Rare earth magnets

Description

A general name for highly magnetic films made from rare earth elements. The strength of rare earth magnets exceeds those of ferrite magnets by approximately 10-fold. Additionally, they are lightweight, as thin as 0.06 inches, and are resistant to corrosion and demagnetization. Rare earth magnets are divided into two categories, that is, the SmCo-type (samarium-cobalt) rare earth magnets and the NdFeB-type (neodymium-iron-boron) magnets (also called Nd magnets). More than 98% of the rare earth magnets are the Nd magnets

Risks

• Rare earth magnets are extremely strong. Handle with caution as they can fly together and pinch fingers and art (AIC Wiki).
• Rare earth magnets are brittle and subject to corrosion so they are usually plated or coated.

Resources and Citations

• Gwen Spicer, 'Magnetic Mounting Systems for Museums and Cultural Institutions, Spicer Art Books, Delaware, USA (2019) Link

• T. Minowa, 'Rare earth magnets: Conservation of energy and the environment', Resource Geology, Nov. 2008 at Wiley Online

• Wikipedia: Website (Accessed 11/2020)

• Product Information: available from McMaster Carr in U.S.

• DISTLIST 18:27 Dec. 16 2004 from Neill McManus