How do magnets work? Which ones should you get? And what’s the difference between neodymium magnets and others? In this article, we’ll answer all of these questions and more, helping you to understand how to buy magnets effectively and make sure that you get the best magnetic products for your purposes. Read on to learn everything you need to know about magnetics.

Comparing Permanent Magnets and Electromagnets
The most common types of magnets are permanent magnets and electromagnets. Permanent magnets (sometimes referred to as hard magnets) are naturally magnetic material formed from iron, nickel, cobalt or some other element. Electromagnets (sometimes referred to as soft magnets) are made from a strong magnet that can be turned on and off by a current. The NdFeB® alloy is one of many types of rare earth magnets that includes neodymium and is used in applications ranging from computer hard drives, generators and motors, aerospace turbines and consumer electronics like speakers. Its unique properties have made it popular for use in industrial manufacturing equipment.

Understanding Magnetic Strength
Magnets have an invisible force that attracts materials made of iron, nickel, cobalt and some other metals. However, not all magnets are created equal. Magnetism is measured in units called gauss or tesla. The strength of a magnet depends on its composition and length. Short magnets can’t generate as much power as long ones. The strongest neodymium magnets can reach over 1 million gauss or 30 Tesla, while weaker types of neodymium magnet can be a few thousand gauss or 10 Tesla at most.

Identifying and Measuring Magnet Materials
Magnetic properties of materials are most commonly measured using devices called magnetometers. With such a device, you can measure magnetic fields and their effects on nearby objects. A compass is an example of a magnetometer. Since magnetic fields are invisible, it is possible to detect them only by observing what they do to other objects. The field around a magnet does push and pull on any ferromagnetic material (materials that have inherent magnetic properties) that comes within its reach; for example, if you place a compass near another object with some ferromagnetic properties, it will align itself so that one end points toward earth’s north-south axis.

Working with Neodymium Magnets
Our magnets are incredibly strong and can cause serious injury if not handled properly. All of our magnets are extremely powerful and should be handled with care. If a magnet is dropped or knocked from its position, it could cause serious damage. To prevent accidents, keep any neodymium magnet away from electrical devices such as hard drives, cell phones, and computers unless you are using a mounting bracket designed for magnetic materials. Also, never allow children under 14 to handle these magnets without adult supervision due to their strength and high ability to attract one another. It is also important to make sure that you have read any relevant technical data prior to use of our magnets in order avoid problems during use.