Ceramic magnetic materials provide a wide application area owing to their good price-quality mix. In addition to use in electric and electronic systems, these hard ferrite magnets are also used In less technical products such as memo magnets for planning systems, promotional gifts, magnetic door fastenings etc. The raw material used in ceramic magnets is composed of about 80% iron oxide and dependent on the properties required, strontium or barium carbonate and other materials are added.
Hard Ferrite Magnets
Hard Ferrite magnet: Ceramic magnetic raw materials
What are ferrite magnets?
Ferrite magnets, also known as ceramic magnets, are a type of permanent magnet made from a mixture of iron oxide and barium or strontium carbonate. These magnets are known for their relatively low cost, excellent corrosion resistance, and high resistance to demagnetization. While they are not as strong as neodymium magnets, ferrite magnets find wide use in applications such as refrigerator magnets, loudspeakers, motors, and magnetic separators. Their versatility and affordability make them a popular choice across various industries.
The different shapes of a ferrite magnets
Ferrite magnets come in various shapes to suit different applications. The most common shapes include:
- Block Magnets: Rectangular or square-shaped ferrite magnets are versatile and commonly used in applications such as refrigerator magnets, magnetic assemblies, and motors.
- Disc Magnets: Circular or disc-shaped ferrite magnets are ideal for applications requiring rotational movement, such as loudspeakers, magnetic closures, and magnetic sensors.
- Ring Magnets: Donut-shaped ferrite magnets with a hollow center are useful for applications where they need to be mounted around a central shaft or rod, such as in motors and generators.
- Cylinder Magnets: Cylindrical ferrite magnets are suitable for applications requiring both linear and rotational movement, such as magnetic door catches and magnetic stirrers in laboratories.
- Arc Magnets: Curved or arc-shaped ferrite magnets are used in applications where a concentrated magnetic field along a specific path is required, such as in magnetic separators and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines.
These various shapes offer flexibility in design and application, allowing ferrite magnets to be utilized effectively across a wide range of industries and technologies.
The characteristics of a ferrite magnet
Ferrite magnets, also known as ceramic magnets, possess several key characteristics:
- Affordability: Ferrite magnets are cost-effective compared to other types of permanent magnets like neodymium. This makes them a popular choice for applications where cost is a significant factor.
- Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Ferrite magnets exhibit strong resistance to corrosion, making them suitable for use in environments with exposure to moisture and humidity.
- High Coercivity: Ferrite magnets have high coercivity, meaning they are resistant to demagnetization. This characteristic ensures stable magnetic performance over time.
- Low Energy Product: Compared to neodymium magnets, ferrite magnets have a lower energy product, resulting in weaker magnetic fields. However, they still offer sufficient magnetic strength for many applications.
- Brittleness: Ferrite magnets are relatively brittle and can chip or break if subjected to impact or excessive bending. Care should be taken when handling and installing them to prevent damage.
- Wide Temperature Stability: Ferrite magnets maintain their magnetic properties over a wide range of temperatures, making them suitable for applications that involve temperature variations.
- Versatility: Ferrite magnets are available in various shapes and sizes, allowing for flexibility in design and application across industries such as automotive, electronics, and manufacturing.
In summary, ferrite magnets offer a combination of affordability, corrosion resistance, and stability, making them suitable for a wide range of practical applications where strong magnetic fields are not required.
What are these ceramic magnets used for?
Ceramic magnets, also known as ferrite magnets, are widely used across numerous industries for various applications. Due to their affordability, stability, and versatility, ceramic magnets find extensive use in:
Consumer Electronics: They are used in speakers, headphones, magnetic closures for bags and purses, and magnetic therapy products.
Automotive Industry: Ceramic magnets are employed in electric motors, sensors, actuators, and anti-lock braking systems (ABS).
Medical Equipment: They play a crucial role in MRI machines, magnetic therapy devices, and diagnostic equipment.
Industrial Machinery: Ceramic magnets are used in magnetic separators, lifting devices, conveyor systems, and magnetic couplings.
Home Appliances: They can be found in refrigerator magnets, door catches, magnetic door gaskets, and motor assemblies for appliances.
Crafts and Hobby Projects: Ceramic magnets are used in various DIY projects, artwork, magnetic puzzles, and educational demonstrations.
Renewable Energy: They are utilized in wind turbines, generators, and electric motors for green energy applications.
Plastic bonded ceramic magnetic materials
Through the use of ceramic magnetic materials plastic bonded, flexible components are obtained. This material is derived from a mix of the basic ceramic magnetic material with thermoplastic materials such as polyamide or polyvinyl. First of all, the raw materials undergo a careful dosing and mixing process after which they are shaped accordingly using injection-moulding machines or calendar presses or by extrusion. Practically any shape is possible as a result of the immense flexibility of these materials.
As well as in customer specified magnetic components, magnetic material plastic bonded is also used in the manufacture of magnetic tape and foil. The foil material is available in both anisotropic and semi anisotropic forms, and can be supplied in sheet form or on a roll in various widths. Magnetic tape is available in (semi-) anisotropic and isotropic forms. The flexible magnetic material can be used in a wide application area. Examples of foil use include: advertisement boards for (temporary) attachment to cars, planning systems, magnetic tickets in warehouses, learning systems, board signs and name-plates in buildings. The material can be punched or cut easily. The foil types can be both coated and/or silkscreen printed as desired. It is also possible to offset print the coating in advance. After the foil has been affixed, it can be punched or cut to every shape and form imaginable.
The application area for magnetic tape includes not only door magnets for showers cabinets and refrigerators but also industrial applications such as fixing metal objects in place and the temporary fastening of tools. There are also uses for magnetic tape in motors and dynamos.
