Best Practices for Neodymium Magnet
Neodymium magnets, including those from Winnie Industries, are known for their exceptional strength and functionality across many applications. As with other materials, they must be handled with care to avoid personal injury or damage to the magnets. It is important to understand the safety precautions and proper handling practices when working with these powerful magnets.
General Safety Precautions
Powerful attraction forces can cause serious injury
Neodymium magnets are more powerful than other types of magnets. The attract or repel with great force which can be surprising to those unfamiliar with their strength. Fingers and other body parts can be pinched between two magnets. With larger magnets, injuries of this type can be severe.
Neodymium magnets are not for children
Neodymium magnets are not toys and should be kept away from children. Small magnets can pose a choking hazard. Ingesting magnets can lead to serious health risks, including intestinal damage as they can attach to one another through intestine walls.
Neodymium magnets can affect pacemakers and other sensitive devices
The magnetic fields near neodymium magnets can disrupt medical devices such pacemakers, ICDs, hearing aids, and other medical equipment, posing serious health risks. Always store and handle neodymium magnets at a safe distance from sensitive medical devices.
Magnets can affect magnetic media
The magnetic fields near neodymium magnets can erase data or damage magnetic media such as floppy disks, credit cards, magnetic ID cards, video tapes or other such devices. They can also damage televisions, VCRs, computer monitors and CRT displays. Avoid placing neodymium magnets near electronic appliances.
Neodymium magnets are brittle and fragile
Neodymium magnets are made of a hard, brittle material. They can peel, chip, crack or shatter if allowed to slam together. Do not drill or machine neodymium magnets. Attempting to cut, grind, or drill them generates fine metallic dust, which is highly flammable and poses a fire hazard.
High temperatures demagnetize neodymium magnets
Extreme heat can demagnetize a magnet making it less effective. Avoid using magnets in places where they are exposed to extreme heat.
Strong magnets can interfere with a compass and navigation
Magnetic fields can influence compasses or magnetometers used in air transport. They can also affect internal compasses of smartphone and GPS devices, causing potential navigational errors.
Proper Handling Techniques
Use protective gear
Always wear appropriate protective gear when handling large magnets or working with multiple magnets. Fingers and other body parts can be pinched between two magnets. Shattering magnets can launch small pieces at great speeds. Wearing gloves and eye protection will minimize the risk of injury.
Avoid direct contact with other magnets or ferromagnetic objects
Neodymium magnets can forcefully collide or snap together, potentially causing injury. Keep magnets at a safe distance from each other and from ferromagnetic objects. Keep larger magnets separated using spacers. Use a firm grip and controlled movements to minimize the risk of sudden magnet collisions.
Use tools for separation
Use non-magnetic tools such as plastic wedges or wooden spacers to carefully pry stuck magnets apart. Sliding them apart sideways with your tool rather than pulling directly can also reduce resistance. Using the right tools enable you to safely separate magnets without risking injury or damage.
Work on a non-metal table or surface
Due to their strong pull force, use a sturdy, non-metal table or surface for handling magnets. This allows for easy management and prevents accidental snapping together when setting them apart.
Storing neodymium magnets
Neodymium magnets should be stored in a dry environment with low humidity to prevent corrosion. Ideally, they should be kept at room temperature, as extreme temperatures can affect their magnetic properties.
Although neodymium magnets are coated with protective layers, they are still susceptible to rust if exposed to moisture. Use silica gel packets in storage containers to help control humidity levels and protect the magnets from corrosion.
Use non-magnetic containers to store neodymium magnets. Plastic or wooden boxes are ideal. For smaller magnets, individual compartments within the container can prevent them from attracting each other.
Spacers should be placed between magnets to keep them apart, reducing the risk of accidental collisions.
Transporting neodymium magnets
Use sturdy, non-magnetic materials for packaging. Ensure that magnets are separated using spacers or packed individually to prevent them from attracting each other during transport.
If shipping magnets, be aware of restrictions and regulations concerning the shipment of powerful magnets. Consult your shipping company for additional information.
Disposal and Recycling
Do not dispose of neodymium magnets in regular trash, as they can cause damage to waste processing equipment and pose safety risks.
Follow local regulations for the disposal of magnetic materials. Many recycling centers accept neodymium magnets allowing for proper disposal and recycling.