Within many different industry sectors, neodymium magnets are known as being the strongest magnet available. For this reason, these magnets are frequently sought out for applications where higher magnetic strength is required or where weight or size is critical. In this blog, we will explain the reasons neo magnets are so powerful.
The first characteristic of neodymium magnets to examine is their composition. They are named for the element neodymium, a member of the “rare earth” element family. Neodymium is, of course, the primary material present in these magnets, but it is not the only element present. They are made from an alloy primarily of neodymium, iron, and boron. This forms a Nd2Fe14B tetragonal crystalline structure. It is this unique composition and crystal structure that affects the unique magnetic properties of neo magnets.
Neodymium Magnets are the Strongest Magnets Due to Unique Magnetic Properties
Permanent magnets all possess different magnetic properties. These traits are then used to compare various types of magnets to one another. Here, we will discuss some of the most important magnetic properties:
Remanence (Br)—measurement of magnetic flux density retained after magnetization
Coercivity (Hci )—a magnetic material’s resistance to demagnetization
(Maximum) Energy product (BH)max—a figure of merit for how much potential magnetic energy per unit volume is available in a grade/material type.
Neodymium magnets possess exceptionally high remanence and (BH)max, which means they have a high strength magnetic field. Additionally, neo magnets boast a high coercivity, meaning they are extremely resistant to becoming demagnetized. When combined, these magnetic properties result in an exceptionally strong magnet.
As a way to visualize a neodymium magnet’s strength, observe that the maximum energy product of a sintered neodymium magnet ranges from 200 to 400kJ/m3. Comparatively, alnico magnets, another permanent magnet, have a maximum energy product ranging from just 10-88 kJ/m3. This is a significant difference in power, with neodymium magnets being much stronger than alnico magnets.
Benefits of Strong Neo Magnets
The high strength of neo magnets gives them multiple advantages in comparison to other varieties of magnets, such as ceramic, alnico, and samarium cobalt magnets. Neodymium magnets are well suited for applications where space is limited, due to their ability to provide a greater amount of strength in a more compact size. Examples of applications where space-saving neo magnets are chosen include magnetic sensors and switches, consumer applications such as cell phones and speakers, and magnetic assemblies for use in industrial applications.
Neodymium magnets possess exceptional strength that is key to supporting new technology and innovation. At Bunting-DuBois, our team of magnet experts can assist you in selecting the perfect magnetic material for your application. Our custom magnets and magnetic assemblies often utilize neo magnets to achieve the intense magnetic strength many applications require.
To learn more about strong neodymium magnets and our custom magnets and magnetic assemblies, Contact us Today.