What are Neodymium Magnets Made of?
Overview of Neodymium Magnets
Neodymium magnet, also called NdFeB, was first discovered in 1982 by a certain Sagawa Masato. Sagawa Masato is a Japanese scientist and entrepreneur who discovered the neodymium magnet while working at Sumitomo Special Metals. Neodymium magnet typically contains Neodymium, boron, and Iron.
You may wonder, what exactly makes this magnet one of science’s ground-breaking achievements? Well, if the durability and reliability of the magnet are not enough to convince you, its strong magnetic field should.
Neodymium magnets are generally regarded as the strongest magnet on the market. They can survive any weather condition without experiencing rust or demagnetization, as far as the temperature is below their curie temperature.
A neodymium magnet’s max energy product (BHmax) is far greater than a samarium cobalt magnet. Their magnetic field is far greater than every other type of magnet.
Neodymium magnet has come a long way, and it is one of the most widely used rare earth magnets in the world right now. So many mechanical and electronic companies nowadays make use of this magnet. For example, electronic products such as mobile phones (mainly iPhones), earphones, speakers, microphones, hard drives, battery-powered tools, and many others now use NdFeB. Also, in mechanical products such as cars and other heavy machinery, neodymium magnet is what most of them make use of right now.
Types of NdFeB Magnet
NdFeB magnets are grouped into two types. They include Sintered and Bonded NdFeB magnets.
Bonded NdFeB magnets: Bonded NdFeB magnets are mostly famed for their ability to withstand corrosion. But not only that, this type of NdFeB magnet has a strong magnetic force. It is particularly evident in how the magnet is magnetic in every direction. However, the only defect with this magnet is its low energy properties.
Sintered NdFeB magnets: Sintered magnets, on the other hand, are prone to corrosion. They offer the highest magnetic properties (33 MGOe to 51 MGOe), and they are found in lots of devices and machinery. For example, they produce permanent magnet motors, computer disk drives, medical equipment, electrical machinery, speakers, microphones, magnetic separators, and space equipment. There are two types of sintered neodymium magnets based on the direction of their magnetization: axial magnetization and radial magnetization.
Effects of Rare Earth Magnets on the Economy
The effect of rare earth magnets on our economy can not be overlooked. The world as we know it has changed, and quite frankly, it’s still changing. The emergency of rare earth magnets has given rise to all sorts of gadgets and electric devices, which have become very important to our economy.
What are Neodymium Magnets Made of?
For people who don’t know much about Neodymium magnets or magnets, the question they often ask is: What exactly are neodymium magnets made of? What makes them the strongest magnets in the market right now?
Neodymium magnets are rare earth permanent magnets that comprise three basic elements. They include 1.1-1.2% Boron (B), 63.95-68.65% Iron (Fe), and lastly, 29%-32.5% Neodymium (Nd). Other elements in neodymium are copper, dysprosium, niobium, and aluminum.
Neodymium, the main element used in producing neodymium magnets, is often called “rare earth” because it is in the lanthanides section on the periodic table.
Neodymium (Nd)
Neodymium is another rare earth chemical element that is used in the production of neodymium magnets. This element is grouped under the periodic table’s lanthanide series and is denoted with the symbol (Nd). Neodymium is a hard and slightly malleable matter. Among the four elements in the lanthanide series, neodymium is regarded as having one of the most complex spectra. Neodymium was discovered by the same chemist that discovered Praseodymium: Carl Auer Von Welsbach. The melting point of Neodymium (Nd) is pegged at 1,024 °C, while the boiling point is around 3,074 °C.
Iron(Fe)
Iron is another essential element that makes up the neodymium magnet. It is estimated that over 65% of a regular neodymium magnet is made up of iron (Fe). The importance of iron in neodymium magnets can never be overstated. The chemical composition of iron and boron in the NdFeB magnet makes the magnet stronger and more durable than any other magnet.
Boron (B)
Denoted as (B) on the periodic table, boron is an essential element in producing a Neodymium magnet. It is dark in color when it’s in its crystalline form. The history of boron is mainly a fascinating one. We can trace the origin of the Boron compound, which can also be called Borax (Sodium tetraborate, Na2B4O7∙10H2O), to ancient Egypt. Back then, the locals used boron as a metallurgical flux to preserve the dead (mummification), and they also used it in medicine and the production of household detergents.
