What Is Permanent Magnet?

Magnets are all around us, but have you ever stopped to think about what makes a magnet “permanent”? Let’s break it down.

A permanent magnet is made from a material that has been magnetized and can hold its magnetic field without needing electricity or another power source.

Magnets play a role in everything from motors to sensors, and knowing how they work can help you choose the right one for your next project.

 

Which material is permanent magnet?

Magnets might seem like magic, but they are made from real materials with unique properties.

Permanent magnets are usually made from neodymium, samarium cobalt, alnico, or ferrite materials, each offering distinct performance characteristics.

 

Choosing the right magnetic material

Different permanent magnets are designed for specific needs. For example:

Material Properties Typical Uses
Neodymium (NdFeB) High strength, low temp stability, prone to rust High-performance motors, electronics
Samarium Cobalt Good strength, high temp stability, corrosion-resistant Aerospace, medical equipment
Alnico High temp tolerance, moderate strength Sensors, guitar pickups
Ferrite (Ceramic) Inexpensive, corrosion-resistant, low strength Speakers, fridge magnets

In my experience, many clients initially request neodymium magnets for their strong pull force. However, after understanding the application’s temperature and environment, we often switch to samarium cobalt for high heat resistance or ferrite for cost savings.

 

How do you know if a magnet is permanent?

It can be tricky to tell, but there are some easy signs to spot.

A magnet is permanent if it can attract ferromagnetic materials and retain magnetism even without an external power source.

 

Testing for permanence

Here are a few methods I use when evaluating if a magnet is permanent:

1. Observe Its Behavior

If a magnet can hold up a paperclip or attract a nail, it likely has a permanent magnetic field.

2. Check for External Power

Temporary magnets need electricity or an external field to maintain magnetism. Permanent magnets don’t. Unplug a device, and if the magnet still works, it’s permanent.

3. Consider the Material

  • Neodymium and Samarium Cobalt: Always permanent.
  • Electromagnets: Only magnetic when powered.

4. Ask the Supplier

In my business, we always label magnets with their type. If a client is unsure, we check the material specification and magnetization method.

Here’s a comparison:

Feature Permanent Magnet Temporary Magnet
Needs power? No Yes
Material NdFeB, SmCo, Alnico, Ferrite Soft iron, coils
Magnetic duration Long-term Short-term

A client in Germany once called me about a “failed” magnet in a motor. After a quick chat, we realized they were testing an electromagnet without power. Switching to a permanent magnet solved the issue!

Conclusion

Permanent magnets are the unsung heroes of modern technology, providing reliable magnetic fields without needing power. From household gadgets to space tech, they’re everywhere.