Have you had the opportunity to visit Japan or one of the other countries that operate maglev trains? Have you have ever marvelled at the way that a maglev train appears to float above the track, rather than running on rails like a traditional train? What you may not realise while studying this marvel of technology is that magnetism is the driving force behind the train, with two sets of energised coils attracting or repelling the maglev train and making it move. While a maglev train may seem incredibly futuristic, the technology behind the train relies on rare earth magnets that can be found on a multitude of devices that you will encounter every day.

What are rare earth magnets?

When you think of magnets, you may think primarily about the alnico or ferrite magnets that you used to play with during physics lessons at school. Or, perhaps, you would recall the magnets you have seen on some of your household appliances or fixtures, such as doors or kitchen equipment. However, magnetism can do much more than that. Traditionally, most magnets that you find in everyday appliances will be ferrite magnets. However, with the need for greater magnetism in smaller devices, rare earth magnets have started to be introduced into more devices. Rare earth magnets made from neodymium were first used in the 1980s. They can be far more powerful than traditional magnets, meaning that a much smaller magnet is needed to produce the same magnetic force.

How are rare earth magnets used?

The small size of rare earth magnets means that they can be used on items as small as jewellery, but they can also be found on dental and medical equipment and within the transport industry. If you have a manufacturing or infrastructure project you are preparing, there are many ways that you could incorporate rare earth magnets into your plans.

Which rare earth magnets do you need?

While all rare earth magnets can offer advantages over more traditional ferrite magnets, it is important to choose a magnet that is well-suited to your application. Several things can impact the effectiveness of a magnet. Rare earth magnets are available in different grades that can indicate how susceptible they are to outside influences. Before selecting your rare earth magnets, you should look into how the magnet will be affected by your expected operating temperature or how likely it is that the magnet could corrode and stop working.