Neodymium Bar Magnets: Orientation of Magnetization

As technology advances permanent magnets made of rare-earth magnets will remain in high demand. Depending on one’s project, a neodymium magnet of a particular shape can be found. For instance, neodymium bar magnets can be applied to projects that have straight edges. A bar magnet is a rectangular-shaped thing. It is a block from which many other shapes can be cut out. Bar-shaped neo magnets have varied sizes. Each size is compatible with a given application. Thus it is essential to know where to apply a neodymium bar magnet of a particular size. If a customer is not sure of the correct size or dimensions for their application, they should ask the manufacturer for assistance.

An experienced magnet manufacturer would obviously know which magnet fits where. Size is often described in terms of thickness, diameter, width and length among other factors. As far as neodymium bar magnets are concerned, size is defined using length x width x thickness. Thickness is normally found along the axis of magnetization and it is often the smallest dimension. When one is looking to buy a longer magnet, they will hardly find a type that is magnetized through thickness. In most cases long bar NdFeB magnets are magnetized via the width or length. So far one can realize that bar magnets can either be short or long. There is also a very necessary factor to consider. This is orientation, is defined as the direction of magnetization.

Usually identified during the die-pressing stage, orientation can differ in two ways. Some magnets lack orientation, meaning that they can be magnetized in all directions or any direction. These are known as isotropic. The types that have orientation, meaning that they can be magnetized in only one direction are called anisotropic. These are commonly preferred because of their strong magnetic field. When looking for neodymium bar magnets one should be keen on anisotropic and isotropic detail. It should be communicated clearly to the customer to avoid confusion. Some products on sale may be un-magnetized anisotropic or isotropic options. This important detail should also be clearly communicated by the vendor. The direction of magnetization can be symbolized in two ways: drawings or written words.

They usually write M or <M>. It is typically written next to the dimension that is parallel to the direction of magnetization. And they will also indicate whether the magnet has been magnetized through its thickness, diameter or axially. When a drawing is used to symbolize orientation, two labeled arrows are used pointing opposite directions and separated by letter M. The arrows are usually parallel to the direction of orientation or magnetization. Polarity is also indicated to help customers get their desired neodymium bar magnets. When polarity is unknown, a customer may pick the wrong choice for their function or project which will waste time and money. Polarity indication is particularly beneficial to those who wish to use non-symmetric NIB magnets.

About Stanford Magnets. http://www.stanfordmagnets.com/

Based in California, Stanford Magnets has been involved in the R&D and sales of licensed Rare-earth permanent magnets, Neodymium magnets and SmCo magnets, ceramic magnets, flexible magnets and magnetic assemblies since the mid of 1980s. We supply all these types of magnets in a wide range of shapes, sizes and grades.