Photo of the Magnetic Sculpture Kit courtesy of Amazing Magnets


In today’s age of miniaturization, whenever energy and power are needed, rare earth magnets are called upon to play a vital role. Applications abound, from the family car that uses on average 30 such magnets to powerful levitation systems on magnetic trains. All this is made possible by elements with strange sounding names: neodymium, lanthanum, samarium, yttrium and scandium – some of the “rare earths” or Lanthanide elements in the periodic table.

Neodymium as a Magnet Material
Neodymium-iron-boron (Nd-Fe-B) magnets are generally considered the strongest permanent magnets in the world. Their attributes include:
  • High-energy products (up to 56 MGOe)
  • Very high coercive forces (resistance to demagnetization)
  • Excellent energy-to-size ratio
  • Stability in ambient temperature conditions
  • Good mechanical characteristics
Common applications include linear actuators, microphones, servo motors, DC motors (automotive starters), computer disc drives, printers and stereo speakers. They are susceptible to progressive loss of magnetism when exposed to temperatures about 175°F (80°C) and above its Curie temperature of 310°F (590°C) will lose all their magnetic properties.

Samarium Cobalt as a Magnet Material
Samarium-cobalt magnets have a number of interesting properties. Although the material is relatively expensive (cobalt is market price sensitive), their attributes include:
  • High-energy products (up to 32 MGOe)
  • High coercive forces
  • Excellent magnetic strength for its size
  • Good temperature stability
  • Good mechanical characteristics
Common applications include: computer disc drives, sensors, traveling wave tubes, linear actuators, satellite systems, motors where temporary stability is vital.

Sintering, Heat Treating are Key
A rare earth magnet’s performance hinges on its size and control of its microstructure, which is accomplishing during the sintering and heat-treating processes. Sintering cycles for these materials are typically done in either very high purity argon atmosphere retorts or in vacuum furnaces. Sintering temperatures are in the range of 1950°F (2065°C) to 2300°F (1290°C). Temperature uniformity is critical since an overshoot of as little as 15°F (8°C) may cause melting. Heat-treating cycles can be complex depending on what you are trying to achieve and may involve solution treatments followed by quenching or, in some alloys, aging to form intermetallic phases.

Rare Earth Magnets of Tomorrow
The Department of Energy actively funds programs to help develop the “next generation” of these materials for electric vehicles, enhanced robotic systems and lighter, more compact motor/generator systems. So next time you find yourself strangely attracted to an object, beware– a rare earth magnet is probably hiding inside!IH