Embark on a mission to understand magnetism. We explore the diverse types of magnets, their groundbreaking applications, and the science that makes them indispensable to our world and beyond.
Neodymium magnets (NdFeB) are the strongest type of permanent magnet commercially available. They are used in a wide range of applications, from electric motors and sensors to medical devices and consumer electronics. Their exceptional strength and versatility make them the preferred choice for demanding engineering projects, often replacing larger, weaker magnets.
Discovered in 1982 by General Motors and Sumitomo Special Metals, Neodymium magnets rapidly surpassed older magnetic materials in strength, leading to their widespread adoption in high-tech applications. This breakthrough changed how many industries approached magnetic design.
The unparalleled strength of Neodymium magnets stems from their unique tetragonal crystal structure (Nd2Fe14B), which efficiently aligns magnetic domains. This micro-level alignment allows for an incredibly high **magnetic energy product**, making them exceptionally powerful for their size.
A tiny neodymium magnet can lift up to 1,000 times its own weight—an extraordinary feat for its size, making it a cornerstone in electric vehicle motors and high-fidelity audio.
Composed of rare earth elements (Neodymium, Iron, Boron), these magnets are at the forefront of modern magnetic technology, enabling miniature yet powerful devices.
From the silent hum of your electric toothbrush to the powerful thrust of a wind turbine, neodymium magnets are essential in countless daily technologies.
Neodymium magnets are extremely strong. They can snap together suddenly, causing pinched fingers or severe injury. Always exercise caution and keep them away from children.
Keep magnets away from sensitive electronic devices, credit cards, pacemakers, and magnetic media (like hard drives) to avoid potential data loss or damage.
Store magnets in a cool, dry environment, preferably separated by cardboard or plastic. Avoid storing them near strong magnetic fields to maintain their performance and longevity.
Often expressed in MGOe (MegaGauss-Oersteds), this is the most common indicator of a magnet's "strength." It represents the maximum energy a magnet can deliver per unit volume of magnetic material.
Think of it as the magnet's 'power output' for its size.
This is the critical temperature at which a permanent magnet loses its ferromagnetic properties and becomes paramagnetic (non-magnetic). Exceeding this temperature will permanently demagnetize the magnet.
It's the magnet's 'melting point' for its magnetism.
**Remanence (Br)** measures the magnetic strength remaining after the external magnetizing field is removed – essentially, how much magnetism it 'remembers'. **Coercivity (Hc)** measures a magnet's resistance to demagnetization from external magnetic fields or heat. A higher coercivity means a more stable magnet.
Permanent magnets, like those on this page, retain their magnetism indefinitely once magnetized. Electromagnets, on the other hand, only generate a magnetic field when electric current flows through them, allowing their magnetic force to be precisely controlled and switched on or off as needed. This makes electromagnets ideal for applications requiring adjustable or temporary magnetic fields.
The process varies by type. Permanent magnets are typically created by exposing a material (like iron, nickel, or cobalt alloys) to a strong external magnetic field. This aligns the material's internal magnetic domains. For rare earth magnets, complex metallurgical processes involving sintering or bonding powdered alloys are used. Electromagnets are made by coiling wire around a ferromagnetic core and passing an electric current through the coil.
Yes, magnets can lose some of their strength over very long periods, or more rapidly if exposed to high temperatures (above their Curie temperature), strong opposing magnetic fields, or severe physical shock (like dropping them). Proper storage and handling, following safety guidelines, can significantly extend a magnet's effective lifespan and maintain its performance.
Rare earth magnets are extremely strong permanent magnets made from alloys of rare earth elements, most commonly neodymium (NdFeB) or samarium-cobalt (SmCo). These rare earth elements come from rare earth minerals—naturally occurring ores that contain one or more of the 17 chemically similar elements in the lanthanide series (plus scandium and yttrium). What defines a rare earth element is its position in the periodic table and its similar electronic structure, which gives these materials unique magnetic, optical, and chemical properties. Despite the name, rare earths are relatively abundant in Earth's crust, but they are rarely found in concentrated, economically viable deposits. Rare earth magnets are valued for their unmatched strength-to-size ratio and are widely used in high-performance technologies like electric motors, wind turbines, hard drives, and medical equipment.
Currently, **Neodymium magnets** hold the title for the strongest commercially available permanent magnets. Research is ongoing into even stronger magnetic materials, but for practical, mass-produced applications, neodymium remains unsurpassed in strength-to-volume ratio. Superconducting electromagnets can generate fields far stronger than any permanent magnet, but they require extreme cooling (cryogenics) to operate.