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What Are The Benefits Of Neodymium Magnets?

5 July 2022

Rene Elliott

When you need a magnet, you often look for one that simply fits where you need it to fit. In other words, the size and general shape that best allow you to wedge a magnet in place seem to be the main characteristics that you look for. In hobbies like model building, that can work out well. But as your hobby becomes more advanced, you'll want to be more specific regarding what shape of magnet you use – especially for neodymium magnets. These super-strong magnets come in different shapes for a reason; the shape influences what they can do and how well they can hold.

Surface Area and Distribution

First, the shape of the magnet affects the surface area available and how much of the magnet might be usable. In other words, a cube-shaped magnet that you use to attach two items will have two of those sides available for use, but a lot of the surface area won't be usable in that context (where the magnet holds two items together). Most of the magnet's surface area will be on the unused sides. Compare that to using a block magnet with a rectangular shape that is thinner than the cube magnet. More of the block magnet's surface area will be usable for holding two items together. The size obviously plays a role here as an extra-large cube magnet versus an extra-small block magnet would throw that comparison out the window. But for magnets of approximately the same volume, the shape makes a real difference.

Holders and Attachments

You've seen pot magnets even if you don't recognize the name. These are magnets encased in a metal holder (a "pot") where one side of the magnet is exposed. The opposite end is in the pot, and on that side of the pot, there are points where you can connect something to the magnet. Neodymium pot magnets are common in areas with signs suspended from a ceiling, for example. Pot magnets tend to be disc-shaped. Yes, it's technically possible to create a pot for any shape of rare earth magnet, but what you'll normally find are round or cylindrical shapes.

Attachment Method

You might need to attach the magnet to something non-magnetic, such as placing the magnet on a spool so that the magnet can affect how another part rotates or turns. Ring magnets would be used in this situation, as the hole in the centre allows it to sit on spindles, rods, and other parts while connecting other magnetic metals to those parts.

It can really be an interesting sight to see all the different shapes of rare earth magnets that are available. If you're not sure what shape may be best for your project, you can always contact a company that offers rare earth magnets and let them know what you need to find.

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