What is a Strong Magnet?

Manufacturers and consumers researching specific magnet types may come across the term "strong magnet" in their search. At first, this sounds like an attribute that should be necessary for any magnet – who would buy something called a "weak magnet"?

Alnico magnets are strong enough for several industrial applications, while ceramic magnets offer versatility and cost savings in addition to their strength.

But are they strong magnets?

What seems a rather generic and obvious description is actually another way to describe one specific type of magnet. When you hear strong magnet, chances are the term refers to the strongest permanent magnet in the world – a rare earth magnet.

Rare earth magnets, made from alloys of rare earth elements, are substantially stronger than ceramic magnets or Alnico magnets. Adams offers them in block, ring or disc form, and in a variety of sizes and grades.

Strong as these strong magnets are, there are situations where another type of magnet might be preferable. A Neodymium magnet, the most common type of strong (rare earth) magnet, requires extremely high magnetizing fields, as well as a protective coating for certain applications.

Additionally, there are temperature constraints, and in all circumstances workers must always use caution when handling these magnets because of their exceptional magnetic force. Read more about strong magnets for industrial use here.

Rare earth or otherwise, if you visit the website of one of our sister companies – Dowling Magnets – you'll find information and descriptions on many different kinds of consumer magnets, including those strong enough to handle your specific application.

Read more about non-industrial strong magnets here.