Neodymium magnets are widely used across industries because of their impressive strength. From manufacturing and automotive to aerospace and defense, these magnets are a go-to choice for reliability and performance.

Knowing how to measure neodymium magnet strength helps ensure you use the right magnet for the job. This guide will cover what neodymium magnets are, their grading system, and how to measure their strength.

What Are Neodymium Magnets?

Neodymium magnets are made from an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron. They're the strongest type of rare-earth magnets, commonly used in applications like electric motors, medical devices, and consumer audio equipment like headphones and speakers.

Neodymium magnets are permanent magnets. This means they retain their magnetism without needing an external power source or magnetic field to sustain it. 

Compared with electromagnets, which require electrical currents to maintain their magnetic field, neodymium magnets provide a stable, high-powered magnetic pull once magnetized. They are ideal for situations where a powerful, reliable magnetic field is needed. In fact, they outperform ceramic and other types of magnets in terms of strength and efficiency—neodymium magnets are the strongest commercially available magnets. 

Methods for Measuring Neodymium Magnet Strength

Two key measurements are used to determine neodymium magnet strength: pull force and flux density.

Pull Force

Pull force is the amount of force required to detach a magnet from a surface. It is typically measured in pounds and provides a practical measure of how much weight the magnet can hold. Assessing a magnet's pull force is particularly important when holding power is crucial, such as magnetic closures, magnetic separators, and lifting devices.

Flux Density

Flux density measures the strength of the magnetic field at a specific point, usually near the magnet's surface. This is typically recorded in Gauss or Tesla. The higher the flux density, the stronger the magnetic field. Gauss meters are used to measure surface field strength, providing a quick and reliable way to assess the magnet's capabilities.

Tools for Measuring Magnet Strength

• Gauss Meters: These tools measure the magnetic field at the surface, giving an accurate reading of the magnet's flux density. They're commonly used in industries where precise magnetic field measurements are critical, such as in medical devices or electronic components.
  
• Pull Test Equipment: This equipment measures how much force is required to separate a magnet from a surface. It's widely used to test magnets for industrial applications where holding strength is crucial, like automotive parts or heavy machinery.

Reliable magnet strength testing helps avoid potential issues and helps ensure that the chosen magnet will deliver the required results.

Understanding Neodymium Magnet Grades

Neodymium magnets are sorted into different grades according to their strength. The grade of a neodymium magnet is shown as a number that follows the letter "N." The number represents the magnet's Max Energy Product (MGOe). The higher the number, the greater the magnetic strength.

For example, N35 neodymium magnet strength refers to a magnet with a grade of N35. If N35 neodymium magnet strength isn’t strong enough for your purpose, you could look into getting higher-graded magnets, like N42 and N52, that provide even more magnetic pull. However, it's essential to remember that stronger magnets often don't handle heat well and lose strength in high temperatures.

That's why it's inadvisable to simply choose the strongest magnet available—instead, you should also carefully consider the specific requirements of your project, including the operating temperature, to ensure you select the most suitable magnet.

You can use a neodymium magnet strength chart to compare the strength of different magnets. This makes it easy to see which magnet will work best for your specific use.

The following is a basic neodymium magnet strength chart:

• *Max Energy Product refers to the magnet's energy density, which directly correlates to its strength.
• **Pull Force varies depending on the size and shape of the magnet.
• ***Max Operating Temperature shows the highest temperature at which the magnet can function without losing significant strength.

Factors That Impact Magnet Strength

Several factors can affect neodymium magnet strength, so it is essential to account for these when selecting a magnet:

• Temperature: High temperatures can reduce a magnet's strength. Magnets with lower temperature ratings may start to weaken under heat, so consider the environment where the magnet will be used.
• Surface Conditions: The surface to which a magnet adheres can impact its performance. Smooth, clean surfaces offer better adhesion, while dirty or uneven surfaces can reduce pull force.
• Age and Wear: Magnets can lose strength over time due to factors like oxidation or physical damage. This is particularly true for neodymium magnets, which are prone to corrosion if not correctly coated or stored.

Understanding how to assess neodymium magnets' strength will help you make informed decisions, whether you're using them for industrial machinery, audio equipment, art projects, or specialized tools.

Shop Online for High-Quality Neodymium Iron Boron Magnets

Applied Magnets Superstore offers an extensive selection of neodymium iron boron (Neo, NdFeB, or NIB) magnets that deliver superior performance at competitive prices. Our products come in various shapes, sizes, configurations, and grades.

Explore our range, and place your order today.