during detachment in a direction vertical to the plane
• at ambient temperature room level

Key elements affecting lifting force

It is worth knowing that the working load will differ subject to the following factors, in order of importance:

• Distance – the presence of foreign body (rust, dirt, gap) interrupts the magnetic circuit, which reduces power steeply (even by 50% at 0.5 mm).
• Direction of force – maximum parameter is reached only during pulling at a 90° angle. The shear force of the magnet along the plate is standardly several times smaller (approx. 1/5 of the lifting capacity).
• Steel thickness – insufficiently thick sheet does not accept the full field, causing part of the flux to be wasted into the air.
• Material type – the best choice is high-permeability steel. Hardened steels may attract less.
• Surface quality – the more even the plate, the better the adhesion and stronger the hold. Roughness creates an air distance.
• Thermal factor – high temperature reduces pulling force. Too high temperature can permanently damage the magnet.

* Holding force was measured 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’s surface and the plate decreases the load capacity.