The use of magnets has been immense in this world, and some of the best examples include simple dynamo in bicycles, and there have also been huge generators in hydropower plants. Magnets find use in cranes to move heavy metallic objects. Also, there has been a usage of cranes in junkyards to separate metallic junk from nonmetallic junk. Magnet Products Review gives interesting concepts about magnets. Here, check them out.
Different Types of Magnets
It's worth noting that not all magnets have the same elements. So, it is easy to break down into categories based on composition and source of magnetism. Also, the properties of permanent magnets are of huge importance for the simple reason that magnets retain their magnetism once magnetized. Also, the temporary magnets serve as the materials magnets perform like permanent magnets. The property it shows is evident when it has the presence of a magnetic field. However, the magnets tend to lose magnetism when it is not in a magnetic field. Electromagnets serve in the form of the wound coils of wire functioning as magnets when electrical current passes through. In this case, there is the adjustment of the strength and direction of the current. Also, there is an alteration of the strength of the magnet.
Permanent Magnets
Four categories of permanent magnets are there. They are neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), alnico, samarium cobalt (SmCo), and ceramic or ferrite magnets.
• Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB):
Neodymium Iron Boron magnet serves with the properties of rare earth magnetic material. Also, the magnet has a high coercive force. The extremely high energy product range that is up to 50 MGOe makes it so distinct. Also, there is an association of high product energy levels. So, there is the involvement of manufacturing standards to be small and compact. However, it's worth noting that the NdFeB magnets have low mechanical strength. Usually, they tend to be brittle and have low corrosion resistance when they are not coated. Also, there is an option for treating these substances with gold, iron, or nickel plating, and they find use in many applications. These magnets behave in the form of very strong magnets, and it is very difficult to demagnetize.
• Samarium Cobalt (SmCo):
It is quite similar to the NdFeB magnets. That said, the SmCo magnets are strong and difficult to demagnetize. Highly oxidation-resistant and temperature-resistant SmCo magnets withstand temperatures up to 300 degrees Celsius. There are two different groups of SmCo magnets based on product energy range. The first series is Sm1Co5, with an energy product range of 15-22 MGOe. The second series is Sm2Co17, with a range of 22 and 30 MGOe. The latter is expensive and has low mechanical strength.
• Alnico:
Alnico magnets comprise three main ingredients: aluminum, nickel, and cobalt. Good temperature-resistant magnets tend to get demagnetized and replaced by ceramic and rare earth magnets. Sintering or casting manufacture them with each process yielding different magnet characteristics.
• Ceramic or Ferrite:
Sintered iron oxide and barium or strontium carbonate are the major components of ceramic or ferrite permanent magnets. Inexpensive Ceramic or Ferrite magnets undergo sintering or pressing. However, such magnets tend to be brittle and require grinding using a diamond wheel. The most commonly used magnets are strong and not easy to demagnetize.
Temporary Magnets
Temporary magnets vary in composition and have material behaving like a permanent magnet when it has a magnetic field. Soft iron devices, including paper clips, serve as temporary magnets.
• Electromagnets
Electromagnets made by winding a wire into multiple loops are referred to as solenoid. It's easy to magnetize electromagnets. There is a need for passing the electrical current through the solenoid to create a magnetic field. The strength of the field is proportionate to the loops number and the strength of the current.
Final words
The use of magnets has been increasing gradually, and there have been steady inventions in the fields of magnets to cope up with the current demands.