Neodymium is a rare earth mineral and after a joint venture in 1982 between Sumitomo Special Metals and General Motors, the strongest rare earth magnet was developed which had numerous day to day as well as industrial uses. These magnets were Neodymium Magnets. Scientists amazed at the magnetic properties worked to create an alloy of iron, boron and neodymium to construct and mass produce it into a magnet.
Power of the Magnet
Though we can separate strong magnets from weakers ones relatively easily, yet to make an accurate and scientific comparison, standard measurement techniques are used which detail the effectiveness and power of the magnet. Once the source of magnetism is removed from the magnet, the residual magnet is termed Remanence. Resistance of Magnet against demagnetization is termed as Coercivity. Magnet’s capability to store energy is called density of magnetic energy while the temperature at which a magnet exhausts its magnetism is termed Curie temperature. High temperatures have damaging effect on magnet eventually demagnetizing the magnet and making it unfit for use.
Determining and Measuring the Strength of the Magnet
Usually the magnets available in the market are rated as N28 or N40 as per their strength. But Neodymium Magnets have rating which vary from N28 to all the way to N45 and even more. Higher the rating, Stronger the magnet is. And because of this, smaller magnets but with higher rating are stronger and perform better than their larger and bulkier counterparts who have lower rating.
Magnet’s Properties
One must not be quick to judge or opine on the ability of the magnet especially if it is discussed in the simple terminology of lift strength of pull power. As many different factors directly or indirectly determine pull power of a magnet, including the alloy or metal which is being attracted or pulled. It might be possible to lift 4-inch sheet of steel with one magnet but not with the other. This could be so because that particular magnet is not suited for lifting steel items or the magnet which was able to attract steel sheets was designed only to lift steel sheets and no other metals. With time, however, magnets undergo wear and tear and lose their magnetic properties. Hence it is necessary to regularly test the magnet to be able to precisely judge its strength at that point of time.
Neodymium Magnets and Its uses
They are very useful as they are used for variety of purposes. They are used in power motors, computers and in pacemakers. Weaker magnets are used for holding objects in place. And with the coming of Neodymium magnets, it is now possible to make very small miniaturized magnets. And if you look around your house, you will definitely find one around you.
Neodymium magnets, a category of rare earth magnets, are the strongest type of permanent magnet known to earth. With the potential to store a high mount of magnetic energies and energy density, these magnets have become the first rare-earth application to become commercialized in the manufacturing and production industries. While General Motors initially commercialized the neodymium magnet in 1982 as an alternative to other permanent magnets that were considered high in cost, it later became the solutions to companies in a number of different industries with new and cost conserving manufacturing techniques. With new techniques, deterioration disadvantages were eliminated with nickel plating became the standard in neodymium production.
Manufacturers of neodymium magnets can use one of two processes: powder metallurgy or solidification. The classic technique took liquid-phased sauntering and magnetic powder to create dense blocks that were eventually cut down, shape, treated and magnetized. Newer and more rapid techniques of production involve melt spinning into a thin ribbon that is then pulverized into tiny particles and mixed with a polymer compound. Once this mixture is created, it is injected, hardened and molded into this bonded form of magnet. While the classic technique is what many manufacturers still utilize to this day due to the decreased costs associated with the process, others prefer the quickness of the bonded technique.
Rare earth magnets create a number of hazards that are not common in other magnetic compounds. Because of their sheer strength, body parts can be pinched and bones broken if coming into contact with two magnets propelling towards one another. They are also very attracted to one another, which means if they are not maintained and tended to properly they can shatter or chip materials when striking one another. When swallowed, these magnets have the potential to fold the digestive tract causing serious injury or death.
These rare-earth magnets have replaced their predecessor Alnico in many different modern technology applications due to their strength and physical characteristics. With increased strength, a smaller amount of the magnetic application must be used making equipment lighter in weight and smaller, ultimately reducing the cost of production of a number of different electrical items in this modern day and age.
There are a number of different applications that use neodymium magnets during the manufacturing process. While computer hard disks use these magnets for head actuators and magnetic resonance imagining, motors in a number of different electronic items also use the rare-earth magnets. For cars, appliances, computers, compressor motors and various other industrial items, the neodymium magnet has become an important and invaluable asset. Hybrid and electric vehicles have also benefited from this advanced technology. With the brilliant and beneficial qualities, a number of modern technologies have been created and invented thanks to these magnets.
