All our magnets are labeled with the strength of the magnet. In other words, how many kilos it takes to release the magnet from an iron plate. Sometimes we are asked if it is possible to increase the strength of a magnet, and it often is. In the following we will explain how it is possible to increase the magnetic strength. Some of the options you can do yourself, but others require the magnet to be manufactured according to the new strength requirements.
Choose a stronger magnet.
If you need a magnet with a specific strength, it's easiest to choose from the magnets that have the desired strength. You can filter magnets by strength on the category pages. If you can find a standard magnet that has the strength you want, it's by far the cheapest, quickest and easiest option.
Join several small magnets together
If you need high strength, a simple but effective solution is to simply put several magnets together. They can be placed next to each other on the item where they are to be mounted. Or you can simply put them together, as they are attracted to each other. You can read about how magnets can be put together to increase strength in this article.
Choose a larger magnet
The bigger the magnet, the greater the strength. This is a good rule of thumb and applies in most cases. However, you may find that, for example, very long magnets are not stronger than shorter magnets. Or that two magnets of the same size do not have the same strength. So it's a rule with exceptions.
Choose a magnet with a higher quality grade
Two magnets that are the same size can have different strengths. This is typically because they have different quality grades. You can read more about this here. The strongest magnets therefore have quality grades called N48, N50 or N52. However, magnets with a high quality grade are also more expensive than magnets with a lower quality grade. That's why you'll find most magnets with quality grades between N35 and N42, as this is where you get the best value for money. If you need a magnet with a high quality grade, it is possible to manufacture them. There is a cost associated with manufacturing, but you can contact us for more information.
Avoid high temperatures
Neodymium magnets in particular cannot withstand high temperatures. Usually no more than 80 degrees maximum, but some magnets should not be exposed to more than 60 degrees. When a magnet is exposed to a high temperature, it loses some of its strength permanently. This means that the lost strength will not return once the magnet has cooled down. If possible, you should shield the magnet from heat as this will give you more magnets to choose from, as not many standard magnets can withstand more than 60 to 80 degrees.
Shield the magnet
A magnet can attract metal from the two sides where the north and south poles are located. If the magnet is placed in a metal pot where the magnet is exposed on one side and closed on the other, you will find that the magnetic strength increases quite a lot. This is because the metal pot gathers and centers the magnetic fields in a very small area. Without the metal pot, the magnetic fields would spread out. If you can't make your own metal pot, you can see our range of pot magnets by
Halbach configuration
By putting several magnets together in a certain configuration, it is possible to increase the magnetic strength on one side while the opposite side becomes weaker. This is called a Halbach configuration. You can easily create a Halbach configuration yourself, as long as you know where the north and south poles of the magnets are located.
Closing
Here we have reviewed several ways to increase magnet strength. The easiest way is usually to find a magnet that is designed with the desired strength, but if this is not possible, it can in some cases be modified, as we have seen in this article. If you have any questions about any of these methods, feel free to contact us