Frequently asked Questions
Magnets, more precisely permanent magnets, are used to actuate Reed Switches and Reed Sensors. We have collected the most frequently asked questions about this important component and the different material grades here.
What is the cheapest magnet material?
Ferrite is the most cost effective magnetic material.
What is meant by "Rare Earth Magnets"?
SmCo (Samarium-Cobalt) and NdFeB (Neodymium-Iron-Boron) magnets belong to the "Rare Eearth" types since they contain Samarium or Neodymium. These elements are used in high-energy magnets.
What does NdFeB, SmCo and AlNiCo stand for?
- NdFeB (Neodymium-Iron-Boron)
- SmCo (Samarium-Cobalt)
- AlNiCo (Aluminium-Nickel-Cobalt)
Do you also supply single pole magnets?
Sorry, there is no magnetic "mono or single pole" available (like a battery always has two poles).
Do Magnets lose their magnetization after some time?
Provided that the Magnet is not exposed to strong demagnetizing fields, radioactivity or temperatures exceeding the max. OP temperature, the magnetization remains nearly unchanged.
Why is Remanence Br much higher than what I measure using a Gaussmeter on a pole surface?
The Remanence Br (in Gauss or mT) is stated for the material grade, not for the individual surface value of a magnet type.
Where is North / South pole?
The north pole of a magnet points toward geographic north, which is magnetic south, since unlike poles attract. So the south pole of a magnet points toward geographic south, which is magnetic north. Geographic North = magnetic South. Geographic South = magnetic North. We supply also magnets with pole marking.