Magrion Magnet – Your Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. What is a Magnet?
2. The History of Magnets
3. Raw Magnets
4. Neodymium Magnet
5. Ferrite Magnet
6. AlNiCo Magnet
7. Samarium-Cobalt Magnet (SmCo)
8. Disc Magnet
9. Block Magnet
10. Ring Magnet
11. Magnetic Systems
12. Magnetic Foil
13. Magnetic Force
14. Magnetization Direction
15. Magnetization Type
16. Temperature Resistance

1. What is a Magnet?

A magnet attracts or repels certain materials like iron, nickel, or cobalt. This phenomenon is called magnetism. Magnets generate a magnetic field and exist as raw magnets, permanent magnets (e.g., Neodymium, Ferrite, Samarium-Cobalt), or electromagnets. They are indispensable in industry, technology, electronics, and everyday life.

2. The History of Magnets

Magnets have accompanied humanity for over 2,500 years. Their history begins with raw magnets, the natural magnetic stones, which were already known in antiquity. The Greek natural philosopher Thales of Miletus first described the ability of these stones to attract iron. Soon, magnets were also attributed healing powers: the physician Hippocrates of Kos used magnets to treat illnesses. Although this ancient healing effect could not be scientifically confirmed, these early applications show how important magnets were even then. Today, magnets are used in medical technology, for example in MRI machines.

In China, scholars recognized the practical use of magnets early on. They made the first compasses from magnetite, originally used for Feng Shui and prophecies. Only later did these early compasses serve for navigation, a crucial step for human exploration of the world.

With the systematic study of magnetism in the 16th century, William Gilbert laid the foundation for modern understanding. He recognized that the Earth itself acts like a giant magnet. A little later, the connection between electricity and magnetism became apparent: electromagnets could lift heavy iron objects – a development that revolutionized industry. Theoretical foundations were provided by James Clerk Maxwell with his Maxwell's equations, which mathematically describe electrical and magnetic fields and remain the basis of electrical engineering today.

The 20th century saw the dawn of high-performance magnets. First came AlNiCo magnets and ferrite magnets, which are robust, temperature-resistant, and versatile. Later, rare earth magnets followed, including the particularly strong neodymium magnets (NdFeB) and samarium-cobalt magnets (SmCo). Thanks to their extreme holding force, compact designs, and precisely adjustable magnetization directions, they revolutionized applications in electric motors, sensors, loudspeakers, and many industrial projects.

Today, magnets come in various shapes and systems: disc magnets, block magnets, ring magnets, magnetic foils and complete magnetic systems for individual applications. Depending on the application, magnetization types and the direction of the magnetic fields are precisely determined. The temperature resistance is also a crucial factor for long-term function and safety.

From the first raw magnets, ancient compasses, healing magnets, and electromagnets to modern high-performance magnets, the history of magnets shows how a natural phenomenon became a key component of today's technology. Our Magnet Lexicon offers practical knowledge on all types of magnets – from neodymium magnets to samarium-cobalt magnets, ferrite magnets and AlNiCo magnets, as well as magnetic systems and magnetic foils. This way, you will find exactly the magnet that is optimal for your application.

 

3. Raw Magnets

Definition of Raw Magnets:

Raw magnets are unencased, pure magnets without additional housing or magnetic shielding. They consist exclusively of the magnetic material itself.

Details & Applications of Raw Magnets:

• Direct, unfiltered magnetic effect
• Flexible for use in custom designs and special solutions
• Require precise design with regard to holding force, preferred direction and temperature resistance
• Often used in prototyping, DIY projects, sensor technology or special technical applications

Examples of Raw Magnets:

• Disc or block-neodymium magnets for holding and fixing tasks
• Ring magnets for rotating or guided applications
• Ferrite raw magnets for cost-sensitive applications

Magrion Practical Relevance:

Magrion offers a wide range of raw magnets in various materials, shapes and strengths – ideal for individual solutions and customized applications.

Tips for Raw Magnets:

When handling raw magnets, pay particular attention to safe handling and correct dimensioning, as there are no protective components.

4. Neodymium Magnet

Definition of Neodymium Magnets:

A neodymium magnet is an extremely strong permanent magnet made from an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron (NdFeB). Due to its high magnetic performance, it is indispensable in numerous industrial and private applications.

Details & Applications of Neodymium Magnets:

• Very high magnetic force in a compact design
• Applications: electric motors, sensors, loudspeakers, fastenings
• Advantage: small size → flexible designs
• Disadvantage: sensitive to corrosion, usually coated (nickel, copper, epoxy)
• Temperature resistant: up to approx. 80°C (standard), high-temperature types available

Magrion Practical Relevance:

At Magrion, you will find neodymium magnets in various shapes: disc magnets, ring magnets and block magnets. Perfect for industrial projects, crafts or DIY. Our products stand for highest quality, precise manufacturing and long-lasting performance.

