Rare Earth Magnets Offer Exceptional Strength And Economy

Initially developed during the last four decades or so, rare earth magnets are much more powerful than traditional magnets made of ferrite or other such materials.  As the name implies, rare earth magnets are manufactured from the “rare earth” elements of samarium-cobalt or neodymium.  Typically, rare earth magnets have permanent magnetic fields that feature strengths of 1.4 teals or greater.  Conversely, magnets of the ceramic and ferrite genres generally have magnetic fields between 0.5 and 1 teals.

Quite often, rare earth magnets are utilized in numerous modern-day devices that require exceptionally strong magnetic force.  Because of their extraordinary strength, rare earth magnets may be much smaller than more conventional magnets.  Examples of devices that include rare earth magnet components include audio stereo speakers, PC hard disks, and cordless tools that have magnetized motors.  Also, Maglev locomotives and roller coasters use rare earth magnets in addition to other devices designed for recreational or research purposes.


The most costly type of rare earth magnets has a combined constitution of samarium and cobalt.  These magnets are most commonly used in devices that operate in high-temperature environments.  Their exceptional heat and oxidation resistance make them suitable for such purposes.  They are susceptible to damage from cracking and chipping, however, as they are extremely brittle. Magnets of the neodymium type have more strength and affordability than those of Samarium-cobalt construction.  Neodymium magnets are most commonly used for stereo speakers and PC hard drives.  Corrosion is often an issue due to high oxidation susceptibility.  This problem can be neutralized significantly, however, by merely applying an outer coating of zinc, epoxy resin, nickel, tin, or gold.

The cost of neodymium magnets have steadily decreased since the 1990s as a result of ever-increasing discoveries of new uses for these magnets.  A major offshoot of this phenomenon has been the development of children’s toys such as magnetic art or building kits.  Similar devices for adults have also emerged.

The incredible strength of rare earth magnets mandates the observance of highest caution during their use for any application.  A magnet that is more than 2-3 centimeters in diameter can easily break a finger bone should the digit become wedged between a rare earth magnet and a metallic surface.  One must also be extremely careful with rare earth magnets while in close proximity to credit cards or computer hard drives.  The data contained on such devices can be obliterated easily by such strong magnets.  CRT computer monitors may also sustain permanent damage if a rare earth magnet is placed in too close of a physical proximity.


Strong magnets have virtually unlimited uses in the educational and entertainment realms.  For an especially impressive display of their strength, place a strong magnet beneath a Ferro fluid pool.  A three-dimensional effect rapidly develops that changes form depending upon how strong and large the magnet is.


Rare earth magnets are easily obtainable for business or recreational uses.  You can find them readily available for purchase online in virtually any size or shape desired.  Due to safety concerns, rare earth magnets of larger dimensions are generally limited to use in industrial formats and are not offered for sale to private persons.