Find answers to common questions about our magnets, orders, shipping, and more. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact Us.
Order & Delivery
Can I return or cancel my order?
It's alright if you change your mind. Supreme Magnets accepts returns on all magnets in original and resalable condition within 30 days of purchase, subject to terms and conditions. Please see our Returns Policy for details regarding returns and refunds.
Do you have a minimum order policy?
We do not have a minimum order quantity (MOQ) to complete your checkout. Whether you are ordering a single magnet or 2,000 pieces, every purchase receives our rigorous, specialist packaging and handling. This ensures your magnets arrive safely while maintaining our highest level of quality control, regardless of order size.
When will I receive my order?
This depends on the shipping method and which part of the world you are at. Local delivery within Singapore would take around 1-2 days, while international express couriers might take between 1 to 3 weeks.
Do you offer Cash on Delivery?
This option is available only for customers in Singapore, who choose to self-collect their orders. Currently, we are unable to arrange Cash or Cheque collection for deliveries initiated by us. Please see our Payments Policy for more details.
Are there any regulations for shipping magnets?
There are very specific guidelines for the shipping of magnets by air while no such restrictions exist on shipping your magnets by ground. According to IATA's Dangerous Goods Regulation Guide, a magnetized material is considered dangerous for air transport if it has a magnetic field strength of 0.159 A/m (0.002 gauss) or more at a distance of 2.1 m (7 ft) from any point on the surface of the assembled package.
Can I just airmail my magnets in a small envelope to save postage?
While we do understand your concern, our shipping policies have to comply with the safety guidelines of various governments and the different freight carriers, especially if they are being shipped by air.
Where is your office located?
Our main office facility and warehouse are located in a cozy and quiet industrial neighborhood in the western part of Singapore, quite easily accessible from everywhere. If you live nearby, feel free to walk-in or pick-up your purchase from our office. Otherwise, you can browse through our website catalogue and directly order from our plethora of online collection.
Do you have any local distributors ?
Many resellers choose to purchase directly from us for our quality and competitive pricing. We welcome any enquries from interested parties. Please Contact Us for more information.
Can I shop in-store instead of online?
Yes — Singapore-based customers are welcome to visit The Quaint Magnet Shop in person to browse our range and get expert advice for your purchase.
Time : Mon to Fri - 10am to 6pm
Address : Block 2019, Bukit Batok Industrial Park A, Bukit Batok Street 23, #04-266, Singapore 659524.
Product Related
Do you offer customizable shapes for neodymium magnets?
We customize shapes on request. Please feel free to Contact Us with any special requests.
Do you sell monopole magnets?
Monopole magnets do not exist. All magnets need to consist of two poles to create a surrounding magnetic field and individual poles cannot be isolated.
Do you provide magnets with one pole on an inside surface and one pole on the outside?
We can provide this configuration with ring-shaped magnets, which are generally referred to as being 'radially magnetized'. However, this is not possible with disc, cylinder, and sphere shaped magnets.
Does Supreme Magnets provide the Hysteresis Loop curves or BH Curves for their magnets?
We do supply the BH curves for all our magnets upon our customers' request.
What is the Grade of Neodymium Magnets in your store?
All raw neodymium magnets in our store are Grade N52 unless otherwise specified. While many suppliers may offer N52 magnets, ours are sourced and manufactured to exceptionally strict quality benchmarks, ensuring maximum consistency, superior magnetic flux density, and long-term stability compared to typical commercial grades.
N52 is exceptionally stable and significantly more powerful—offering a superior strength-to-size ratio—than lower grades like N35, N40, or N45. We make no compromises on material quality, allowing you to design high-performance applications with a compact, neat footprint while achieving maximum magnetic energy.
We also manufacture and supply alternative grades upon special request to fit applications that require higher temperature tolerance or lower magnetic strength.
What aspects should I take into consideration while placing an order for magnets?
To efficiently order magnets, you need to have a good idea of what you want to accomplish. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- What is the nature of the intended application (e.g. holding, moving, lifting, etc.)?
- What is the desired shape of the magnet (e.g. disc, ring, rectangle, etc.)?
- What is the desired size (diameter, length, width, height, etc.)?
- Tolerances - what variation in dimensions is allowed?
