Neodymium magnets are the strongest magnets in the world. Due to their strength, even tiny magnets can do their job. It also makes them incredibly versatile; we all need neodymium magnets in our modern lives and you probably have one in your pocket right now, or if you're reading this on your smartphone, You might even have one in hand!
Next, let's take a look at the main applications of neodymium magnets.
Magnetic resonance imaging
An MRI is a medical imaging device that interacts with your body on the tiniest level. The magnet affects the electrons in every atom in your body and then captures an image of that effect. Effects vary by tissue type, providing useful diagnostic images that the medical field often relies on.
Magnetic therapy
The scientific jury is still out on this, but the number of people who believe in magnetic therapy is staggering. In magnetic therapy, a patient subjects a part of the body to a magnetic field by wearing magnetic jewelry or using other items on a regular basis, thereby (they say) relieving pain, increasing blood flow, or one of many other claims.
Audio equipment
The speaker is controlled by two magnets and an electric current. A moving electromagnetic coil is suspended near a stationary magnet, and current is quickly passed through the coil. When the coil is charged, it is attracted to the magnet and repelled again, causing the vibrations to be amplified and become music to your ears.
Lifting large loads
Magnets are used to lift things in many fields, from collecting falling metal fragments to moving cars, to recovering sunken metal vehicles from underwater. Their no moving parts and extremely high lifting capacity make magnets a practical choice. The only snag - it only works on ferromagnetic items.
Flight
OK, levitation. But using magnets to make things levitate is just as cool. The technology is currently being trialled for applications ranging from hoverboards to high-efficiency vehicles and moving industrial components. You can easily find plans online for hover toys that use small magnets.
Trade Displays and Signage
More and more businesses rely on magnets to hold signs in place and attract customers. In store displays, less surface preparation is usually required - and in many buildings with metal walls or partitions, such as offices, none are required. Magnets are also used as a solution for company vehicles and do not damage the paint, only need to be peeled off.
Do-it-yourself projects
Large and (especially) small magnets are ubiquitous in the modern home, and DIY enthusiasts are embracing their usefulness. They are often used in cabinets and sliding parts, and can also be used as a less permanent way to keep a part in place until you want it to move.
Home and Wall Decor
Do you love to redecorate however you want, but hate having to touch up and re-drill every time you want to change your wall art? Impressively small magnets can be used to hold heavy decorative items, making them easy to switch or replace when you need to.
Stationery and Business Supplies
Who doesn't take a good look at a beautifully designed business card or flyer? The same goes for other prints. Creating concealed closures for books and notepads, securing lids or helping others keep track of menus on the fridge are just some of the ways the smallest magnets can help.
Jewelry
Magnets are ubiquitous in jewelry. The most convenient clasps are made of magnets, on which no piercing earrings depend. Lately, lots of fun chains that use magnets to quickly transform from bracelets to necklaces have been hitting stores.
Hobby
Magnets are handy and are most evident in crafts and hobbies. Standing your figurines or making parts of your project moveable requires minimal magnets.
Denture
Tiny neodymium magnets can be used as attachments in orthodontic appliances, or to hold together dentures that are missing a few teeth. Due to their strength, even tiny neodymium magnets are functional, and after coating they are more resistant to corrosion
Motors and Generators
Electric motors rely on a combination of electromagnets and permanent magnets (usually neodymium magnets) to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. Generators do the opposite, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy by moving a conductor through a magnetic field.
ABS (anti-lock braking) system sensor
Passive ABS sensors use neodymium magnets wrapped in copper coils. The sensor is placed close to the ABS magnetoresistive ring, and when the ring is rotated, a voltage is induced in the copper wire. This signal is monitored by the vehicle's computer system and used to define the wheel speed.
Suspension device
Commercially, electromagnets are used in levitation applications such as maglev transportation. However, the availability and price of small, powerful neodymium magnets means that you can experiment with magnetic levitation yourself at home. The trick known as diamagnetic levitation also requires diamagnetic materials such as pyrolytic graphite.
Conclusion
Neodymium magnets come in a wide variety and are used in a wide variety of applications, we can find them in many industries and become a part of our daily lives!
