subject: Earth Magnets Used In Manufacturing [print this page] Rare earth magnets are permanent magnets that are made from rare earth elements and alloys. Because they are made of these special types of alloys, they are the strongest type of permanent magnet made today and are far more powerful than common ferrite and alnico magnets. While these magnets are titled as rare earth applications, the term rare can be rather misleading, as the alloys used in the production process are as abundant as lead and are considered rare or precious. These magnets can be used in a variety of different industries because of their unusual strength. Typically found in computer speakers, hard drives, computers and other electronic appliances, earth magnets have become an important application in many manufacturing processes.
There are two types of magnets in the rare earth family. Samarium-cobalt magnets were the first type of earth magnets and were invented in the early 1960's. While they were the first type of magnet to use rare earth alloys, these archaic rare earth magnets are not commonly used because they cost much more to produce and have a weaker magnetic field strength. The Samarium-cobalt magnet is still used in the manufacturing of applications operating at high temperatures where a high amount of strength is needed. Because these magnets are oxidation resistant, they can become quite useful in manufacturing electronics.
Neodymium rare earth magnets were invented in the 1980s and are far more affordable and stronger than Samarium-cobalt units are. Consisting of neodymium, iron and boron alloys, these earth magnets are most commonly found in computer hardware, audio speakers and small home appliances. Because they have a higher magnetic field strength than Samarium-cobalt, they can also be used to build toys in a safe manner. While neodymium magnets offer several benefits to the industrial world, they are not useful in the production of electronics that run high temperatures, as they are not resistant to oxidation like the Samarium-cobalt type.
With ever advancing technologies, the need for rare earth magnets continues to grow as electronics applications become more advanced. While these magnets are used in the production of computer parts and equipment, audio speakers, headphones, and other electrical devices, they can also be found in a variety of different sporting goods products. Quality sporting goods products such as bicycles, fishing reels, and bearings are now implementing these magnets in their production process as well.
Earth magnets can be purchased from a variety of different sources online. It is important to choose a distributor offering magnets with quality alloys that are known for their strength and benefits. Review the costs of buying these magnets in bulk for the production of your products, and increase the efficiency of your manufacturing process with rare earth magnets.
