Rare earth magnets are made from a metallic solid solution, or alloys, making them a permanent and strong magnet. Rare earth magnets produce a magnetic field of 1.4 teslas or more. To put it in perspective, normal ceramic or ferrite magnets can only produce a magnetic field ranging between 0.5 to 1 tesla. The tesla is a unit of measurement which measures the density of a magnetic field. It was defined in 1960 and named after Nikola Tesla, a physicist, inventor and electrical engineer.
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Two Types of Rare Earth Magnet
The types of rare earth magnets are samarium-cobalt magnets and neodymium magnets. Samarium-cobalt magnets, as their name suggests, are made from an alloy containing samarium and cobalt. They are not as strong as the neodymium magnets and have a tendency to be brittle and crack or chip easily. It is highly recommended to wear protective eye wear when working with rare earth magnets for this reason. Samarium-cobalt magnets are also expensive and subject to price fluctuations due to the cobalt found in its alloy. Cobalt’s priced is based on the market. Neodymium magnets are the strongest of rare earth magnets and the most commonly used magnet. It is made from an alloy of boron, iron and neodymium. Neodymium, like samarium, is a chemical element and has to be refined for general use.
Where Can I Buy Rare Earth Magnets
If you are interested in purchasing rare earth magnets, they are available for general sale in a myriad of places. From specialty online stores to retail stores like Radio Shack, they can be found in many places. Rare earth magnets are also frequently available on Ebay. Despite its name, rare earth magnets are not rare or hard to find. When you are looking to buy rare earth magnets, one of the most important factors is the material used during the processing. If you choose a company that uses sub-standard materials the magnetic field can be greatly impacted. Look for rare earth magnets that use only high-quality materials.
Uses for Rare Earth Magnets
Rare earth magnets, especially neodymium magnets are found in just about every piece of electronics used today. Other common applications include self-powered flashlights, computer hard drives, headphones or audio speakers, computer hard drives, brakes on fishing reels and motors for some cordless tools.
Rare earth magnets are available in numerous shapes and sizes, so it is best to determine the specifics you will need for your job at hand before setting out to buy. Compare standards,quality of material used in manufacturing and pricing before purchasing rare earth magnets. Working with rare earth magnets can be hazardous, so be aware of the risks involved and have the proper safety equipment on hand before employing their use.
