What Are Neodymium Magnets?

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.