ZK XLINK 1026 elementów - construction toy

Pros and cons of rare earth magnets.

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

• They have constant strength, and over nearly ten years their attraction force decreases symbolically – ~1% (in testing),
• They have excellent resistance to weakening of magnetic properties due to opposing magnetic fields,
• In other words, due to the reflective layer of gold, the element looks attractive,
• Neodymium magnets ensure maximum magnetic induction on a contact point, which increases force concentration,
• Thanks to resistance to high temperature, they can operate (depending on the form) even at temperatures up to 230°C and higher...
• Due to the ability of precise forming and adaptation to custom requirements, magnetic components can be created in a wide range of geometric configurations, which increases their versatility,
• Fundamental importance in future technologies – they are commonly used in HDD drives, electromotive mechanisms, precision medical tools, and modern systems.
• Compactness – despite small sizes they offer powerful magnetic field, making them ideal for precision applications

Disadvantages of neodymium magnets:

• At very strong impacts they can break, therefore we recommend placing them in steel cases. A metal housing provides additional protection against damage and increases the magnet's durability.
• Neodymium magnets lose power when exposed to high temperatures. After reaching 80°C, many of them experience permanent weakening of strength (a factor is the shape as well as dimensions of the magnet). We offer magnets specially adapted to work at temperatures up to 230°C marked [AH], which are extremely resistant to heat
• Magnets exposed to a humid environment can corrode. Therefore when using outdoors, we advise using waterproof magnets made of rubber, plastic or other material protecting against moisture
• We suggest casing - magnetic mechanism, due to difficulties in creating threads inside the magnet and complex shapes.
• Possible danger related to microscopic parts of magnets are risky, when accidentally swallowed, which becomes key in the aspect of protecting the youngest. Additionally, small components of these magnets can be problematic in diagnostics medical after entering the body.
• Higher cost of purchase is a significant factor to consider compared to ceramic magnets, especially in budget applications

Maximum magnetic pulling force – what contributes to it?

Holding force of 0 kg is a theoretical maximum value performed under specific, ideal conditions:

• using a base made of low-carbon steel, acting as a ideal flux conductor
• whose transverse dimension reaches at least 10 mm
• with an ideally smooth touching surface
• without any air gap between the magnet and steel
• under axial force vector (90-degree angle)
• at conditions approx. 20°C

Lifting capacity in real conditions – factors

During everyday use, the actual holding force is determined by several key aspects, ranked from most significant:

• Gap (between the magnet and the plate), because even a very small distance (e.g. 0.5 mm) leads to a drastic drop in lifting capacity by up to 50% (this also applies to varnish, rust or debris).
• Force direction – catalog parameter refers to detachment vertically. When slipping, the magnet exhibits significantly lower power (often approx. 20-30% of maximum force).
• Steel thickness – insufficiently thick steel does not close the flux, causing part of the flux to be escaped to the other side.
• Steel type – mild steel gives the best results. Alloy steels decrease magnetic permeability and holding force.
• Smoothness – full contact is obtained only on polished steel. Rough texture create air cushions, weakening the magnet.
• Thermal environment – temperature increase results in weakening of induction. Check the thermal limit for a given model.

* Lifting capacity was assessed by applying a polished steel plate of optimal thickness (min. 20 mm), under perpendicular pulling force, whereas under shearing force the holding force is lower. Moreover, even a small distance {between} the magnet’s surface and the plate reduces the lifting capacity.