Should You Harness the Power of Magnetism in Your Business?

Posted on: 18 September 2020

While everyone knows that most machines requires electricity to operate, not everyone appreciates that many devices also employ another force to make them work: magnetism. Magnets can be found in a diverse range of everyday equipment from cordless drills to computer hardware. Even if you are aware of the value of magnets in everyday situations, what you may not know is that there are different types of magnets, and if you are looking for a new or replacement magnet for a piece of equipment, then you must pick the right type.

Which magnet would be best?

When deciding which magnet would be the right fit, the main determining factor will be the amount of magnet pull that you need. Many conventional applications will normally use alnico or ferrite magnets, but if you want high performance with a lot of magnetic pull, then rare earth magnets will be the best option. The most common rare earth magnets in use today are neodymium magnets created from neodymium alloyed with boron and iron. They are produced in a range of grades with the higher grades being less prone to operating restrictions relating to operating temperatures and corrosion.

When would you need rare earth magnets?

Industries where you might want to consider using rare earth magnets include underwater exploration, food production and even the rail and aerospace sectors. These rare earth magnets could be as tiny as 1mm thick, or they could be in excess of 60mm. You might find them on a dynamo on your bicycle or making sure that a maglev train stays on the track. With almost any industry, there is sure to be a part that rare earth magnets can play in keeping the technology working.

Which size of magnet do you need?

One of the things that make rare earth magnets so special is their sheer power. These super magnets have far greater pull than a conventional magnet of the same size, meaning that you can often pick a far smaller magnet than you might expect. If you aren't sure whether you have made the right choice, then it is sensible to talk to your supplier and ask for their advice. They will understand the capabilities of their magnets and will be able to advise you on whether the magnet you are looking at is a good fit for your application or whether you should pick a larger or smaller size.

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