- What conditions will the magnet be used in (e.g. elevated temperatures, humidity, outdoors, indoors, etc.)?
- What is the required strength of the magnet (e.g. in terms of Gauss, holding force, etc.)?
- Cost - what is the budget? This will eliminate certain materials from consideration.
- Quantity - how much is needed?
Neodymium Magnets
What are neodymium (neo) magnets and how are they made?
Neodymium magnets (often referred to as Neo or NIB or NdFeB or rare-earth magnets) are the strongest permanent magnets available in the world today. Composed of an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron, they are manufactured through a specialized powder metallurgy process:
- Compaction: A finely powdered mixture of neodymium, iron, and boron is pressed under high pressure into molds.
- Sintering: The pressed material is heated under a vacuum (sintered) to fuse the particles together, then cooled and ground or sliced to precise shapes.
- Coating: Because neodymium is prone to oxidation, protective coatings (such as nickel, copper, or epoxy) are generally applied. See our article on Magnet Coatings for more details
- Magnetization: Finally, the blank magnets are exposed to an intense magnetic field exceeding 30 KOe to achieve full permanent magnetization.
For more information refer to our blog article Neodymium Magnets : A Complete Technical Guide
What are the various applications of neodymium magnets?
Neodymium magnets are utilized across a vast range of commercial, industrial, and consumer applications. Some of the most common uses include:
Electronics & IT: Hard disk drives, mobile phones, and the audio/video systems of televisions and speakers.
Industrial & Manufacturing: Magnetic separators, industrial filters, ionizers, security systems, and metal separators used by grease filter producers to extract iron powder from oil.
Medical Devices: Incorporated into various healthcare equipment and specialized therapeutic devices.
Consumer Goods & Apparel: Jewelry clasps, ID badges, magnetic tool belts, securing awnings on cars or machinery, and attachment systems for baby strollers and carriers.
Aerospace: Utilized in specialized equipment, including applications associated with space exploration and research
Are there any size limitations for manufacturing neodymium magnets?
Yes, there are strict size and dimension limitations when manufacturing sintered neodymium magnets due to the physics of powder metallurgy and pressing limits. The following are the recommended dimensions subject to a tolerance of ±0.1 mm
Ring Magnet
- Maximum Dimensions -
Outer Diameter : 160mm
Inner Diameter : 140mm
Thickness : 50mm - Minimum Dimensions -
Outer Diameter : 2.6mm
Inner Diameter : 1.8mm
Height : 0.5mm
Block Magnet
- Maximum Dimensions -
Length : 150mm
Width : 50mm
Height : 30mm - Minimum Dimensions -
Length : 2.0mm
Width : 1.5mm
Height : 0.5mm
Disc Magnet
- Maximum Dimensions -
Diameter : 200mm
Thickness : 3.5mm - Minimum Dimensions -
Diameter : 1.2mm
Thickness : 0.5mm
Do neodymium magnets require any special conditions for storage?
Because neodymium (NdFeB) magnets are the strongest permanent magnets available, proper storage is essential to prevent degradation, corrosion, and safety hazards. Follow these best practices for long-term storage:
Control Climate and Humidity: Store magnets in a cool, dry environment with low humidity. Moisture accelerates oxidation, which can break down the protective nickel or epoxy plating and degrade the underlying magnetic alloy.
Use Sealed, Clean Containers: Keep magnets in closed, non-metallic containers to prevent them from gathering airborne metallic dust, iron shavings, or debris from the workshop.
Maintain Distance from Electronics: Store magnets away from computers, credit cards, pacemakers, and other magnetic-sensitive equipment to avoid data corruption or operational interference.
Use Spacers for Strong Magnets: For larger neodymium blocks, insert non-magnetic plastic or wooden spacers between them to prevent sudden, high-impact snapping that can cause chipping or shattering
Avoid High Temperature, Proximate Magnetism and Physical Shock: Do not expose these magnets to higher than specified temperature limits. Avoid storing magnets in repelling orientation as that may cause deterioration of magnetic strength. As they are prone to shattering, avoid any kind of physical shock on these magnets
Do neodymium magnets get weaker with time?
Barely. Neodymium (NdFeB) magnets are the strongest permanent magnets available and exhibit exceptional long-term stability. Under normal operating conditions, they lose less than 1% of their magnetic strength over a 10-year period due to their exceptionally high coercivity.
