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Neodymium Magnet Information

About Neodymium Magnets
The fundamentals of neodymium magnets and more information

Magnet Terminology
The terminology related to magnetics is not widely understood. If you’d like to learn about the definitions of most magnetic terms, please visit our Glossary of Magnet Terminology page for detailed explanations.

Rare Earth Magnets
Neodymium magnets are part of the rare earth magnet family and are currently the strongest permanent magnets in the world. They are also referred to as NdFeB or NIB magnets because they are primarily composed of Neodymium (Nd), Iron (Fe), and Boron (B). These magnets are relatively new inventions and have only recently become affordable for everyday applications.

Grades of Neodymium Magnets
N35, N38, N42, N38SH…what do these grades mean? The grades of neodymium magnets are classified based on their material performance. As a general rule, the higher the grade number, the stronger the magnet. The highest grade of neodymium magnet currently available is N52.

Temperature RatingsThe letter following the grade indicates the magnet’s temperature rating. If there is no letter, the magnet has a standard temperature rating. Temperature ratings include Standard (no designation), M, H, SH, UH, and EH.
You can find detailed information about each grade’s temperature properties on our Specifications of Neodymium Magnets page.
Specifications of Neodymium Magnets
If you need detailed information about the physical and thermal properties of neodymium magnetic materials, please refer to our Specifications of Neodymium Magnets page for comprehensive data to help you make the right choice.

Coatings and Platings
Neodymium magnets are mainly composed of Neodymium, Iron, and Boron. When exposed to the environment, the iron component can rust. To prevent corrosion and strengthen the brittle structure of the magnets, protective coatings are typically applied.

Common Coatings: Nickel is the most widely used coating. Our nickel-plated magnets use a triple-layer plating process, which includes nickel, copper, and a second layer of nickel. This triple-layer process significantly enhances durability compared to standard single-layer nickel plating.
Other Coating Options: Options include zinc, tin, copper, epoxy, silver, and gold. Our gold-plated magnets are quadruple-coated with layers of nickel, copper, nickel, and a top layer of gold for enhanced corrosion resistance and a premium finish.

Machining
Due to the brittle nature of neodymium material, it is prone to chipping and cracking, making it unsuitable for conventional machining methods. Machining also generates heat, which can cause demagnetization or even ignite the material, releasing toxic fumes when burned. For safety and performance, we recommend avoiding machining. For special requirements, please consult a professional manufacturer.

Demagnetization
Rare earth magnets have a high resistance to demagnetization and are unlikely to lose their magnetism when dropped or placed near other magnets. However, they will begin to lose strength if heated beyond their maximum operating temperature (176°F or 80°C for standard N grades). If heated above their Curie temperature (590°F or 310°C for standard N grades), they will lose their magnetism entirely.

We also offer high-temperature materials capable of maintaining their strength at elevated temperatures for demanding applications.
Magnetic Strength
If you’ve never handled neodymium magnets before, their incredible strength will astonish you. Neodymium magnets are more than 10 times stronger than ceramic magnets. If you are currently using ceramic magnets in your project, switching to neodymium magnets can significantly reduce the required magnet size while delivering greater holding force.

Magnet Strength Comparison: Our magnet finder allows you to compare the relative strength, dimensions, surface field, and grades of various magnets.
Magnetic Force Calculator: Use our magnetic force calculator to estimate pull force and field strength at any distance, making design and application decisions easier.

We hope this information provides a comprehensive understanding of neodymium magnets’ features and benefits. If you have further inquiries or specific customization needs, feel free to contact us anytime!

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