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neodymium and ferrite magnets difference and applications

NEODYMIUM VS FERRITE MAGNETS: COMPLETE GUIDE

NEODYMIUM OR FERRITE MAGNETS, WHICH ONES ARE THE BEST?

If you are looking to buy some Magnets Online, you quickly find out that they are available in many different materials and alloys. The most common are Neodymium and Ferrite, but you can find AlNiCo Magnets, SmCo Magnets and Neodymium Magnets in many different grades (N35, N42, N54 and more).

But which one should you buy? Let’s find out

NEODYMIUM MAGNETS

Neodymium magnets applications and specifications
Neodymium magnets applications and specifications

Neodymium magnets were first developed in 1982. The main components of a neodymium magnet are neodymium itself, iron, and boron; this chemical compound is known as NdFeB. These are the strongest magnets that you can find on the market. In fact, they are 10 times more powerful than a ferrite magnet of the same size! The main advantages of neodymium magnets can be found in their  high cost-performance ratio and excellent mechanical properties. 

Neodymium magnets are really fragile and must be handled with great care. 

One disadvantage is their relatively low maximum heat resistance at “just” 80°C for the standard models, which can be increased to 200°C in special variants.

Find out more about magnets and heat tolerance in our dedicated article: Permanent Magnets and Heat Resistance: the best magnets to use

You can learn more obout Neodymium magnets in our DEDICATED ARTICLE

FERRITE MAGNETS

ferrite magnets applications and specifications
Ferrite Magnets applications and specifications

Ferrite is Japan’s original magnetic material that was invented by Dr. Yogoro Kato and Dr. Takeshi Takei at Tokyo Institute of Technology in 1930.

Ferrite magnets, also known as ceramic magnets, are a type of permanent magnet made of the chemical compound “ferrite”, which consists of ceramic materials and iron oxide (Fe2O3). The chemical composition is SrO-6(Fe2O3). These magnets will not provide the same adhesive force as the neodymium ones, but they can resist at higher temperatures, such as 250°C. 

Another great feature is the ease of magnetization and also their resistance to demagnetization by outside fields. Last but not least, all ferrite magnets are extremely resistant against corrosion without requiring additional protective coatings, while Neodymium is prone to rusting.

You can learn more obout Ferrite magnets in our DEDICATED ARTICLE

Neodymium Magnets and Ferrite Magnets Comparison

 

NEODYMIUM STRENGTHS

  1. The strongest material on the market.
  2.  Most suitable for providing very high power in small sizes.
  3. Wide choice of coatings that makes it easy to customize and adapt them to technical or aesthetic necessities.
 

NEODYMIUM WEAKNESSES

  1. More expensive, frequent price fluctuation.
  2. Max. temperature resistance of only 80°C for standard variants.
  3. Very prone to corrosion when exposed to moisture and humidity.
 

FERRITE STRENGTHS

  1. Cheaper, with less price fluctuations.
  2. Can withstand high temperatures of up to 250°C.
  3. Ferrite is resistant to corrosion by chemicals agents and is suitable for outdoor use.
 

FERRITE WEAKNESSES

  1. Low adhesive force.
  2. Difficult to use in decorative situations and to adapt to interior designs.
  3.  Ferrite magnets can still be demagnetized when in contact with stronger neodymium magnets!

Neodymium vs Ferrite Magnets Faq and Recap

Which magnets are the strongest?

Neodymium Magnets are the most powerful choice on sale for the general public. Stronger than Ferrite Magnets but more expensive. They are graded from N28 to N55 according to their strength.

What do the N28, N30, N35, N38, N40, N42, N48, N50, N52, N55 tags mean on Neodymium Magnets?

On Neodymium Magnets the letter N followed by a number (usually from 28 to 55) rapresents the grade (magnetic strength) of the magnet, which is linked to the magnetic flux output per unit of  volume. The higher the value, the stronger the magnet. For reference, a small N45 3 x 2mm Neodymium disc has an adhesive force of 0,18 Kg, whereas a N48 has 0,25 Kg (39% more !!!).

Which Magnets are more resistant to high temperatures?

Ferrite Magnets are the go-to solution for heat resistance. They can withstand up to 180°C without issues for magnetic strength or durability.
 
Neodymium Magnets are fine at room temperature, but their performance suffers when temperature rises. Above the 100 °C threshold, their force decreases drastically until ceasing completely after the 320 °C limit. Special alloys can be used to curb this fall (although they are really expensive and designed for special applications). A Neodymium Magnet exposed to temperatures above 80°C will incur in a permanent loss of performance, this will happen to a smaller degree for standard Ferrite Magnets, too, but only when the temperature exceeds 180°C. Special Alnico and Samarium Magnets can withstand much higher temperatures of 525 and 650°C respectively.

Which magnets are more resistant to corrosion?

Ferrite Magnets are very resistant to corrosion. They are made with iron oxide, and, as a result, they do not corrode even when submerged in water. Neodymium Magnets tend to be more vulnerable to corrosion. To prevent magnet’s deterioration, a protective coating can be added, usaully Nickel or Copper-Nickel plating, or a plastic polymer coating.

 Which magnets are the cheapest?

 Ferrite Magnets  are the cheaper option for commercial magnets.  Neodymium Magnets are more expensive (but stronger), mainly because of their rare-earth elements composition and manufacturing process. For reference, a 40x20x10mm Neodymium N35 Nickel coated block can cost you 5 euros, while a Ferrite Magnet of the same size costs less than 1 euro.

Should I buy Ferrite or Neodymium Magnets?

It really depends on your needs. Neodymium Magnets look shiny, smooth and metallic. They are more powerful, but also more expensive. Furthermore, they are more susceptible to corrosion, oxidation and high temperatures.
Ferrite Magnets look darker and unpolished. They are the cheapest commercial magnets and excel for their high resistance to heat and corrosion.

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