Care and maintenance of various magnets

Magnets are like people. Some people don’t like hot, others don’t like cold. Some are very strong, some are easy to go wrong. Some people are more dangerous than others.
This may seem like a lot to remember, but handling and storing magnets properly is the best way to ensure optimal and lasting magnetization. Here are some best practices to help you maximize your magnet performance.

Permanent magnet

When dealing with permanent magnets, always consider safety first. This means wearing gloves and safety glasses and being careful not to squeeze your hands and skin, which can happen without proper care. Don’t put them in your pocket.
Careful handling is necessary to prevent chips and cracks, which start when you take them out of the box. For this reason, it is best to leave the installation and removal of any magnetized components to trained personnel.
For storage, the original packaging should be your first choice. Try not to store loosely or mix different types of magnets. If you store different magnets, keep them at a safe distance (so the opposite poles are not attracted) and out of their magnetic field.
In addition, it is recommended that you keep the permanent magnet away from:

• Explosive gas
• high temperature
• Hydrogen or salt water environment
• Loose black metal material
• Magnetic storage data
• pacemaker
• Radiation

These tips are applicable to all permanent magnets, but different types of permanent magnets and non permanent magnets have different requirements.

Al Ni Co alloy (alnico)

Temperature is not a problem for AlNiCo magnets, but it is recommended to store them in a low humidity environment. Wrap small magnets with foam or cardboard to separate large magnets individually. Magnets stored on metal shelves can move or jump, especially when there is insufficient space between shelves.
The biggest problem of AlNiCo magnets is their demagnetization sensitivity. Use protectors to prevent this and keep them away from magnetic sensitive devices or magnets made of different alloys.

Ceramic

Alnico’s magnet storage guidelines also apply to ceramic magnets – as long as they are kept away from extreme low temperatures.

Flexible (flexible)

Store and use in a clean, dry and moderate temperature environment. Lay the flexible magnets flat to avoid curling and make sure their magnetic sides do not face each other. If you like to store in a roll, put the non-magnetic side of the roll outward. And keep them off the ground, because they attract fine iron particles, which affects performance.
Rare earth: corrosion and magnetic flux leakage are more related to rare earth magnets. Place the magnet in low humidity and far away from extreme high temperature environment, and wrap the smaller magnet with VCI for preservation. Keep them away from magnetic sensitive devices or magnets made of different alloys, such as alnico and ceramic magnets. If you use metal shelves for storage, make sure there is enough distance between shelves to prevent magnets from moving or jumping.

Samarium cobalt (SmCo)

These SmCo magnets are quite brittle. If you drop them on the ground, they’re usually OK – just don’t drop them off the roof of a ten story building. Try to keep them away from salt water and acid. In addition, to store them responsibly, SmCo magnets should last for decades.

Neodymium magnet

Like samarium cobalt magnets, neodymium is another rather fragile permanent magnet. They are more susceptible to extreme temperatures, more than 320 ° C or below – 196 ° C (77 Kelvin) will lose all magnetism. Keep them away from extreme heat, salt water and acid, and try to avoid fresh water immersion.

Source: China Permanent Magnet Manufacturer www.rizinia.com