When talking about magnets, you would usually think of the ones that you stick in front of your refrigerators and make out letters. You might also think of magnets that you use to stick notes and papers on a metallic surface. You may not be aware that there is one type of magnet that is so strong that even a tiny piece of it can hold onto another magnetic surface, called the neodymium magnet Plastic extrusion.
It is also considered another rare earth magnets because of its strength and extensive manufacturing process, which sets it apart from the usual magnets found in your home or office. What makes it more fascinating is that manufacturers can use it for many different applications, making it one of the most flexible magnets in the market.
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HDDs (Hard Disk Drives)
Neodymium magnets are most famous for many computer fanatics because they are used to make hard disk drives. Also known as an HDD, it is found in computers, and it serves as a storage area for your files and programs. It works by magnetising and demagnetising a fine film of ferromagnetic material on the disk.
Each disk is split up into several sectors, and each one has different small individual magnetic cells, which are magnetised by the HDDs read and write head. It does that every millisecond, which is the main reason for manufacturers to use stronger magnets.
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Dentures
You might not have noticed it, but dentures contain rare earth magnets, most especially neodymium magnets. Orthodontists and dentists usually use it for holding together substitute dentures or for attachments in corrective devices. A tiny neodymium magnet is enough to hold the corrective device one the dentures.
They are also resistant to corrosion, which is excellent at keeping your mouth free from rust and other contaminants from the dentures.
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Generators and motors
Another machine that uses neodymium magnets is motors and generators. They need it because motors rely on the combination of a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, wherein the permanent magnet is the neodymium that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.
However, generators do the opposite wherein it converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by placing a conductor through a magnetic field.
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Jewellery
You can find neodymium magnets in jewellery and for clasps because counter-bored neodymium magnets with contrasting poles on the other counter-bored faces create a secure clasp. Since the neodymium magnet is one of the strongest magnets worldwide, jewellers can use a 5 mm diameter magnet, and it will be effective.
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Anti-Lock Braking System Sensors
Most modern cars have ABS because it helps them come to a complete stop without locking up the tires. ABS is one of the most crucial safety features for any vehicle because it helps prevent unfortunate accidents from happening on the road. When all of your wheels lock up, they tend to lose grip, and that can make you lose control of your car.
ABS sensors have the neodymium magnet wrapped inside copper coils. Brake manufacturers install a sensor near the ABS reluctor ring, and a voltage occurs in the copper wire when the ring rotates. The signal is monitored by your vehicle’s onboard computer system and signals that your wheels are locking up, and the ABS turns on and regulates the braking for you to prevent it from losing grip.
The neodymium magnet is one out of the two rare earth magnets widely used in many applications. If you have a business that requires them, make sure you get them from a trusted supplier.