Can I make neodymium magnets by myself?

Scientists have long been trying to create superstrong magnets based on various alloys. But most of the developments had to use materials that could be dangerous to humans. Finally, it was possible to obtain a neodymium-based composition. This rare earth metal does not pose a potential threat to health. Having become acquainted with the unique properties of such material, many people are wondering whether it is possible to produce neodymium magnets by oneself. By ideas - this is a complex process in terms of technology. And can this be done from recycled secondary raw materials?

Neodymium magnets: what is this material?

According to scientists, this development took about 20 years of research and testing. When choosing materials, many factors were considered: availability, manufacturability, safety, high magnetic properties, resistance to environmental conditions. Prospective direction scientists have considered the use of rare earth metals. And neodymium for these purposes came just perfect.

Magnets based on it have an amazing grip strength. Even a small amount of material allows you to keep weight many times greater than your weight. Magnetic properties persist for a long time (they lose no more than 2% for 10 years of use). Now neodymium magnets can be purchased in specialized stores. Prices for them are available to almost anyone.

Composition

Magnets based on this rare earth metal are designated by the formula Nd2Fe14B. The composition includes neodymium (Nd), iron (Fe), boron (B). The peculiarity of the technology lies in the fact that it is difficult to single out this rare-earth metal in its pure form. The sintering process with the rest of the components in a powdered form should take place under conditions of an inert medium. Otherwise, it is rapidly oxidized with loss of properties.

Technology for ordinary conditions is difficult, so try to make neodymium magnets by yourself, it is inappropriate. Products are marked during production. The number after the letter N (25, 30, 45) denotes the code. The higher the index, the stronger the magnetic properties of the material. The maximum operating temperature of the magnet also depends on the number.

Features

To prevent exposure to environmental conditions, magnets are covered with a protective compound. Usually these are two layers of nickel or an improved version with an intermediate additional layer of copper. Another important feature - neodymium magnets at temperatures above 70 ° C begin to demagnetize. Exceeding the limit values can lead to a complete loss of properties and the transformation of the alloy simply into a piece of metal.

The specificity of the material assumes special safety measures during operation. So, neodymium magnets of 50x30 mm have a clutch force of 100 - 115 kg, and 70х50 mm to 300 kg. With careless handling, they can cause harm: pinching your fingers, injuring your skin, damaging your bone. In the uncontrolled collision of two magnets, the material may crumble with the formation of sharp fragments capable of injuring the eyes.

Application

Traditionally, they are used in electronic devices and devices where it is necessary to create a constant magnetic field. The properties of the material make it possible to successfully apply them in the search and lifting of metal objects from the bottom of reservoirs. Such constructions besides a lug for fastening of a cable are equipped by a rim-bolt which is simply necessary, as at screwing it allows to disconnect two strongly adhered surfaces.

Magnets are available in sizes from 1 to 120 mm in diameter and in different thicknesses and shapes. The thinnest of them find wide application in leather goods and furniture industry. They can be found in funny toys and devices for hanging various utensils. Powerful magnets are indispensable in the filtration of bulk and liquid materials. They are used to trap metallic impurities and foreign objects in the conveyor belt.

High clutch force encourages people to use them and to obtain "savings" when using water and gas. By purchasing neodymium magnets for counters, they are thus trying to stop or slow down the rotation of their mechanism. This possibility is theoretically available in devices where steel elements are used internally. A powerful magnet mounted in a specific place on the housing can slow down the rotation of the impeller.

Can I make neodymium magnets by myself?

Industrial technology, in addition to sintering the mass into the alloy, assumes a still complicated process of magnetization of the obtained substance, which is not available at home. Very powerful force fields are used for this. If there is a great desire to get the neodymium magnets themselves, one can do it by oneself, having disassembled the "electronics" that has become obsolete.

In some old hard disks one can find one or two small elements inside. Trying to drill or crush such magnets is not advisable. The surface protective layer is damaged, the material reacts with the medium and loses its properties. In addition, as experts say, the chips have a high inflammability and can ignite the surrounding surfaces.