Most industries that use magnets in their products or machines tend to use rare earth magnets for a number of reasons. Firstly, rare earth magnets are far stronger than traditional magnets, which means you don't need as much mass to create the same result. In addition to this, rare earth magnets take a lot longer to demagnetise. However, despite the many qualities of rare earth magnets, there are some drawbacks which, when planned for, can be easily managed. The number one rule you need to remember with rare earth magnets is never to try and alter them on your own.
Why You Should Never Alter A Rare Earth Magnet On Your Own
If you purchase some rare earth magnets and discover they are a little too big for your use, it can be easy to assume that simply shaving off a few centimetres will fix the problem. This is not the case, as rare earth magnets are actually very brittle, especially when you take away the nickel, copper or even gold protective covering. The inside of your magnet is a mixture of lots of different types of elements (including the rare earth metals) that will fall apart and crack if you try to drill it. Often, even just hitting it with a large enough force like a hammer is enough to permanently break the interior, making the magnet much less stable.
How Do You Get Rare Earth Magnets In The Shape You Need?
The only way to always get rare earth magnets in the size you want is to either find the exact shape you want from the inventory of a magnet retailer or, if you have quite specific needs, working with a manufacturer to create a new magnet. You maybe be surprised at just how many different sizes and shapes of rare earth magnets there are, so always make sure to double-check that the measurements you want aren't available before you contact a manufacturer.
Why Are Rare Earth Magnets So Brittle?
The interior of your rare earth magnet is made through a process called sintering. Sintering is done by heating up a lot of metallic powders until they compact into a solid object. Neodymium is the primary metal in rare earth magnets, but its powder is mixed with iron and boron, as well as other metallic elements to create the strong magnet you are looking for. Unfortunately, sintering does not create a very strong bond, although it is perfectly fine when the magnets are used carefully. If the casing on your rare earth magnet breaks, it is virtually impossible to repair without simply buying a new one.
For more information, contact a rare earth magnet supplier.
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