This gradual decrease is usually imperceptible in everyday applications and can only be detected with precise laboratory testing equipment. However, accelerated loss can occur if the magnets are exposed to:
- Temperatures exceeding their specific grade limit
- Strong opposing external magnetic fields
- Severe physical shock or structural damage
Is it possible to machine neodymium magnets?
Yes, but it is extremely difficult and requires specialized equipment.
Sintered neodymium (NdFeB) magnets are composed of an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron that is exceptionally hard—typically measuring HRC 55 to 65 on the Rockwell C scale—and remarkably brittle (similar to a ceramic).
Because standard steel tools and drill bits are softer than the material, attempting traditional machining will rapidly ruin the tooling, generate excessive heat, and likely crack or shatter the magnet. Professional fabrication requires specialized methods such as:
- Diamond-coated tooling for cutting or grinding
- Wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) for precision shaping
- Coolant systems to prevent thermal demagnetization during cutting
How do we then shape neodymium magnets?
Shaping or machining sintered neodymium (NdFeB) magnets requires specialized industrial methods due to the material's extreme hardness and brittleness. Because traditional metalworking tools will cause the magnet to crack or shatter, professional fabrication relies on:
- Diamond Tooling: Precision diamond-coated wheels or blades for grinding and cutting.
- Wire EDM: Electrical Discharge Machining for complex shapes.
- Continuous Coolant Systems: Essential for preventing friction-induced heat, which can permanently demagnetize the material or trigger combustion.
Important Safety & Quality Warning: Machining neodymium magnets should always be performed by experienced professionals. Generating excessive heat during the process risks thermal demagnetization, while the fine metallic dust produced is highly flammable (pyrophoric) and requires specialized wet-machining or vacuum safety protocols.
Once fully magnetized, can the magnets be made stronger?
No. Once a sintered neodymium magnet has been fully charged by a magnetizer, its internal magnetic domains are completely saturated and it cannot be made any stronger.
If you require greater magnetic force for an application, you can achieve a similar effect by stacking multiple magnets together in the same directional polarity. This combines their individual magnetic fields, effectively increasing the reach, pull force, and overall performance - similar to using a larger magnet.
Are neodymium magnets affected by temperature?
Yes, neodymium (NdFeB) magnets are sensitive to elevated temperatures, which directly affect their magnetic performance and structural integrity:
- Maximum Operating Temperature (Standard ~80°C): For standard N-grade magnets, heating beyond 80°C (176°F) causes a temporary, partial loss of magnetic strength. Once the temperature returns to normal, much of this strength recovers, but prolonged exposure can lead to permanent degradation.
- The Curie Temperature (Thermal Demagnetization): If a neodymium magnet is heated past its specific Curie temperature (typically ranging from 310°C to 400°C depending on the grade), it will lose all of its permanent magnetic properties entirely.
- Specialized High-Temperature Grades: Because temperature thresholds vary by material composition, applications requiring higher heat use specialized grades (such as H, SH, or UH) engineered with dysprosium to withstand elevated operating environments without failure.
For more info see our blog article How Temperature Affects Magnets
Can these magnets withstand soldering or welding?
No. You should never attempt to solder, braze, or weld neodymium magnets. Exposing them to extreme heat creates severe safety and performance hazards:
- Permanent Demagnetization: Direct heat rapidly exceeds the maximum operating and Curie temperatures of the magnet, completely destroying its magnetic properties beyond recovery.
- Fire Hazards & Toxic Fumes: High temperatures can cause the protective metallic plating to rupture or blister, releasing hazardous vapors. Additionally, the fine rare-earth alloy material is sensitive to rapid oxidation and can catch fire under intense heat.
Instead of thermal attachment methods, always use mechanical clamping, high-strength industrial adhesives, or pre-assembled housings to secure neodymium magnets in your application.
How do you rate your neodymium magnets?
We measure the performance of our neodymium magnets using surface field density (magnetic field density), tested directly at the surface of the magnet using a calibrated Gaussmeter. This exact value is tested and specified for each of our stock magnets.
While values like Residual Flux Density (Br) measure the theoretical magnetic strength inside a closed magnetic circuit, surface field density provides the most practical, real-world metric for understanding how a magnet will perform in your actual application.
