Neodymium Magnets And Their Uses

Neodymium magnets are the most widely used rare-earth magnets. They are permanent magnets that are made from neodymium alloy, boron and iron to form a tetragonal crystalline structure. Permanent means that they are able to retain the magnetic properties over high periods of time constantly generating magnetic field from their surroundings.

These magnets are actually the strongest permanent magnet types available commercially and they have even replaced other magnet types in different application in making modern products that need the strength. Today you will find the magnets in cordless tools as motors, fasteners and even in hard disk drives. Below are some of the common uses of neodymium magnets.

Medical industry uses – The neodymium magnets are used extensively for magno-therapy by medical practitioners and physiotherapists to reduce pain. They are also sold as medical devices to wear as shoe insertions, blankets and bracelets. They stabilize iron content and hemoglobin content in blood. They are also used in dentures as to hold them together and in other corrective devices.

Iron industry uses – These magnets are used in iron industries, especially in lifting huge iron materials from iron dust whereas the weaker magnets attract dust particles. In heavy manufacturing and engineering industries the magnets lift large ferrous items and are also used as magnetic separators.

Home uses – At home the neodymium magnets are used in various ways, such as in creating door and drawer closures, fixing furniture and hanging pictures. They also prove helpful in cleaning processes around the home such as when cleaning washing machines and refrigerators or even fish tanks.

Ornamental uses – The magnets have become very common in jewelry. They attach to the skin and hold jewelry pieces without the need to pierce the skin.

Motor industry uses – This is an industry that seems to benefit most from the neodymium magnets. They are used in magnetically coupled pumps, electric motors and generators and in bearings to provide relative motion with low friction without mechanical wear even at very high speeds. Anti-lock braking system sensors also use these magnets.

Entertainment industry uses – When it comes to the entertainment industry, the permanent magnets are used in audio equipment like speakers, microphones, headphones and acoustic pick-ups.

Other uses of the magnets include use as door catches in residential, commercial and public buildings, in hard disk drives to record data, in MRI scanners, levitation devices, reed switches and print finishing. These are the magnets that are also used in galleries and exhibitions to hang artwork and in shops and restaurants to hold together point of sale displays.

The neodymium magnets are preferred over artificial ones because:

· They do not have a tendency of losing magnetic properties and they are also corrosion and erosion free

· They naturally occur in the earth’s crust are therefore safe for use; there are no known serious health hazards on children and adults

· They may be a little expensive, but their benefits are enjoyable over a long period of time making the prices worthwhile