Neodymium Magnets
What are neodymium magnets?
.Neodymium magnets are becoming increasingly popular due to their very powerful magnetism. Despite this, neodymium magnets are not a magnet type that just appeared. Neodymium magnets were invented at the same time in the mid-1980s by an American company and a Japanese company respectively. Today, however, neodymium magnets are almost exclusively produced in China, which has a near monopoly on the production of this type of magnet.
Today, neodymium magnets are almost exclusively produced in China.
Today, neodymium magnets are extremely popular. In industry, the demand is mainly driven by the need for electric motors for electric cars, wind turbines and electronics, where neodymium magnets are necessary for the motor to function. Another major customer is the hobbyist, who has recognised the many applications where neodymium magnets can be used. Popular hobby projects include magnetic knife holders or DIY fridge magnets.
When you buy neodymium magnets, you're buying the right one.
When you buy a neodymium magnet, it looks like a piece of solid metal. But it's not. Neodymium magnets are a powder that has been pressed hard and then coated with, for example, nickel. Their nature is therefore similar to ceramics or porcelain. So if the magnets are subjected to impact or shock, they will break. Please contact us if you have any questions about which type of magnet to choose and how to use them in your specific application.
What kinds of magnets are there?
Magnets can be categorised in different ways and can quickly become very comprehensive. When shopping for magnets, you will typically encounter four different types of magnets. We list them here:.
- Neodymium magnets (NdFeB). These are the most popular magnet types and are sometimes called power magnets, super magnets or simply neodymium magnets. They are also the most commonly sold and can be recognised by their shiny silver surface, but are also available with other surfaces such as copper, gold, Teflon rubber and more.
- Ferrite magnets Ferrite magnets are also very popular. They are much weaker than neodymium magnets, but they are cheap and can withstand high temperatures. They are typically grey-black in colour.
- Samarium Cobalt (SmCo). SmCo magnets, like neodymium magnets, have a high magnetic strength. In addition, SmCo magnets can withstand high temperatures and are not harmed by humid environments. The downside is that they cost significantly more than neodymium magnets. We do not sell SmCo magnets, as neodymium magnets are a better choice in most applications.
- Alnico (AlNiCo) Alnico magnets are very hardy and can withstand temperatures of up to 450 degrees centigrade. However, their magnetic strength is lower than neodymium magnets and they are therefore most often used in situations where high demands are placed on the durability of the magnet. It is not a magnet type we usually sell .
What should I know before buying magnets?
Neodymium magnets are popular because they are very powerful. Even a small neodymium magnet has a strength that takes most people by surprise. Because they are so powerful, you also have to be careful not to break them if you drop them or if two magnets smack against each other. Such hard blows will shatter the magnets and destroy them. You should also avoid exposing neodymium magnets to temperatures higher than 80 degrees centigrade, as this permanently reduces their magnetism. So, there are some things to be aware of, but with a little forethought and basic knowledge, you won't go wrong.
So that you don't have to read a lot of pages to learn about magnets, here are the most important things you should know:
- Magnets do not withstand hard knocks or shocks. This permanently damages the magnets. Therefore, be careful not to let two magnets collide. If you need more durable magnets, you should look at pot magnets.
- Neodymium magnets generally do not tolerate high heat. At around 80 degrees centigrade, they begin to lose their magnetism and this does not return when cooled. Contact us if you need magnets that can withstand higher temperatures, as they can be produced on order.
- Neodymium magnets do not do well with water and moisture. If you need magnets that can withstand water and moisture, they should preferably have a rubber or Teflon alloy. Alternatively, use ferrite magnets if you can make do with a lower magnetic strength.
- Magnets are both useful and fun. They are therefore used for many creative purposes, but they are not toys. Therefore, do not buy magnets to be used as toys by children. If the magnets break, the sharp edges can cause deep wounds, and swallowing the magnets can cause very serious injuries inside the body.
- The strength of a magnet is indicated in several ways, but the most common is to measure the strength in kilograms. That is, how many kilos it takes to release the magnet from a metal plate. The strength of a magnet depends on several things, but primarily on the size of the magnet, its shape, and its quality grade (material composition). On each product page, you can see the strength of a magnet in kilograms.
- The price of a magnet depends on two things: The size of the magnet because producing a large magnet requires a lot of material. And the quality grade (material composition) of the magnet. A high-quality grade gives a higher strength but also costs more. However, the price of very small magnets (e.g. a magnet measuring 1 or 2 millimetres) will be disproportionately high if only the size and grade of the magnet are taken into account. The price of very small magnets is also a consequence of the fact that it takes time to produce each small magnet and then the magnets must be quality tested, counted, and packaged.
- The magnets you see in the shop are off-the-shelf. That is, they are in stock. If they are not in stock, they can usually be ordered within a few days.
- If you can't find the magnet you need, it is often possible to produce it. You can read more about this by clicking here.
Need help?
If you're not sure which neodymium magnets to choose, you're always welcome to contact us at info@brisingi.com. We'd love to help answer your questions. You can also take a look at our FAQ, which has answers to many of the most common questions about neodymium magnets. You can find the FAQ at the top of the page.