Are your neomagnets RoHS compliant?
Yes, Supreme Magnet's neodymium magnets are fully compliant with the EU RoHS Directive.
See Cert...
How is maximum operating temperature different from the Curie temperature of magnets?
While both thresholds deal with heat limits, they define completely different points of thermal tolerance for permanent magnets:
Maximum Operating Temperature: This is the highest temperature at which a magnet can function continuously while maintaining stable magnetic performance. If heated up to this limit, any temporary drop in strength typically recovers when cooled.
The Curie Temperature: This is the critical thermal threshold where thermal agitation completely randomizes the internal magnetic domains, resulting in total and permanent demagnetization.
The Zone Between Thresholds: If a magnet is exposed to temperatures between its maximum operating limit and its Curie point, it will suffer permanent, irreversible partial demagnetization. The closer the temperature climbs toward the Curie point, the greater the permanent loss of magnetic strength will be.
What does the N value of your magnets represent?
The "N" in a magnet's grade (such as N35, N42, or N52) stands for Neodymium and represents its maximum energy product. This value measures the magnetic energy stored within the material, expressed in units of millions of Gauss Oersted (MGOe). As a general rule, the higher the N value, the stronger and more powerful the magnet is for its size.
What field strength is required to magnetize a neodymium magnet?
Fully magnetizing a sintered neodymium (NdFeB) magnet requires an intense external magnetic field to align all internal magnetic domains.
As a standard engineering rule of thumb, a peak magnetizing field of 2 to 2.5 times the material's intrinsic coercivity is required to achieve complete magnetic saturation. For standard commercial neodymium grades, this typically means a minimum field strength of 24 KOe, with 30 KOe being the industry standard to ensure the magnet achieves full magnetic saturation across its entire volume.
Coatings on Magnets
How do we choose between the different plating and coatings?
Choosing a coating or plating for neodymium magnets depends on your specific application and environmental conditions. Coatings do not affect a magnet's magnetic strength, but they are essential for protecting the vulnerable neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) alloy from corrosion and wear.
Common plating and coating options include:
- Triple Nickel (Ni-Cu-Ni): The industry standard plating. A layer of copper sandwiched between two layers of nickel provides a polished silver finish and robust corrosion resistance.
- Black Nickel: Offers a sleek, reflective black appearance with slightly enhanced corrosion resistance compared to standard nickel.
- Zinc: Provides a dull greyish-blue finish. While cost-effective, it is more susceptible to corrosion than nickel and may leave residue over time.
- Epoxy: A polymer-based coating that offers full corrosion resistance and moisture protection, though it is softer and less durable against physical impact.
- Gold: Applied over a nickel-copper base for an upscale gold finish while maintaining the corrosion-resistant properties of nickel.
For more information see our blog article Not So Superficial: A Guide to Magnet Coatings
Why do we plate or coat most neodymium magnets?
Most neodymium magnets are plated or coated because their core alloy contains a high percentage of iron, making them exceptionally vulnerable to oxidation, rust, and rapid corrosion when exposed to ambient moisture and humidity. Protective barrier coatings (such as nickel-copper-nickel or epoxy) seal the material from environmental exposure. This prevents structural degradation, stops surface flaking, and dramatically extends the long-term durability and lifespan of the magnet.
Would painting over the nickel plating affect its performance?
It depends on the thickness of the paint layer. You can paint over nickel-plated neodymium magnets using any standard paint formulated for metal surfaces. To ensure proper adhesion, make sure the nickel surface is clean and free of oils. From our experience spray-on metal paints provide the smoothest, most even finish without compromising the protective nickel barrier or affecting the magnet's performance much.
Do plastic- and rubber-coatings weaken the magnet?
These materials don't "weaken" the magnet. It is just that a layer of plastic or rubber creates a larger distance between the magnet and metal surface which reduces the pull force.
How thick is your magnets' nickel plating?
With a total thickness of about 17-20 µm, the nickel plating is actually a triple plating of Nickel (Ni)-Copper (Cu)-Nickel (Ni). Each layer has a rough thickness of about 5-6 µm for the Nickel layers and 7-8 µm for the Copper layer.
Can you provide unplated magnets?
