How to Store Neodymium Magnets?

Do you know? In the computers, refrigerators, air conditioners, and even headphones we use every day, there is a magnet known as the "king of all magnets"- neodymium iron-boron permanent magnets.

Neodymium magnets, often referred to as the strongest type of permanent magnet, are widely used in various industries due to their exceptional magnetic strength. However, their power also brings unique challenges when it comes to storage.

Neodymium Permanent Magnet

Proper storage is crucial to maintain their magnetic properties and to prevent potential hazards. This article will delve into the best practices for storing neodymium magnets, ensuring their longevity and safety.

Before we explore storage methods, it's essential to understand what makes neodymium magnets special. Composed primarily of neodymium, iron, and boron, these magnets are known for their high energy product, which is a measure of their magnetic strength. They are used in everything from hard drives to electric vehicles, making their storage a critical consideration for manufacturers and hobbyists alike.

Neodymium magnets are not just strong; they are also brittle and can chip or break if mishandled. Moreover, their strong magnetic fields can cause them to attract and potentially damage nearby metallic objects. Additionally, if not stored correctly, they can demagnetize or lose their magnetic strength over time.

As the elements neodymium and iron in NdFeB permanent magnets are easily corroded and oxidized, it's necessary to electroplate the magnets to prevent corrosion. The most commonly used coating are zinc, nickel, gold, silver, chrome, black epoxy, etc.

Despite the protection of NdFeB by coating, proper environmental storage conditions are still important.

The Suitable Storage Environment

1. Temperature Control: 

Neodymium magnets should be stored in a cool, dry place. Different performance grades of Neodymium can withstand the highest operating temperature is different. Therefore, you need to consider your operating temperature and choose the right grade.

Within the allowable operating temperature, the loss of magnetic force is negligible. However, when operating for long periods of time at extreme operating temperatures, the magnetic force decreases rapidly.

2. Humidity Control:

High humidity can lead to corrosion, which not only affects the magnet's appearance but also its performance. In order to ensure the stability and durability of NdFeB magnets, it is recommended to store them in a dry environment, which can help to avoid oxidation problems caused by excessive humidity.

3. Protection from Impact:

Since NdFeB magnets belong to poly-metallic alloy materials, the density is about 7.5, which has the characteristics of heavy and brittle. Neodymium magnets should be stored in a way that minimizes the risk of impact or shock. For example, a soft material such as foam, bubble wrap, etc., is used to wrap a magnet to absorb the impact forces that can occur when moving NdFeB.

Preventing Demagnetization

1. Avoid Proximity to Electronic Devices:

The strong magnetic fields of neodymium magnets can interfere with the operation of electronic devices. When storing NdFeB magnets, you should keep them away from disks, magnetic cards, tapes, computer monitors, watches and other objects that are flexible to magnetic fields.

2. Keep Away from Other Magnets: 

The interaction between magnets can lead to a loss of magnetic strength or misalignment of the magnetic field.

3. Regular Inspection: 

Periodically checking the magnets for signs of demagnetization can help in taking timely corrective measures.

Storage Solutions for Different Sizes

1. Small Magnets: For small magnets, consider using small containers with compartments to keep each magnet isolated.

2. Large Magnets: Larger magnets may require more robust storage solutions, such as heavy-duty magnetic storage racks.

3. Custom Solutions: For magnets with unique shapes or sizes, custom storage solutions may be necessary to ensure they are stored safely and effectively.

Storing neodymium magnets requires a right approach to ensure their magnetic properties are preserved and potential hazards are mitigated. But don't worry, If stored in an environment with appropriate temperature and humidity and free of strong external magnetic fields, radiation and other factors affecting magnetic properties, its magnetic properties can be maintained almost forever and will not be degraded over time.