ZM XMAG2 210 elementów - magnetic toy

Pros as well as cons of neodymium magnets.

Besides their exceptional strength, neodymium magnets offer the following advantages:

• They virtually do not lose strength, because even after 10 years the performance loss is only ~1% (based on calculations),
• They possess excellent resistance to magnetism drop as a result of external fields,
• A magnet with a smooth gold surface is more attractive,
• The surface of neodymium magnets generates a strong magnetic field – this is a distinguishing feature,
• Due to their durability and thermal resistance, neodymium magnets are capable of operate (depending on the form) even at high temperatures reaching 230°C or more...
• Possibility of individual forming as well as adjusting to precise conditions,
• Key role in advanced technology sectors – they are utilized in magnetic memories, brushless drives, diagnostic systems, and multitasking production systems.
• Compactness – despite small sizes they offer powerful magnetic field, making them ideal for precision applications

Drawbacks and weaknesses of neodymium magnets: tips and applications.

• Susceptibility to cracking is one of their disadvantages. Upon strong impact they can break. We recommend keeping them in a special holder, which not only protects them against impacts but also raises their durability
• NdFeB magnets demagnetize when exposed to high temperatures. After reaching 80°C, many of them experience permanent drop of power (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
• They rust in a humid environment - during use outdoors we advise using waterproof magnets e.g. in rubber, plastic
• Due to limitations in realizing nuts and complex forms in magnets, we propose using a housing - magnetic mechanism.
• Health risk related to microscopic parts of magnets can be dangerous, when accidentally swallowed, which gains importance in the context of child health protection. Additionally, tiny parts of these devices can be problematic in diagnostics medical after entering the body.
• With budget limitations the cost of neodymium magnets is economically unviable,

Best holding force of the magnet in ideal parameters – what affects it?

Breakaway force is the result of a measurement for the most favorable conditions, taking into account:

• on a plate made of structural steel, effectively closing the magnetic flux
• possessing a massiveness of minimum 10 mm to avoid saturation
• with an ground contact surface
• without the slightest air gap between the magnet and steel
• for force acting at a right angle (pull-off, not shear)
• at ambient temperature approx. 20 degrees Celsius

What influences lifting capacity in practice

In real-world applications, the actual holding force depends on several key aspects, listed from the most important:

• Distance – the presence of any layer (rust, tape, gap) acts as an insulator, which reduces capacity rapidly (even by 50% at 0.5 mm).
• Angle of force application – maximum parameter is obtained only during pulling at a 90° angle. The resistance to sliding of the magnet along the surface is standardly many times smaller (approx. 1/5 of the lifting capacity).
• Element thickness – for full efficiency, the steel must be sufficiently thick. Paper-thin metal limits the attraction force (the magnet "punches through" it).
• Plate material – mild steel attracts best. Higher carbon content reduce magnetic permeability and lifting capacity.
• Surface finish – ideal contact is obtained only on smooth steel. Any scratches and bumps reduce the real contact area, weakening the magnet.
• Thermal factor – high temperature weakens magnetic field. Too high temperature can permanently damage the magnet.

* Holding force was checked on a smooth steel plate of 20 mm thickness, when a perpendicular force was applied, whereas under attempts to slide the magnet the load capacity is reduced by as much as 75%. Moreover, even a minimal clearance {between} the magnet and the plate decreases the holding force.