Neodymium magnets and ferrite magnets are both common magnets with their own advantages and disadvantages. Neodymium magnets are the strongest magnets in the world, with high magnetic energy density, high strength and corrosion resistance. Ferrite magnets have advantages such as high heat resistance, high corrosion resistance, and low cost.
This article by XHMAG takes you through the differences between neodymium magnets and ferrite magnets.
What is a neodymium magnet?
Neodymium magnet is a strong magnetic material composed of neodymium, iron and boron. It is currently the strongest magnet in the world, with high magnetic energy density, high strength and corrosion resistance. Neodymium magnets are used in a wide variety of industries including electronics, machinery, automotive, aerospace, medical, and consumer products, among others.
The magnetic energy density of neodymium magnets is the highest among all permanent magnetic materials, about 100 tesla per cubic centimeter. This means that neodymium magnets can generate stronger magnetic fields than other permanent magnet materials in the same volume. The strength of neodymium magnets is also very high, about 1000 megapascals per cubic centimeter. This means that neodymium magnets can withstand a lot of tension and compression. Neodymium magnets also have good corrosion resistance and can resist corrosion by air, water and chemicals.
What is a ferrite magnet?
A ferrite magnet is a permanent magnet made of ferrite ceramics. Ferrite is an amorphous oxide composed of iron, oxygen and other elements. Ferrite magnets have the advantages of high magnetic energy density, high heat resistance, high corrosion resistance, and low cost, so they are widely used in various fields, including motors, speakers, sensors, electronic products, appliances, etc.
The magnetic energy density of ferrite magnets is the lowest of all permanent magnetic materials, about 0.3 tesla per cubic centimeter. This means that ferrite magnets can generate a weaker magnetic field than other permanent magnet materials in the same volume. However, ferrite magnets are very heat and corrosion resistant and can withstand high temperatures and humid environments. In addition, the cost of ferrite magnets is relatively low, so they are widely used in various fields that require heat resistance, corrosion resistance and low cost.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of neodymium magnets and ferrite magnets?
Neodymium magnets and ferrite magnets are both permanent magnets with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Neodymium magnet
• advantage:
◦ High magnetic energy density, is currently the strongest magnet.
◦ High strength, can withstand great tension and compression.
◦ Good corrosion resistance, can resist the corrosion of air, water and chemicals.
◦ Extremely strong anti-external magnetic field demagnetization ability
• shortcoming:
◦ The price is high.
◦ It is a rare earth element with limited reserves and large price fluctuations.
◦ Fragile and easily damaged.
◦ Rust easily and require extra steps to avoid corrosion
Ferrite magnet
• advantage:
◦ low price.
◦ easy to magnetize
◦ High heat resistance, can withstand high temperature and humid environment.
◦ Good corrosion resistance, can resist the corrosion of air, water and chemicals.
◦ Easy to process, can be made into various shapes and sizes.
• shortcoming:
◦ Low magnetic energy density.
◦ It has low strength and cannot bear great tensile and compressive forces.
◦ The direction of magnetization is easily changed.
What is the difference between a neodymium magnet and a ferrite magnet?
|
Feature |
Neodymium Magnet |
Ferrite Magnet |
|---|---|---|
|
Magnetic strength |
Very strong |
Weaker |
|
Durability |
Brittle and easily broken |
More durable |
|
Customization |
Can be made into a variety of shapes and sizes |
More limited in customization |
|
Resistance to temperature and demagnetization |
Not as resistant to heat and demagnetization as ferrite magnets |
More resistant to heat and demagnetization |
|
Applications in different industries |
Used in a wide variety of industries, including electronics, automotive, aerospace, and medical |
Used in a variety of industries, including motors, speakers, and sensors |
Applications: Advantages of each type of magnet:
In terms of applications, neodymium magnets and ferrite magnets each have their own advantages. Depending on your needs, one may serve your purpose better than the other.
If you need a magnet with strong suction power, neodymium is your best choice.
They are ideal for applications requiring the most powerful magnets, such as:
Magnetic tool holder
magnetic name tag
Magnetic building blocks set
Ferrite magnets have a weaker magnetic field, making them better suited for lightweight applications that require less holding force, such as:
refrigerator magnet
magnetic clip
Magnetic therapy products
Environmental issues:
While both neodymium disk magnets and ferrite magnets have their own advantages and uses, it is important to consider the environmental impact of using these magnets. Neodymium disk magnets contain rare earth elements, which are often extracted using harmful chemicals and practices. This can lead to soil and water contamination and even harm human health.
Ferrite magnets, on the other hand, are less harmful to the environment as they do not contain any toxic substances.
Which magnet is the strongest?
Neodymium magnets are the most powerful option sold to the public. Stronger than ferrite magnets, but more expensive. Depending on their strength, their levels range from N28 to N55.
What do the N28, N30, N35, N38, N40, N42, N48, N50, N52, N55 labels on neodymium magnets mean?
On neodymium magnets, the letter N followed by a number (usually from 28 to 55) represents the magnet's grade (magnetic strength), which relates to the magnetic flux output per unit volume. The higher the value, the stronger the magnet. For reference, the small N45 3 x 2mm neodymium disc has an adhesion of 0.18kg, while the N48 has an adhesion of 0.25kg (39% more!!!).
Which magnets are more resistant to high temperatures?
Ferrite magnets are the preferred solution for heat resistance. They can withstand temperatures up to 180°C without magnetic strength or durability issues.
Neodymium magnets perform well at room temperature, but their performance suffers when temperatures rise. Above a threshold of 100 °C, their force decreases sharply until reaching a complete stop at the 320 °C limit. Special alloys can be used to dampen this fall (although they are very expensive and designed for special applications). Neodymium magnets exposed to temperatures above 80°C will cause a permanent loss of performance, this will also occur to a lesser extent with standard ferrite magnets, but only when the temperature exceeds 180°C occur. Special alnico and samarium magnets can withstand higher temperatures, 525°C and 650°C respectively.
Which magnets are more resistant to corrosion?
Ferrite magnets are very corrosion resistant. They are made of iron oxide so they will not corrode even when immersed in water. Neodymium magnets tend to be more susceptible to corrosion. To prevent magnets from deteriorating, a protective coating can be added, usually nickel or copper-nickel plating, or a plastic polymer coating.
Which magnet is the cheapest?
Ferrite magnets are a cheaper alternative to commercial magnets. Neodymium magnets are more expensive (but stronger) mainly because of their rare earth element composition and manufacturing process. For reference, a 40x20x10mm block of neodymium N35 nickel coating costs €5, while a ferrite magnet of the same size costs less than €1.
Should you buy ferrite or neodymium magnets?
It really depends on your needs. Neodymium magnets look shiny, smooth, and metallic. They are more powerful, but also more expensive. Additionally, they are more susceptible to corrosion, oxidation and high temperatures.
Ferrite magnets look darker and unpolished. They are the cheapest commercial magnets and have excellent heat and corrosion resistance.
Conclusion
Neodymium magnets and ferrite magnets have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice needs to be made according to the specific application. Neodymium magnets are a better choice if you need strong magnets that can be customized in various shapes and sizes. Ferrite magnets are a better choice if you need magnets that are heat-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective.
If you need customized services for neodymium magnets or ferrite magnets, you can contact us for relevant information.
Learn More
- Complete Guide: What Are Neodymium Magnets？
- The Allure of Chinese Neodymium Magnets: The Complete Guide
