An Introduction To Rare Earth Magnets

Rare earth magnets are permanent magnets that generate stronger magnetic fields than other types of magnets. The rare earth materials making these magnets have superior qualities to alnico or ferrite-based materials. If you are new at using rare earth magnets, here are a few tips that can help produce the best results in your work. 

Safety

Science is fun and intriguing when done while maintaining safety. Rare earth magnets should not be near children since they are playful and may ingest or play around with the magnet. Magnets can enter the nose, lungs or ears. In addition, you should never use rare earth magnets for novelty applications such as stress relief or mental stimulation.

Some rare earth magnets are fragile. If they break in the nose, ear or mouth, they cause damage to the skin. Rare earth magnets accelerate at high speeds towards iron and each other. These magnets can cause injuries in the process. You should always wear goggles and gloves when handling large ones. Hence, uphold these safety standards to ensure safe handling. 

Selection

The application is the primary criterion when picking a rare earth magnet. For example, Neodymium Iron Boron magnets are suitable for loudspeakers, switches, imaging, magnetic separation and magnetic resonance imaging. On the other hand, you may pick Samarium Cobalt for aerospace, automotive, industrial automation, military and medical applications.

Still, it would help if you considered the cost of the rare earth magnet and its impact on the end product. For example, Neodymium Iron Boron and Samarium Cobalt magnets are ideal for high-performance motors. The only difference is that Neodymium Iron Boron magnets have a moderate price, making the end product marketable. 

Demagnetisation

Magnets can lose their strength when exposed to heat or collide with objects. Losing volume and over-exposure to opposing magnetic fields may also affect magnets. This problem is not common in rare earth magnets. Therefore, you do not need to worry about demagnetisation in applications where these factors are unavoidable. 

Some common unavoidable circumstances where rare earth magnets are necessary include space and the military. The temperatures and magnetic fields that satellites encounter are unavoidable, and rare earth magnets ensure the longevity of such devices. Hence, you should always consider the suitability of rare earth magnets in such an application. 

Rare earth magnets are ideal for a wide variety of applications. If you need to get the best out of these magnets, ensure you are safe, pick your magnets wisely and always opt for them when you cannot control the demagnetising impacts of the surrounding. For more information on rare earth magnets, contact a company near you.


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