Thursday, March 24, 2011

Exploring Neodymium Magnets

Magnets are useful objects that can be utilized for a variety of things.  One that is often used is the neodymium magnet, which can be found in businesses, homes, as well as medical facilities.  Although this magnet probably doesn't sound familiar, it is something that we come across everyday with the simple items we work with.


Before discovering exactly where neodymium magnets are encountered, find out some background information and history about these objects.  This magnet was created in 1982 by two large companies who worked together and combined their scientific ideas.  This is considered a part of the group of rare earth magnets and is one that is used the most among all other types.  This group is named that way for the reason that all these magnets are made out of rare earth elements as seen on the periodic table.


Alloy, which consists of iron, boron, and neodymium, is what is used to create neodymium magnets.  This magnet is permanent and considered the strongest of its kind.  It is considered the strongest because its magnetic fields can affect each other with a reach of more than 12 inches.  Even with smaller magnets, the skin can be bruised or pinched when joined accidentally.  With larger magnets, in the event that a body part is stuck in between two magnets joining together, this may result in broken or crushed bones.  Despite its strength, these magnets are fragile as well and may even break if slapped together.  In some situations, small particles break away, causing it to fly around and possibly even causing serious damage.





The rare form of this product is very corrosive so utmost care must be taken.  It needs to be applied with a coating to extend its use, and it needs to be kept away from extreme heat over 180 degrees to avoid damage.  This is because high temperature areas may cause the magnet to catch fire.


After discovering the scientific background of the neodymium magnet, find out how this product is utilized on a daily basis.  In medical facilities, this kind of magnet can be found in MRI scanning machines along with other medical machines that are used for treatment and diagnosis.  A therapy known as magnetic therapy also exists to help relieve any aches and symptoms that are related to different conditions, such as arthritis.


Other than being used in medical machines, this magnet is also used for other things that include alarms, generators, and different security systems.  Several household items also consist of this magnet.  Examples of these are loudspeakers, headphones, and magnetic guitar pickups.  Common items that contain this are magnetic tool belts, jewelry clasps, and even various toys like dolls.  Neodymium magnets are available in a range of shapes and sizes, which can be used for certain do-it-yourself projects.


There are various online sites that are dedicated to selling magnets, most especially neodymium magnets.  Magnets are fascinating objects, which definitely provide a lot of benefits with its many uses.