Industrial Magnets Key Terms

Get an overview of industrial magnets through understanding terminology

By Yvette Pryce, Freelance Writer

If you're in the market for industrial magnets, you'll find that there is a wide variety available, each with its own properties and best applications. You can make your shopping experience easier if you understand some of the basic magnet types you'll encounter and if you begin to get a sense of their applications. Understanding terms like "rare earth magnets" and "ceramic magnets" will help reduce the amount of research you need to do and will point you to the best industrial magnet suppliers for your particular needs.

Permanent magnets

A permanent magnet is a one that will never lose its magnetic power and is a must for industrial uses. Most industrial magnets for sale are permanent, but when you're purchasing these magnets, it's a good idea to ensure that they are made of a permanent magnetic material.
Try: Review the various industrial applications for permanent magnets at Arnold Magnetic Technologies.

Sintered magnets

As you shop for industrial magnets, you'll come across the terms "cast" and "sintered." Cast magnets are self-explanatory; just as in any cast product, the material is heated until it is in liquid form, and then it is poured into a mold, allowing for a wide range of shapes. However, "sintered" may be less familiar. This term refers to a magnet that is comprised of powdered metals that are heated and pressed into the final magnet.
Try: Read more about sintering at AZoM.

Rare earth magnets

Rare earth magnets are the strongest magnets available. Made from the relatively rare lanthanide family of elements, the most common types of rare earth magnets are made primarily from either neodymium or samarium cobalt. These magnet types are especially suited to applications in which a compact size and strong magnetic properties are equally important, such as for computer hard drives.
Try: See a variety of rare earth magnets offered by National Imports.

Alnico magnets

The primary components of alnico magnets are aluminum (al), nickel (ni) and cobalt (co). This combination of alloys creates a brittle magnet with a relatively low magnetic force, but one that has the ability to operate at high temperatures. These magnets are often used for motors and coupling systems.
Try: Get a deeper understanding of alnico magnets at Total Magnetic Solutions, which also sells a variety of industrial alnico magnets.

Ceramic magnets

Ceramic magnets, also known as ferrite magnets, are formed from a blend of iron oxide and strontium carbonate. Compared to other industrial magnet types, they are less expensive but are still quite strong. Ceramic magnets are commonly used in speakers, as well as magnetic separating assemblies.
Try: See a list of ceramic magnet applications and qualities at Master Magnetics.

Magnet wire

An insulated wire that serves as an electrical conductor, magnet wire is used in everything from consumer products to transformers to industrial generators. It is primarily made of copper but may also be made of aluminum.
Try: Discover uses of magnet wire at Superior Essex.