Have You Thought about Using Rare Earth Block Magnets?
A surprising number of items you use every day contain magnets. Everything from computers and IT equipment, through to cordless power tools and manufacturing industries all make use of the power of magnetism. While most people know how useful magnetism can be it is still important to remember that not all magnets are the same. If you are considering purchasing a magnet you must think about which type you should choose. You could opt for a traditional ferrite magnet or an alnico magnet but it's more likely that you will want to think about using rare earth block magnets. Rare earth block magnets exhibit higher performance than ferrite magnets and are the most powerful permanent magnets presently available.
What are rare earth magnets?
The rare earth magnets generally in use today are neodymium magnets. They are produced from an alloy of iron, boron, and neodymium. Depending on the grade of the magnet they may also contain elements of praseodymium and dysprosium. Standard grades of neodymium magnets have lower operating temperatures than samarium cobalt magnets. They are also prone to corrosion unless they are appropriately coated, higher grades offer fewer restrictions.
Where are rare earth block magnets used?
Whatever industry you may be in it's likely that rare earth magnets are already being widely used in it. Today rare earth magnets are commonly used wherever the highest amount of magnetic pull is needed. They can be found in sectors as diverse as the aerospace industry, deep-sea exploration and food processing. These super magnets are available in a range of sizes and grades. They can be as small as 1mm in thickness or as large as 65mm thick. You could commonly find them in everything from bicycle dynamos to cordless drills and even maglev trains.
Which rare earth block magnets do you need?
Super magnets are very powerful which means that you can often purchase a smaller, lighter magnet than you might expect. It is for this reason that since the late twentieth century they have been slowly replacing alnico and ferrite magnets across a range of applications. If you are unsure which rare earth block magnets would be right for your application then it can be helpful to discuss your options with the supplier. They are best placed to know the characteristics of their products and will be able to guide you towards the most appropriate super magnets for your situation.