Tips for Neodymium Magnets:

For your projects, choose a magnet that provides exactly the required force – not too strong, not too weak. Our neodymium magnets enable the perfect interplay of performance and safety.

5. Ferrite Magnet

Definition of Ferrite Magnets:

Ferrite magnets are made of iron oxide and barium or strontium carbonate. They are more affordable, corrosion-resistant, and easily mass-produced.

Details & Applications of Ferrite Magnets:

• Lower magnetic force than neodymium magnets
• Advantage: heat-resistant and durable
• Applications: loudspeakers, household magnets, small fastenings, refrigerator magnets
• Environmentally friendly: no rare earths needed

Magrion Practical Relevance:

Our ferrite magnets are perfect for industrial applications, but also for household use. They offer a cost-effective solution without compromising reliability.

Tips for Ferrite Magnets:

Ideal if you need large quantities or easy-to-fasten magnets. Our ferrite magnets are standardized and ready for immediate use.

6. AlNiCo Magnet

Definition of AlNiCo Magnets:

AlNiCo magnets consist of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt. They have very stable magnetization and are extremely temperature resistant.

Details & Applications of AlNiCo Magnets:

• Advantage: stable, high temperature resistance up to 550°C
• Disadvantage: less strong than neodymium magnets
• Applications: measuring instruments, sensors, motors, scientific instruments
• Shapes: block, disc, ring

Magrion Practical Relevance:

Magrion offers AlNiCo magnets in various sizes and shapes. Particularly suitable for industry, research and mechanical engineering, where stability and precision are crucial.

Tips for AlNiCo Magnets:

Ideal when reliability in heat or strong temperature fluctuations is required. Our AlNiCo magnets deliver consistent performance for years.

7. Samarium-Cobalt Magnet (SmCo)

Definition of Samarium-Cobalt Magnets:

A samarium-cobalt magnet is a powerful permanent magnet made from an alloy of samarium and cobalt. It is characterized by high magnetic force, exceptional temperature resistance, and excellent stability under extreme operating conditions.

Details & Applications of Samarium-Cobalt Magnets:

• High magnetic force with very good thermal stability
• Applications: electric motors, sensors, generators, aerospace, medical technology
• Advantage: excellent temperature and corrosion resistance, minimal power loss
• Disadvantage: brittle structure, higher cost compared to neodymium magnets
• Temperature resistant: up to approx. 250–300 °C (depending on the alloy), very high Curie temperature

Magrion practical relevance:

At Magrion, you receive samarium cobalt magnets for demanding applications where high temperatures, strong temperature fluctuations, or aggressive environments occur. Our SmCo magnets stand for reliability, consistent magnetic performance, and long service life – even under extreme conditions.

Tips on Samarium Cobalt Magnets:

Use samarium cobalt magnets where neodymium magnets reach their thermal limits. The correct material choice ensures maximum operational safety and stable magnetic force over the entire service life.

8. Disc Magnet

Definition of Disc Magnets:

A disc magnet is flat and round, universally applicable for fastenings, sensors, or industrial applications.

Details & Applications of Disc Magnets:

• Advantage: easy to mount, versatile
• Material: Neodymium, Ferrite, AlNiCo
• Application: DIY projects, industrial machinery, household fastenings

Magrion practical relevance:

Our disc magnets are precisely manufactured, strong, and durable – ideal for industry, crafts, and DIY enthusiasts.

Tips on Disc Magnets:

Perfect combination of strength, size, and versatility. At Magrion, you will find the right disc magnet for every application.

9. Block Magnet

Definition:
A block magnet is rectangular and particularly versatile for industrial and craft applications.

Details & Applications for Block Magnets:

• Advantage: easily stackable, combinable, large contact surface
• Application: mechanical engineering, fastening, DIY solutions
• Material: Neodymium, Ferrite, AlNiCo

Magrion practical relevance:

Magrion's block magnets offer precise manufacturing, strong holding force and durable quality.

Tips on Block Magnets:

Optimal when large magnetic surface or stable fixation is needed.

10. Ring Magnet

Definition of Ring Magnets:

Ring-shaped magnet, often used for motors, sensors, or fastenings.

Details & Applications of Ring Magnets:

• Advantage: uniform force distribution
• Material: Neodymium, Ferrite, AlNiCo
• Application: electric motors, sensors, industrial assemblies

Magrion practical relevance:

Our ring magnets are precisely manufactured and ideal for industrial applications, DIY, and technical projects.

Tips on Ring Magnets:

Perfect for round assemblies where uniform magnetic force is required.

11. Magnetic Systems

Definition of Magnetic Systems:

Magnetic systems consist of one or more magnets integrated into a housing or a special construction. The aim is to specifically bundle or protect the magnetic force.

