ZK XLINK 1026 elementów - construction toy

Strengths and weaknesses of neodymium magnets.

In addition to their long-term stability, neodymium magnets provide the following advantages:

• They retain magnetic properties for nearly ten years – the drop is just ~1% (according to analyses),
• Neodymium magnets remain extremely resistant to demagnetization caused by external magnetic fields,
• A magnet with a smooth nickel surface looks better,
• Magnets possess huge magnetic induction on the outer layer,
• Neodymium magnets are characterized by very high magnetic induction on the magnet surface and are able to act (depending on the form) even at a temperature of 230°C or more...
• Thanks to the possibility of free forming and customization to individualized projects, NdFeB magnets can be created in a variety of shapes and sizes, which expands the range of possible applications,
• Huge importance in future technologies – they serve a role in data components, brushless drives, medical equipment, also other advanced devices.
• Compactness – despite small sizes they generate large force, making them ideal for precision applications

Characteristics of disadvantages of neodymium magnets: weaknesses and usage proposals

• At very strong impacts they can crack, therefore we recommend placing them in strong housings. A metal housing provides additional protection against damage, as well as increases the magnet's durability.
• When exposed to high temperature, neodymium magnets suffer a drop in strength. Often, when the temperature exceeds 80°C, their power decreases (depending on the size, as well as 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 corrode. Therefore while using outdoors, we recommend using water-impermeable magnets made of rubber, plastic or other material protecting against moisture
• Due to limitations in creating nuts and complicated shapes in magnets, we propose using cover - magnetic holder.
• Possible danger to health – tiny shards of magnets can be dangerous, if swallowed, which is particularly important in the context of child health protection. It is also worth noting that small elements of these magnets can be problematic in diagnostics medical after entering the body.
• Higher cost of purchase is one of the disadvantages compared to ceramic magnets, especially in budget applications

Maximum lifting capacity of the magnet – what it depends on?

Magnet power was defined for ideal contact conditions, taking into account:

• using a base made of mild steel, serving as a magnetic yoke
• possessing a thickness of min. 10 mm to avoid saturation
• with an ground touching surface
• with total lack of distance (without coatings)
• during pulling in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface
• at room temperature

Practical aspects of lifting capacity – factors

Bear in mind that the application force may be lower depending on elements below, in order of importance:

• Gap between surfaces – every millimeter of distance (caused e.g. by veneer or unevenness) significantly weakens the pulling force, often by half at just 0.5 mm.
• Loading method – declared lifting capacity refers to detachment vertically. When slipping, the magnet exhibits significantly lower power (often approx. 20-30% of maximum force).
• Plate thickness – insufficiently thick plate does not close the flux, causing part of the power to be wasted into the air.
• Material type – the best choice is high-permeability steel. Cast iron may have worse magnetic properties.
• Smoothness – ideal contact is possible only on smooth steel. Rough texture reduce the real contact area, weakening the magnet.
• Operating temperature – neodymium magnets have a sensitivity to temperature. At higher temperatures they are weaker, and at low temperatures gain strength (up to a certain limit).

* Lifting capacity was determined with the use of a steel plate with a smooth surface of optimal thickness (min. 20 mm), under perpendicular detachment force, however under attempts to slide the magnet the load capacity is reduced by as much as 5 times. Additionally, even a minimal clearance {between} the magnet and the plate reduces the lifting capacity.