Gadolinium Iron (Gd-Fe)
As the name implies, this alloy comprises both iron and gadolinium matters. It has a Block appearance, and they are used in most permanent magnets. In neodymium magnets, Gadolinium Iron (Gd-Fe) is used as an additive, Magnetostriction (the ability of the permanent magnet to change shape when subjected to magnetization), etc.
Aluminum (Al)
Although only needed in small quantities, aluminum is another element in producing a Neodymium magnet. The importance of aluminum (AI) is to enhance the magnet’s strength and prevent it from rusting over time.
The discovery of aluminum was announced in 1825 by Danish physicist Hans Christian Ørsted. French chemist Henri Étienne Sainte-Claire Deville initiated the first industrial aluminum production in 1856. It became much more available to the public with the Hall–Héroult process developed independently by French engineer Paul Héroult and American engineer Charles Martin Hall in 1886, and the mass production of aluminum led to its extensive use in industry and everyday life.
Zirconium(Zr)
Possessing identical chemical and physical properties to titanium, Zirconium is one of the strongest metals found on the earth. It is a very strong, malleable, ductile, lustrous silver-gray metal and extremely resistant to heat and corrosion. Zirconium powder is black and a dangerous fire hazard as it can spontaneously ignite in the air, especially at high temperatures.
One of Zirconium’s primary functions in producing neodymium magnets is to increase the magnets’ resistance to very high temperatures. Another is to protect it from corrosion. Unlike neodymium, which rusts very quickly when exposed to the atmosphere, Zirconium has higher corrosion resistance levels.
Copper(Cu)
The role of copper is simple and pretty straightforward. Copper is among the materials used in coating neodymium magnets to protect them from corrosion and give them a fine finish. The layers are usually nickel, copper, and nickel.
Other Elements
Some compositions may contain dysprosium and niobium instead of gadolinium iron and Zirconium.
Dysprosium
Dysprosium is another rare earth metal found in mines in China, and they are used to enhance the high-temperature performance of Neodymium magnets. The role of dysprosium is to make the neodymium magnet withstand a considerable amount of high temperature. However, dysprosium is very rare, and consequently, they are costly.
Niobium
Niobium, represented with Nb on the periodic table, is another rare earth metal that is sometimes added to neodymium magnets to enhance the magnet’s strength, particularly at low temperatures.
Niobium was first used commercially in the early 20th century. It is an essential addition to high-strength low-alloy steels. Brazil is the leading producer of niobium and ferroniobium–an alloy of 60–70% niobium with iron. Niobium is used mostly in alloys, the largest part in special steel such as gas pipelines. Although niobium is used in small quantities, it strengthens the end product.
Why is ROBO Magnetic a Leading Manufacturer of Neodymium Magnets?
If you are interested in Neodymium magnets or want to know more about the magnet, Robo Magnetic is the right place.
Robo magnet remains one of the leading manufacturers of Neodymium magnets in the world right now. At Robo Magnetic, we specialize primarily in manufacturing and distributing neodymium magnets. We also provide engineering solutions for Magnetic materials and every machine that uses a magnet.
We didn’t just earn the “Leading Manufacturer” tag because of our fancy name, but rather because of the type of services we provide.
Therefore, below are some of the reasons why we are the leading manufacturer of neodymium magnets:
Cutting-edge Technology
Our Neodymium magnets are produced with some of the best technology you will ever find. Through the use of these technologies, the rate at which we make neodymium magnets has doubled. This means that if you want them in large quantities, we will always meet up with the deadline. Also, although our REM (Rare Earth Matter) usage has decreased, the quality of our products remains the pick of the bunch.
Quality Control
To ensure that our products are up to standard, we usually test every one of the magnets before shipping them out. The last thing we want is a dissatisfied customer. Hence we have taken it upon ourselves to do extreme vetting on every single one of our products before we bring them to the market.
Invincible Delivery Time
We are constantly working around the clock to meet up with all your magnetic needs. The kind of delivery service we render at Robo Magnetic is second to none. Anywhere, any day and anytime. We will get your supplies delivered to you.
Excellent Service
Even if you don’t know much about Neodymium magnets, you can still contact us for all your supplies. We offer quality before and after sale customer service, something you will not get anywhere else. We are always ready to answer all your questions regarding neodymium magnets and magnets.