Details & Applications of Magnetic Systems:

• Increased holding force through targeted field guidance (e.g., by steel housing)
• Mechanical protection of the magnet from damage
• Reduced stray fields and controlled magnetic effect
• Use in industry, assembly, automation, and crafts

Examples of Magnetic Systems:

• Pot magnets with steel housing for high holding forces
• Magnetic systems with threads for easy mounting
• Rubber-coated magnetic systems for protecting sensitive surfaces

Magrion practical relevance:

Magrion develops and supplies magnetic systems for professional applications – ready for installation, durable, and precisely tailored to the respective purpose.

Tips on Magnetic Systems:

Magnetic systems are particularly suitable when high holding forces, simple assembly, or additional protection is required. They are often the safer and more efficient choice compared to raw magnets.

12. Magnetic Sheeting

Definition of Magnetic Sheeting:

Flexible magnetic materials that can be cut and printed.

Details & Applications of Magnetic Sheeting:

• Advantage: flexible, printable
• Application: advertising, DIY, labels, creative projects

Magrion practical relevance:

Our magnetic sheets are strong, durable, and versatile – ideal for creative projects or commercial applications.

Tips on Magnetic Sheeting:

Perfect for advertising, labeling, or creative DIY projects.

13. Magnetic Holding Force

Definition of Magnetic Holding Force:

The magnetic holding force describes the force with which a magnet adheres to a ferromagnetic surface (e.g., steel). It is usually given in Newtons (N) or kilograms (kg) and refers to the maximum tensile force perpendicular to the adhesive surface.

Details on Magnetic Holding Force:

• Determines how much weight a magnet can safely hold
• Depends on magnet material, design, and size
• Strongly influenced by the nature of the adhesive surface (material, thickness, flatness)
• Even small air gaps or coatings significantly reduce the holding force

Magrion practical relevance:

We offer magnets in exactly the strength needed – whether for DIY, crafts, or industry.

Tips on Magnetic Holding Force:

Always plan for a safety reserve. The stated holding force applies under ideal conditions and should not be fully utilized in practice.

14. Magnetization Direction

Definition of Magnetization Direction:

The magnetization direction describes the direction in which a magnet is magnetized and unfolds its strongest magnetic effect. It determines where the north and south poles are located.

Details on Magnetization Directions:

• Influences the adhesive effect and the alignment behavior of the magnet
• Crucial for the function in holding, guiding, or drive applications
• Common variants include axial, diametral, and radial magnetization

Magrion practical relevance:

Magrion supplies magnets in the appropriate preferred direction – tailored to your application, whether simple holding function or complex technical solution.

Tips on Magnetization Directions:

When selecting, pay attention not only to the magnet strength but also to the correct preferred direction – it determines the actual function of the magnet.

15. Magnetization Type

Definition of Magnetization Type:

The magnetization type describes the manner in which a magnet has been magnetized. It determines the arrangement of the magnetic poles and the course of the magnetic field within and around the magnet.

Details on Magnetization Types:

• Defines how many poles a magnet has and how they are distributed
• Influences force distribution, range, and targeted field effect
• Crucial for efficiency and function in technical applications

Common magnetization types are:

• Unipolar (two-pole) magnetization
• Multipole magnetization
• Segmented magnetization

Magrion practical relevance:

Magrion offers magnets with precisely defined magnetization types – individually adapted to your application, from simple standard magnets to demanding special solutions.

Tips on Magnetization Types:

The right magnetization type is just as important as material and magnetic strength. It determines whether the magnet optimally fulfills its task.

16. Temperature Resistance

Definition of Temperature Resistance:

The temperature resistance indicates the maximum temperature at which a magnet can be used without permanently losing magnetic force. A key limit value here is the Curie temperature.

The Curie temperature is the temperature at which a magnet completely loses its ferromagnetic behavior and is permanently demagnetized. Above this point, magnetization is no longer possible.

Details & Applications of Temperature Resistance:

• The permissible operating temperature is significantly below the Curie temperature
• Even before reaching the Curie temperature, partial or irreversible demagnetization can occur
• Temperature resistance depends on:
  • Magnet material
  • Magnet quality (e.g., N, H, SH qualities for Neodymium)
• Particularly relevant for applications in:
  • Machinery and motors
  • Electronics
  • Automotive technology
  • Outdoor and industrial environments
    

Magnets in practice:

• Neodymium Magnets: suitable for room temperature and moderate heat, e.g., in furniture, mounts, or electronic housings
• Ferrite Magnets: ideal for higher temperatures, e.g., in loudspeakers or simple motors
• Samarium Cobalt Magnets: suitable for demanding environments, e.g., in aerospace or mechanical engineering
• AlNiCo Magnets: usable at very high temperatures, e.g., in measurement and sensor technology

Magrion practical relevance:

Magrion offers magnets for different temperature ranges – from standard applications to heat-resistant special magnets for demanding operating conditions.

Tips on Temperature Resistance:

Consider both continuous and peak temperatures. The correct material choice ensures long-term function, safety, and reliability.