Due to the constant fear of oxidisation of the iron in the NdFeB material, unplated magnets are not stocked. However, these can be supplied as custom order items. Contact Us for customizing your order.
Magnet Basics - Theory & Application
What are magnets and how do they work?
A magnet is a material that can produce a magnetic field. To be classified as a magnet, the object must be capable of:
- Attracting materials such as iron, nickel, cobalt and certain steels and alloys
- Exerting an attractive or repulsive force on other magnets as per specific polar orientation i.e. North or South pole (remember the age-old adage (opposites attract!)
- Having an effect on electrical conductors which move in relation with the magnet
- Having an effect on electrically charged particles traveling in free space
Typical permanent magnets are made of ferromagnetic materials which generally include the elements like Iron, Nickel and Cobalt, their alloys and often some rare-earth metal compounds. A property of these ferromagnetic materials is that they possess a very weak, but naturally occurring magnetic field that is created by the electrons that surround the nuclei of their atoms. Now these atoms are present in groups called domains which, within themselves, act like permanent magnets with a North and South pole of their own. In a magnet, there are multiple such domains but their orientations cancel each other's magnetism out i.e. their corresponding North and South poles interact to negate each other's magnetic field. Keeping this in mind, a simple inference we can make is that these ferromagnetic entities will get magnetised if their domains stop cancelling each other out and instead point towards a single direction leading to the generation of a single magnetic field. This is achieved by heating a ferromagnetic material at incredibly high temperatures and exposing them to a very strong external magnetic field at the same time. Upon doing so, all the domains would line up as per the external field and when the material is then cooled down, the domains get locked into their aligned positions. After the external magnetic field is removed, the domains will remain aligned thereby creating a very strong permanent magnet.
How do I differentiate a magnet's North from its South Pole?
Differentiating a permanent magnet's North and South poles is simple using two reliable methods:
1. Using a Standard Compass
Bring your magnet close to a standard compass. The end of the compass needle that normally points toward the Earth's geographic North Pole will be attracted to your magnet's South Pole (and repelled by its North Pole). This is because the Earth's geographic north is magnetically a South pole.
2. Using a Reference Magnet
You can test your magnet against an existing reference magnet with clearly marked poles. Because opposite poles attract, the North Pole of your reference magnet will be pulled toward the South Pole of your unmarked magnet.
Important Caution: If you are using a powerful reference magnet (such as a high-strength neodymium magnet), bring the magnets together slowly. Forcing strong magnets to slam directly into weaker or unmarked magnets can chip the plating, pinch fingers, or—in worst-case scenarios—partially demagnetize or reverse the poles of the weaker magnet due to its high coercive field.
Are magnetic poles different in strength?
Neither pole is stronger than the other. Every permanent magnet must have a matching North and South pole, and the total magnetic flux associated with each pole is fundamentally equal.
How many types of magnets are there and how are they characterized?
There are 4 primary types of magnets: permanent magnets, temporary magnets, electromagnets, and electro-permanent magnets.
- Permanent Magnets: Emit magnetic fields without the need for any external source of power. Once magnetized, they hold on to their magnetic properties.
- Temporary Magnets: Behave as magnets while attached to or close to something that emits a magnetic field but lose this characteristic when the source of the magnetic field is removed.
- Electromagnets: Require electricity in order to behave as a magnet. The magnetic field disappears when the electric current is turned off. Typically, electromagnets are used in conjunction with a solenoid and a ferromagnetic material (which we call the iron core) placed in it gets magnetized or demagnetized with the electric current.
- Electro-Permanent Magnets: A modern and hybrid system that only requires a momentary pulse of electricity in order to become a permanent magnet and remains so even if the source of electricity is switched off. Similarly, a pulse of electricity is required to discharge the magnetism. The magnetic field disappears when the electric current is turned off. Electro-permanent magnets are constructed with a solenoid and two types of permanent magnets. A low coercivity permanent magnet is used as a core material and a high coercivity permanent magnet is used as a flux multiplication packing placed around the core
Which materials get attracted by magnets?
Magnets can only attract materials that can be magnetised and these are the ferromagnetic material which include Iron, Nickel, Cobalt and their alloys.
Do permanent magnets lose their strength over time?
