The Role Of Rare Earth Magnets In Modern Technology

The Role Of Rare Earth Magnets In Modern Technology

The rate of technological advancement, in the U.S. and throughout the world, is at the highest point in our history. It would perhaps be short-sited to claim that any one specific thing is responsible for much of the technology we, as a society, have been able to create; however, it should at least be noted that magnets are an essential part in almost all modern electronics. Originally, the use of ferrite magnets was commonplace, but over the last few years, mainly in an effort to reduce cost and increase efficiency, electronics' manufacturers are increasingly using what are called rare earth magnets. This type of magnet can be split into two main groups: neodymium rare earth magnets and samarium cobalt magnets.

The use of rare earth metals in magnets was first conceived in the 1970s. They are made from alloys of the rare earth elements, and whilst they exhibit all of the standard properties expected from a standard magnet, they are much more powerful (hence why they are now favored by manufacturers; a more powerful magnet can be cut smaller, which results in a cost saving).

Their wide-ranging uses in the electronics' industry extends from their replacing the use of more traditional magnets in hard disk technology to being used in speakers and headphones, MRI machines and electric cars in face in any device where a manufacturer may need a more powerful magnet at lower cost.

Of the two types, neodymium rare earth magnets produce a stronger force than their samarium cobalt counterparts, which makes them the strongest variety of permanent magnet in the world. They are produced from an alloy of neodymium, iron and boron; this combination was discovered through a collaboration between American and Japanese companies in the early 80s.

Although not a great risk, because of their powerful nature, injury due to these magnets is entirely possible. When handling two or more small magnets, they can quickly snap together, and if allowed to snap onto skin, injury can occur. In addition to this, the alloy they are made of is fairly brittle and can shatter if placed under too much force. Aside from the (minor, but notable) risk of personal injury, the extremely powerful magnetic force they produce means that, excepting specific equipment where the use of the magnet is built in by way of design, they should not be allowed to come into contact with electronic devices. The data on a hard drive can be wiped or corrupted and devices such as CRT TVs can be permanently damaged by the magnetic force.

In short, the role of magnets, and more recently rare earth magnets, in our technological advancement is unquestionable. Despite being developed only in the last few decades, their power enables them to be used in an extremely wide range of applications, and this means that they spread throughout the world, suitably hidden inside electronic equipment.

POST COMMENT

Create Him Commit - Techniques That Can Work Wonders Oil Spill Cleanup And Containment Solutions Found At Stewart Technology Associates Techniques For Pest Control Increase Your Revenue And Keep A Clear Conscience How we all use Technology Daily The Technology Behind Night Vision Binoculars GE Fanuc and the Progression of Technology Technology has Changed from GE Fanuc In the end it is science that will exterminate the human race Free Targeted Traffic - Some Very Effective Techniques That You Can Use Fourth generation fuel cell core technology cracked Technology Companies Are Betting On Demand Options When Upgrading To Buy Stove - Stoves, Gas Stoves, The Modern Technology Grid