Ceramic magnets, available as blocks, arcs, rings and discs, are produced by combining iron oxide and strontium carbonate to form a metallic oxide. Ceramic magnets and ceramic magnetic materials can be identified by their charcoal gray appearance, and there's no need to apply any plating or coating to work with them unless you plan to use them for cosmetic purposes. While ceramic magnets resist corrosion, they should be handled with care since they are hard and brittle. Ceramic magnetic materials crack easily, especially if you bend them or apply impact. Furthermore, ceramic magnets are inexpensive compared to other magnetic materials made from Alnico or rare earth metals. Once the materials are assembled, ceramic magnet manufacturers magnetize them by using a backing plate or motor housing.

Applications for ceramic magnets include magnetic separators, use on lawnmowers and outboard motors, DC permanent magnet motors found in cars, speakers and MRIs. Ceramic magnets are also designed to retrieve, lift, hold and separate during industrial processes.

1. Pick ceramic magnets of different sizes to use in various applications.

2. Find ceramic magnet distributors that provide appropriate handling and packaging operations.

3. Seek specialized machinery and other equipment, or find ceramic magnet manufacturers that offer such services.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find ceramic magnets for sale in different sizes

Ceramic magnet manufacturers stock different types of ceramic magnetic material, available as discs, blocks, arcs or rings.

I recommend: Master Magnetics supplies ceramic magnets of various shapes, sizes, magnetization and strength capabilities. Ceramic magnet manufacturers Dura Magnetics maintains a large inventory of slabs, blocks, discs and rings. Ceramic magnets are available in different grades and magnetic strengths. ACH Magnetics features ceramic magnets made from barium ferrite and strontium ferrite.

Search for ceramic magnet distributors that offer assembling, packaging and shipping services

Ceramic magnets must be handled carefully, since the material is usually fragile. Most ceramic magnet suppliers offer standard shipping and delivery services appropriate for handling ceramic magnetic materials.

I recommend: H.S.& S. provides assembling and in-house machining services for ceramic magnets. Dexter Magnetic Technologies offers engineering support, assembling and delivery services for ceramic magnetic materials.

Buy ceramic magnet equipment to customize the material

Special equipment and machines such as magnetizers and diamond abrasives are required to finish ceramic magnets. You can also save some time by allowing the suppliers of ceramic magnets to do the machining work.

I recommend: Integrated Magnetics produces custom magnetizers for ceramic magnets. Adams Magnetic Products uses diamond wheels to magnetize and finish its ceramic magnetic materials.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  High-energy ceramic magnets are graded on a scale of 1 to 8. Ceramic magnets with grades of 8 have the strongest qualities for holding materials. Ceramic magnetic materials that are graded 1, 5 and 8 are the most commonly used.
• •  Ceramic magnetic material operates best in lower service temperatures. Heating and cooling rates for ceramic magnets should not exceed 200 degrees F per hour. Operating temperatures above 200 degrees F also cause ceramic magnets to crack or break.