Permanent magnets retain their magnetism indefinitely when used and stored properly, isolated from external destabilizing forces. However, certain environmental and physical factors can cause permanent degradation or demagnetization, including:
- Excessive Heat: Exceeding maximum operating temperatures or approaching the Curie temperature.
- Radiation: High-energy radiation environments that disrupt internal magnetic alignment.
- Strong Electric Currents: Close proximity to powerful alternating magnetic fields or strong electric currents.
- Like-Polarity Repulsion: Continuous, long-term stress from forcing like poles together.
- High Humidity & Moisture: Uncoated or poorly coated Neodymium Magnets are susceptible to rapid oxidation and corrosion in damp environments.
Under normal operating conditions, high-grade permanent magnets experience a minimal rate of degradation. For instance, high-stability Samarium Cobalt materials typically lose less than 1% of their magnetism over a ten-year period.
Is it possible to re-magnetize a magnet that has been de-magnetized?
Absolutely. Permanent magnets can typically be re-magnetized to their original strength using a specialized electrical device known as a magnetizer.
However, there are two key exceptions:
- Thermal Damage: If a magnet has undergone structural or metallurgical damage from extreme heat (reaching or exceeding its Curie temperature), re-magnetization may not fully restore its original performance.
- High-Coercivity Materials: High-strength rare-earth options like Neodymium Magnets cannot be re-magnetized using household tools or basic lab equipment. They require high-current industrial magnetizers capable of generating the immense magnetic field strength needed to realign their internal domains.
What are the strongest permanent magnets made of?
The strongest permanent magnets in the world are made from an alloy of Neodymium, Iron, and Boron (NdFeB), commonly referred to as neo magnets or NIB magnets. Specifically, the chemical composition Nd2Fe14B produces the highest magnetic energy product and strongest holding power commercially available today, outperforming alnico and ceramic magnets by a wide margin.
What are the various measures for magnetic field strength?
Measuring magnet strength involves several key technical metrics, with the three most common being Pull Force, Gauss, and Hysteresis:
- Pull Force: Measures the breakaway force required to separate a magnet perpendicularly from a thick steel plate, typically measured in Newtons (N) or kilograms-force (kgf) using a pull-tester.
- Gauss (Flux Density): Measures magnetic induction, representing the number of magnetic field lines per square centimeter emitted by a magnet. However, a high Gauss rating alone does not determine overall holding power; magnet geometry and mass play a critical role, meaning a smaller magnet with high surface Gauss may support less weight than a larger magnet with lower surface Gauss.
- Hysteresis Loop (BH Curve): Refers to the lag in magnetic induction when subjected to a changing magnetizing force. Plotting induced magnetic flux density against the applied magnetizing force creates a BH curve. High-grade permanent magnets are characterized by a larger area within this hysteresis loop, representing greater energy product and resistance to demagnetization.
Does the magnetic field strength decrease with distance?
Yes. Magnetic field strength decreases rapidly as the distance from the magnet increases, typically following an inverse-square or inverse-cube drop-off.
Because magnetic fields loop continuously from the north pole to the south pole, strength drops off sharply the further an object is moved from the magnet's face. The exact rate of decrease depends heavily on the magnet's shape, volume, and total surface area—with wider or thicker magnets retaining their field strength slightly further into open space compared to smaller, thinner magnets.
Can you increase a magnet's strength by stacking?
The magnetic strength can be increased to a certain extent by stacking magnets together. Using two identical magnets together would be the same as having one large magnet of their combined size, essentially doubling the magnet's strength and pull.
However, an optimum level of strength is reached once the thickness of the magnet equals the diameter of the magnet. Any further additions to thickness will provide only small, rather negligible, increases in performance.
What is the basis of rating of magnets?
Magnets are categorized by three main characteristics:
- Residual Induction (given the symbol Br and measured in Gauss). This is an indication of how strong the magnet is capable of being.
- Coercive Force (given the symbol Hc and measured in Oersteds). This is an indication of how difficult it is to demagnetize the magnet.
- Maximum Energy Product (given the symbol BHmax and measured in Gauss-Oersteds). This is an indication of what volume of magnet material is required to project a given level of magnetic flux.
Can a raw magnet lift an object of the exact weight as per its specifications (specified pull force)
The specified pull force may not be achieved for all raw magnets in real-world conditions because manufacturer specifications are tested in laboratories under idealized, controlled environments.
