Key Takeaways
- Neodymium magnets are the world’s strongest permanent magnets made from an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron.
- These magnets are also called Nd, NdFeB, or Neo magnets.
- They are commonly produced as either sintered or bonded magnets.
- Their strength and lightweight make them widely used in various applications, from hard disk drives to anti-lock brakes.
About Neodymium Magnets and Their Applications
Neodymi-what?! If you’re browsing our website, you undoubtedly have an interest in magnets, but you might not have heard of neodymium rare-earth magnets.
A neodymium magnet is the strongest known type of permanent magnet, and it’s one we supply for a variety of industrial and commercial uses here at Adams Magnetic Products.
Let’s dive in a little deeper and learn more about these exceedingly strong magnets and how they can be used.
Lightweight Magnets With Serious Holding Power
These are not your average refrigerator magnets! Neodymium magnets are the strongest permanent magnets available and, even if you’ve never heard of them before, you probably use them every day.
They’re sometimes called Nd, NdFeB, or Neo magnets, and despite being incredibly strong magnets, they’re also lightweight, which is why they’re popular for a wide variety of applications.
It’s hard to believe, but without this type of rare earth magnet, many of the technological advances that have taken place over the past few decades would not have been possible!
How Strong Are Neodymium Magnets?
Very strong. They will amaze you!
A 2-gram (0.07 ounce) Nd magnet that measures 8 millimeters (0.315 inches) in diameter and 5 millimeters (0.197 inches) long generates a force of over 1700 grams (3.75 pounds).
They’re so strong that they have replaced other types of magnets in many applications. For example, they are over ten times stronger than ceramic magnets, so you might replace a ceramic magnet with a much smaller neodymium magnet and generate the same (or more!) holding force.
Take Care When Handling Them
Beware: they’re also so strong that even small neodymium magnets can cause bodily harm. We’ve even heard of larger neos breaking bones.
Handle with care! You can find more details about the strength in gauss or pounds of holding force of specific magnets using our magnet calculator tools.
What Are Neodymium Magnets Made Of?
They are made primarily from an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron. The exact composition can vary depending on the required strength and the magnet’s intended use.
There are two main manufacturing types for neo magnets: sintered and bonded.
Sintered Neodymium Magnets
These Nd magnets are made by heating the alloy components in a furnace, then casting the mixture into molds and cooling to form ingots, which are ground into a fine powder and pressed into molds.
The powder molds are sintered to form dense blocks. (Sintering is the process of compacting and forming a solid mass of material by heat or pressure without melting it to the point of liquefaction.)
The material is cut into its final shape, coated or plated, and then magnetized.
Bonded Neodymium Magnets
These combine neodymium alloy powder with a polymer binder. The components are pressed or extruded to make more complex shapes and magnetization powders than are typically available in sintered magnets.
What Are NdFeB Magnets Used For?
Since their invention in the early 1980s, a wide range of industries have found uses for these super-strong magnets. If you’re reading this on your computer, you’re using a neo magnet right now!
Some applications include:
- Hard disk drives – A hard disk has tracks and sectors that contain magnetic cells; these cells are magnetized when data is written to the drive.
- Microphones, headphones, and loudspeakers – Current-carrying coils are used with permanent magnets to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, changing the pressure of the surrounding air to produce sound.
- Magnetic hall effect sensors – popular for their versatility in sensing position, velocity, and/or direction.
- Dentures – To keep dentures securely in place, tiny neodymium magnets are used. Actually, neodymium magnets are used in several medical devices. Read more about neodymium magnets in medical applications.
- Door catches – Commercial and residential buildings often use doors with neodymium magnetic latches.
- Magnetic jewelry – Magnetic therapy jewelry is often made with neodymium magnets; these magnets are also used in bracelet and necklace clasps.
- Anti-lock brake sensors – If you have anti-lock brakes in your car, they use neodymium magnets wrapped inside copper coils.
Read more about where Nd magnets are used in our blog.
Where To Buy Neo Magnets
Do you need magnets for your business? Adams Magnetic Products has the solutions you need.
Our industrial-strength magnets are used in a variety of industries. Read more about neodymium magnets, view our overstock magnets for sale on this site, or contact us, and we’ll be in touch–we look forward to working with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do neo magnets lose strength over time?
Not under normal use. When properly selected, these magnets can hold their magnetism for decades. It’s the exposure to heat, strong reverse fields, physical damage, and other extreme conditions that can reduce their strength.
Why do neodymium magnets need a coating?
They’ve got iron content, which makes them highly susceptible to oxidation and corrosion, especially in humid environments. So, the coatings act as a moisture barrier to prevent the magnet from rusting.
Can NdFeB magnets be made in custom shapes?
Yes. At Adams Magnetic Products, this is the type of work we do all the time.
Can Nd magnets be drilled or cut after purchase?
We don’t recommend doing this. These magnets are brittle, so drilling or cutting can crack them, damage the coating, or create unsafe fragments. If you want custom sizing, you should request that before the magnet is finished and magnetized.
How do I choose the right neodymium magnet for my application?
Start with the required holding force, available space, operating temperature, surface material, environment, and whether the magnet will be used alone or inside an assembly.