How is the Strength of Rare Earth Magnets Measured?

Rare earth magnets are renowned for their exceptional strength, but how exactly is that strength measured? While there are various ways to assess a magnet’s power, the most common question—”How strong is this magnet?”—usually refers to its holding strength. This blog post explains the key properties that determine a magnet’s strength and how to measure its holding strength.

Understanding the Magnetic Properties of Rare Earth Magnets

When comparing magnet strengths, it’s crucial to consider their unique magnetic properties. Here are some of the most important ones:

• Remanence (B): A measure of the strength of the magnetic field itself.
• Coercivity (Hci): A material’s resistance to becoming demagnetized.
• Maximum Energy Product (BHmax): A measure of a permanent magnet’s magnetic energy, calculated as the maximum value of magnetic flux density (B) multiplied by magnetic field strength (H).

Rare earth magnets excel in all three categories. Their high remanence means they generate strong magnetic fields. Their high coercivity ensures they resist demagnetization. And their high energy product contributes significantly to their overall power. It’s this powerful combination that makes rare earth magnets so remarkably strong.

Measuring Magnetic Strength: Pull Force

Often, when we talk about a magnet’s strength, we’re really talking about its field strength—the ability of an electric current to induce a magnetic field at a specific point. This is often referred to as holding force or pull strength. A magnet’s pull strength quantifies the force required to pull it away from a flat steel surface with which it’s in full contact. This is measured using a pull test.

When selecting a rare earth magnet, you’ll often see a “pull force” rating. This indicates the maximum weight the magnet can safely hold. For example, a rare earth magnet with a 60lb pull force can safely hold a 60lb object.

Measuring Rare Earth Magnets with BuyMagnets.com

BuyMagnets.com offers pull test kits so you can easily measure the strength of your rare earth magnets. Regular testing allows you to monitor performance, identify any decline early on, and ensure they’re suitable for your applications. This proactive approach saves you money on replacements, prevents downtime, and optimizes performance.

To learn more about magnetic properties and how magnetic strength is measured, contact our experts today.