Magnetic Jewelry Clasp

Rare earth magnets are amazingly strong, despite their small size. Compared to a refrigerator magnet, it can have 5-15 times the level of magnetic energy. It is often used in electronic equipment and industrial fields. The most common types are Samarium Cobalt and Neodymium-Iron-Boron.

The Strongest Magnet

Neodymium-Iron-Boron is currently the strongest of all the rare earths. However, this metal is sensitive to temperature variation and will lose some of its magnetization when exposed to high heat. If the temperature is over 150 Celsius, Samarium Cobalt becomes stronger.

Factors that Affect Strength

The magnetization of a metal is greatly affected by its environment. All magnets are affected by heat, although some have a greater affect than others. Radiation also plays a big role in the magnetic force of a metal. When there is a strong electric current near a magnet, it can cause its strength to either decrease or increase, depending on the type of metal.

Having another magnet nearby may negatively affect its pull properties. Neodymium Iron Boron and other Neo metals will corrode easily if the environment is humid, so manufacturers often add plastic or rubber coating. Vibration and shock generally has no effect on magnets, but if the force is great enough, it can physically damage the metal.

Pull Strength

Magnetic strength will gradually grow weaker as distance increases. If you hold a metal object one millimeter away from a magnet, the force will be much greater than if you were holding it several feet away. All rare earth magnets have their own force-to-distance ratio.

Demagnetization

Materials can be demagnetized and re-magnetized at will. If the metal has not been damaged by excessive heat, it is fairly easy to bring back to its original strength. If a company wants to store a large magnet, they can demagnetize it and then re-magnetize it when they use it again.

Strength Measurement

The strength of a magnet is measured by Pull-Testers, Magnetometers, and Gaussmeters. Both Magnetometers and Gaussmeters use arbitrary units or Gauss for measurement. Pull-Testers use kilograms, pounds, and other units that are easy to understand. A special Gaussmeter can cost several thousand dollars, while the basic version will cost from $400-$1500.

North and South

By standard industry definition, the North Pole of a magnet is the side that seeks the North Pole of the Earth when it is free to rotate. Similarly, the South Pole side of the earth is sought by a South Pole magnet side. Many ancient navigational devices have used magnets to tell direction.

Dangers

Rare earth magnets are very strong, so they should be handled carefully. Do not allow large magnets to snap against steel or it will cause them to crack. Keep them far away from computer monitors, credit cards, hard drives, and other data-transferring electronic equipment.

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