Several practical factors can reduce a magnet's effective holding power in real-world applications:
- Surface Contact: Uneven, textured, or dirty contact surfaces create microscopic air gaps that drastically weaken magnetic grip.
- Pull Direction: Pulling or sliding a load at an angle (shear force) rather than directly perpendicular to the steel surface reduces total holding strength.
- Metal Thickness: Attaching a magnet to steel that is too thin prevents the material from absorbing the full magnetic flux, lowering its holding capacity.
- Coatings & Paint: The presence of thick surface coatings, paint, or rust on the target metal acts as a physical barrier, increasing distance and reducing attraction.
How is flux density related to the pull force of a magnet?
Flux Density of the magnetic material is directly related to the Pull Force per unit area of the magnets that are used. The Pull Force number takes into account the size and shape of the magnet along with the flux rating of the material from which it is made.
What are the recommended operating temperatures for magnets?
Shown here are approximate maximum operating temperatures for the various classes of magnet material. Its best to avoid reaching these temperatures for these specific materials:
- NdFeB (Grade AH) - 240°C / 464°F
- SmCo (Grade Sm2Co17) - 350°C / 662°F
- Ferrite - 250°C / 482°F
- AlNiCo - 550°C / 1022°F
- Flexible - 100°C / 212°F
Is it possible to cut or drill through magnets?
Yes, but only certain magnets. Generally, magnets are extremely brittle and it is best to derive the required size at the outset rather than to try and machine a larger magnet down to size. Flexible magnets can be cut down to size or drilled through. Neodymium magnets are the strongest magnets in the world they can be machined, but we would recommend only experienced machinists perform this task .
Is it possible to block a magnetic field?
A magnetic field cannot be blocked, it can only be redirected. For redirecting, the elements must be able to interact with the field i.e. get magnetized, hence the only elements that make the cut are the ferromagnetic materials. This includes Iron, Nickel and Cobalt and their associated compounds.
However, it may be noted that the degree of redirection is directly proportional to the magnetic permeability of the material. The most efficient shielding material is the 80 Nickel family, followed by the 50 Nickel family. An example of such a high permeability nickel-iron alloy is 'mu-metal' which is quite effectively used to redirect the magnetic field.
What techniques can I use to assemble magnets with my devices?
Magnets can be assembled through adhesive or mechanical means.
Adhesives are most commonly used for securing magnets. Special care must be taken for the type of adhesives being used: for instance, uneven surfaces call for adhesives with more "body" to conform to the irregularities.
Specifically, hot glues have been found to work well for adhering magnets to ceramics, wood, cloth, and other materials. For magnets being adhered to metal, 'super-glues' can be used very effectively. We can supply Flexible magnets with an adhesive already attached to the magnet: all you need to do is to peel off the liner and attach to your product. Do note that for all of the above to be applicable, it is pretty important to ensure all surfaces being bonded are clean and dry before bonding.
For mechanical assembly, a variety of precisions clamps and mounting options are available to choose from.
What adhesives can I use for attaching magnets to my devices?
Using a two-part epoxy adhesive has been known to work best for this scenario. We recommend Araldite Rapid or Loctite Industrial strength Adhesive both of which have a similar track record on reliability.
Which type of magnets can I use to make fridge magnets?
Most standard consumer and souvenir fridge magnets are made from one of two materials:
- Flexible Rubber/Plastic Bonded Magnets: Manufactured by mixing ferrite powder into a flexible polymer binder, these provide a low-profile, cost-effective magnetic sheet backing that conforms to curved surfaces.
- Ferrite (Ceramic) Magnets: Molded into small disc or block shapes, these are commonly glued into the backs of novelty or heavy-duty decorative fridge magnets.
While significantly less powerful than high-strength Neodymium Magnets, ferrite and flexible rubber magnets offer excellent value for money and are more than strong enough to securely hold lightweight items like notes, coupons, and photos to a refrigerator....insert links for ferrite and flexi
Magnet Safety & Handling
What precautions should I take while working with magnets?
Although magnets are powerful and versatile tools, they require careful handling and proper storage to prevent injury, equipment damage, or loss of magnetic strength. Follow these essential safety and storage guidelines:
- Handle with Extreme Care: Strong rare-earth magnets (like Neodymium) snap together with immense force. This rapid movement can severely pinch skin, bruise fingers, or cause the brittle magnets to shatter and send sharp fragments flying. Consider wearing thick work or cut-resistant gloves with a secure, non-slip grip to protect your skin.
