Applications For Earth Magnets

Earth magnets can be found throughout the world, and can be used in thousands of ways. The magnetic characteristics are high, while their electrical resistance and corrosion resistance is lower. Some of these earth magnets are used in their pure form, while others are combined with additional materials. Below are just a few of the more popular kinds.


Ceramic

Also known as Ferrite, this magnet is a mixture of iron oxide with strontium carbonate. Both compounds are found in abundance, and this makes them cost less than other magnets. The ceramic magnet is made by pressing and sintering the metal. The material is brittle, so a diamond wheel is often used to grind it. The anisotropic method is best used with ceramic to provide the highest magnetic energy properties.


Alnico


This is a combination of aluminum, cobalt, nickel, and other assorted elements. These are temperature stable, and resistant to shock demagnetization. The alnico magnet can be produced from casting or sintering. Casting allows for more design choices, but sintering helps preserve the characteristics of the metal. This magnet is used at times to replace ceramic magnets, as it is stronger.





Samarium Cobalt


Resistant to oxidization, this element has more strength of temperature, and higher magnetic properties than alnico or ceramic. First discovered during the 70's, samarium cobalt was soon used in multiple applications. Able to withstand temperatures of over three hundred degrees Celsius, this is one of the most rare of earth magnets. This magnet can not be formed by sintering, as it will become too brittle, and likely chip or break.


Neodymium Iron Boron 

This magnet shares some characteristics with samarium cobalt, but is more easily oxidized and less resistant to temperature. Magnets made of neodymium iron boron cost more to make, and therefore are used in less applications. Since it is highly corrosive, it must be combined with additional materials.


Injection Molded


Made out of magnetic powders combined with a resin composite, these earth magnets are formed in a molding process. The energy varies depending on the materials used during fabrication. This is one of the best magnets for forming shapes that cannot be achieved with hard metal. However, since they are made from powder, there are limits to how strong they are, and how much load they can support.


Flexible

Similar to injection molded, earth magnets of the flexible variety are just that, flexible. They are most often designed in strips, or flat sheets. The strength of this magnet depends on which magnetic compounds are used to make it. The powder it is made from is combined with an adhesive. This is necessary to hold the magnet together. The most common form of binder for flexible magnet production is vinyl.