Neo magnets are made of an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron, and are the strongest permanent magnets known. They are used in various applications, but caution must be taken as they are highly brittle and can lose magnetism when exposed to high temperatures. Safety precautions must be observed as they can damage electronic devices and pose a pinch and choking hazard.
The “neo” in “neo magnet” is short for neodymium, a chemical element. Neo magnets are magnets made of an alloy of neodymium, iron and boron. For this reason they are also known as NIB or Nd-Fe-B magnets.
Neodymium belongs to the family of chemical elements known as lanthanides, those with atomic numbers between 57 and 71. The lanthanides, along with yttrium and sometimes scandium, thorium and zirconium, are commonly said to constitute a class of elements called rare earth metals. This name is somewhat misleading, as not all rare earth metals are rare, and neodymium itself is quite common. When not in alloyed form, i.e. in its natural form, neodymium oxidizes rapidly when exposed to air.
Magnets made with rare earth metals are typically stronger than other types of magnets. Neomagnets are actually the most powerful permanent magnets known. They also lose their magnetism more slowly than other types of magnets.
A neo magnet can be used industrially in electric motors, computer hard drives, MRIs, and any application that requires a strong, lightweight magnet. It can also be purchased by the general public from any number of online sources for use in science experiments, home organization, crafts, and magic tricks.
The manufacturing method for a neo magnet typically takes one of two forms: sintering or bonding. Sintered magnets are created by compressing powdered alloy under high pressure in a mold and then heating it to form a solid mass of metal. The metal is then cooled, cut into shape, coated and magnetised by being exposed to a high magnetic field. A bonded neomagnet is made by crushing strips of Nd-Fe-B alloy into powder, then mixing the powder with a polymer that is injected into the mold. Sintered magnets are typically stronger than bonded magnets, but bonded magnets can often be formed into shapes that sintered magnets cannot.
Be especially careful when handling the neo magnets. They are highly brittle magnets and as a result, those sold commercially are often nickel plated to reduce the likelihood of breaking or shattering. Neo magnets should also be kept away from high heat as they can lose magnetism when exposed to temperatures above approximately 175 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degrees Celsius) and give off toxic fumes when exposed to fire.
Safety precautions must also be observed. Like all magnets, neo magnets can damage televisions, computer monitors, pacemakers, and magnetic media such as hard drives. Being so powerful, the magnets pose a pinch hazard if one body part gets caught between two. Often sold in very small sizes, they can also pose a choking hazard and should be kept away from young children.
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