- Store in Closed, Non-Magnetic Containers: Keep magnets enclosed when not in use to prevent them from unintentionally attracting stray iron filings, metal shavings, screws, and other metallic debris.
- Maintain Proper Spacing: When storing multiple magnets, use non-magnetic spacers (such as wood or plastic) or keep them with keepers.
- Use Keepers for Alnico Magnets: Alnico magnets feature a low coercive force and should always be stored with "keepers" (iron or steel plates connecting the poles) to complete the magnetic circuit and prevent self-demagnetization.
- Protect Medical Devices: Strong magnetic fields can critically interfere with implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers. Always keep high-power magnets a safe distance away from anyone with these devices.
- Safeguard Sensitive Electronics and Media: Keep powerful permanent magnets away from legacy magnetic media (like credit cards and parking passes) to prevent data erasure, and maintain safe distances from sensitive electronic instruments.
For more information refer to our blog article A Comprehensive Guide to Safe Handling of Rare Earth Magnets
If two strong magnets are attached to each other, how can I separate them?
Separating strong permanent magnets requires the right technique based on their size and magnetic force. Follow these safe removal methods:
- Small to Medium Magnets: You can safely separate smaller magnets manually by firmly sliding them apart parallel to each other. Avoid trying to pull them straight apart, as their strong attraction will work against you.
- Medium to Large Magnets: Manual sliding is no longer practical for larger magnets. Instead, place the stuck magnets against the corner of a sturdy table or workbench, and use controlled force to slide them off the edge.
- Extra-Large Magnets ( generally 2" and larger): High-power magnets of this scale generate immense force and cannot be separated safely by hand or table edges. For these, a specially designed magnet separation jig must be used. You may Contact Us for expert guidance and details on handling extra-large magnets safely.
How can I clear away metal dust from my magnets?
The best way to clear metal dust from magnets is to use sticky tape to peel off the dust.
How can I make my magnets impact resistant?
An easy way to protect your magnets is to wrap them with a few layers of electrical tape. This would protect them from most damage from collisions with hard surfaces. Another way to protect your magnets from damage due to impact or corrosion, is to give them a rubberized coating. We find that this works great to protect magnets from wear and tear.
Can magnets damage my electronics?
Strong magnets such as neodymium magnets can damage certain magnetic media, such as credit cards, video tapes, magnetic ID cards, etc when placed in direct contact with any of these items. They can also damage televisions, computer monitors and other CRT displays, and should therefore not be very near these appliances.
The same isn't true with hard drives or your smartphone memories as every hard drive already contains powerful neo magnets while phones contain small magnets within them, so one moving around outside the case will not affect their stored data. Similarly, small magnets do not damage electronics.
Magnets also do not harm appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, ovens and microwaves.
Does my product require a specific safety warning if it contains a magnet in it?
It really depends on the application of your product, the size of the magnet(s), how the magnet is used, and where the magnet is located within the product. We recommend providing any warnings that you think may be an issue.
What are the health safety concerns associated with neo magnets?
Exposure to static magnetic fields from permanent magnets has no known adverse long-term health effects on humans. However, powerful rare-earth Neodymium Magnets require strict safety precautions:
- Pinch and Impact Hazards: Always handle large, powerful magnets with care to avoid severe skin pinching, bruising, or shattering into sharp, high-velocity fragments.
- Severe Child Safety Risks: Strong magnets are extremely dangerous around children. If multiple magnets are swallowed, they can attract each other across intestinal walls, causing life-threatening tissue blockages, perforations, or necrosis. They can also easily trap and injure a child's fingers.
- Medical Disclaimer: We are not medical professionals. If you have underlying health concerns or implanted medical devices (such as pacemakers), please consult your physician regarding potential risks.
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Are magnets dangerous for people with pacemakers?
Magnets may cause pacemakers to operate in a mode that does not respond to the user's own cardiac rhythm and should therefore not be placed in close proximity to the pacemaker.
We are not medical professionals; please consult your doctor for specific safety guidelines regarding magnetic exposure.