Neodymium Iron Boron Magnets are one of the most powerful commercial permanent magnets available today. These rare earth magnets can be up to 10 times stronger than the strongest ceramic magnet. NdFeB magnets are typically produced using one of two general method categories, bonded magnets (compression, injection, extrusion or calendaring molding), and sintered magnets (powder metallurgy, PM process). NdFeB magnets are commonly used in products that require strong permanent magnets such as hard disk drives for computers, electric motors in cordless equipment, and fasteners. For medical component applications new uses of these powerful magnets are emerging. For instance, catheter navigation, where magnets can be integrated into the tip of a catheter assembly and controlled by external magnetic systems for steerability and deflect ability.
Other uses in the medical field include the introduction of open magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners which are used to map and image anatomy, as an alternative to superconducting magnets which typically use coils of wire to produce a magnetic field. Additional uses in the medical device field include, long and short-term implants, and minimally invasive devices. Some minimally invasive applications for neodymium iron boron magnets are endoscopic assemblies for a myriad of procedures including; gastroesophageal, gastrointestinal, skeleton, muscle and joints, cardiovascular, and neural.
Ferrite magnets, neodymium magnets or even magnetic bases are used for a variety of applications in technology, in industry and also for medical purposes. There is a need to provide magnets with a surface protection against corrosion, the “coating” for magnets. Plating neodymium magnets is an important process to protect the magnet against corrosion. The substrate NdFeB (Neodymium, Iron, Boron) will oxidize quickly without a protective layer. Below is a list of plating/coating and their feathers for your reference.
| Surface Treatment | ||||||
| Coating | Coating Thickness (μm) |
Color | Working Temperature (℃) |
PCT (h) | SST (h) | Features |
| Blue-White Zinc | 5-20 | Blue-White | ≤160 | - | ≥48 | Anodic coating |
| Color Zinc | 5-20 | Rainbow color | ≤160 | - | ≥72 | Anodic coating |
| Ni | 10-20 | Silver | ≤390 | ≥96 | ≥12 | High temperature resistance |
| Ni+Cu+Ni | 10-30 | Silver | ≤390 | ≥96 | ≥48 | High temperature resistance |
| Vacuum aluminizing |
5-25 | Silver | ≤390 | ≥96 | ≥96 | Good combination, high temperature resistance |
| Electrophoretic epoxy |
15-25 | Black | ≤200 | - | ≥360 | Insulation, good consistency of thickness |
| Ni+Cu+Epoxy | 20-40 | Black | ≤200 | ≥480 | ≥720 | Insulation, good consistency of thickness |
| Aluminium+Epoxy | 20-40 | Black | ≤200 | ≥480 | ≥504 | Insulation, strong resistance to salt spray |
| Epoxy spray | 10-30 | Black, Grey | ≤200 | ≥192 | ≥504 | Insulation, high temperature resistance |
| Phosphating | - | - | ≤250 | - | ≥0.5 | Low cost |
| Passivation | - | - | ≤250 | - | ≥0.5 | Low cost, invironment friendly |
| Contact our experts for other coatings! | ||||||
NiCuNi coating: The nickel coating is composed of three layers, nickel-copper-nickel. This type of coating is the most widely used and provides protection against corrosion of the magnet in outdoor situations. Processing costs are low. The maximum working temperature is approximately 220-240ºC (depending on the maximum working temperature of the magnet). This type of coating is used in engines, generators, medical devices, sensors, automotive applications, retention, thin film deposition processes and pumps.
Black nickel: The properties of this coating are similar to those of the nickel coating, with the difference that an additional process is generated, the black nickel assembly. Properties are similar to those of conventional nickel plating; with the particularity that this coating is used in applications that require that the visual aspect of the piece is not bright.
Gold: This type of coating is often used in the medical field and is also suitable for use in contact with the human body. There is an approval from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Under the gold coating there is a sub-layer of Ni-Cu-Ni. The maximum working temperature is also about 200 ° C. In addition to the field of medicine, gold plating is also used for jewelry and decorative purposes.
Zinc: If the maximum working temperature is less than 120 ° C, this type of coating is adequate. The costs are lower and the magnet is protected against corrosion in the open air. It can be glued to steel, although a specially developed adhesive must be used. The zinc coating is suitable provided that the protective barriers for the magnet are low and low working temperatures prevail.
Parylene: This coating is also approved by the FDA. Therefore, they are used for medical applications in the human body. The maximum working temperature is approximately 150 ° C. The molecular structure consists of ring-shaped hydrocarbon compounds consisting of H, Cl and F. Depending on the molecular structure, different types are distinguished as: Parylene N, Parylene C, Parylene D and Parylene HT.
Epoxy: A coating that provides an excellent barrier against salt and water. There is a very good adhesion to steel, if the magnet is glued with a special adhesive suitable for magnets. The maximum working temperature is approximately 150 ° C. The epoxy coatings are usually black, but they can also be white. Applications can be found in the maritime sector, engines, sensors, consumer goods and the automotive sector.
Magnets injected in plastic: or also called over-moulded. Its main characteristic is its excellent protection of the magnet against breakage, impacts and corrosion. The protective layer provides protection against water and salt. The maximum working temperature depends on the plastic used (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene).
Formed PTFE (Teflon): Like the injected / plastic coating also provides excellent protection of the magnet against breakage, impacts and corrosion. The magnet is protected against moisture, water and salt. The maximum working temperature is around 250 ° C. This coating is mainly used in the medical industries and in the food industry.
Rubber: The rubber coating protects perfectly from breakage and impacts and minimizes corrosion. The rubber material produces very good slip resistance on steel surfaces. The maximum working temperature is around 80-100 ° C. Pot magnets with rubber coating are the most obvious and widely used products.
We provide our clients with professional advice and solutions on how to protect your magnets and to obtain the best application of the magnet. Contact us and we will be happy to answer your question.
