Magnet Facts

If we erased magnets from our history and current existence, where would we be? It’s actually a mind-bending thought experiment to consider. Perhaps, at first, you might consider how a few different industries would be altered; however, given enough thought, you would realize that our society would be fundamentally different, and not only would a lack of magnets change certain industries, it would completely eliminate others. If we’re being honest, we simply couldn’t erase magnets, especially because magnetism is one of the fundamental forces in nature — the magnetosphere sustains life on planet Earth.  Continue reading →

Digital sensors are in a multitude of devices you use each day. This includes door sensors for appliances, car sensors, position-tracking devices, and antitheft software. These devices also use magnets to help accomplish their goal. Keep reading to learn how this technology works and how you can protect your devices from damage. Continue reading →

The magnets on your fridge are responsible for hanging up family photos, art projects, and other items that make you stop and reminisce. While looking at the display of memories, have you thought about the magnets holding them?  Continue reading →

When you imagine a magnet, does the iconic horseshoe magnet come to mind? For many, it does! This U-shaped magnet has remained a popular depiction of magnets and has an interesting story behind it. Continue reading →

Have you purchased rare earth magnets or bought items containing magnets and questioned how to dispose of them when you’re finished? We’ve covered the topic of recycling and reusing rare earth magnets in blogs before, so to celebrate Earth Day, we’ve rounded some key topics to keep you up-to-date on this important topic. Today, recycling remains a critical issue in environmental discussions, but plastic and glass are not the only materials with an environmental impact. After all, it is estimated that only one percent of rare earth elements (REE) are recycled from end products for modern technologies. For example, magnets are in many of the devices we discard, but they are often forgotten.  Continue reading →

A group of scientists from the Materials Research Institute, led by Dr. Lee Jung-koo and Dr. Kim Tae-hoon developed a new rare earth element-reduced permanent magnet material that can reduce the use of the element neodymium by about 30% in industrial magnets.  Because rare earths can be difficult to obtain and many countries experience supply shortages (most production takes place outside of the US and there are limitations and regulations to export), the scientists aimed to find an alternative solution to reduce neodymium without impacting its magnetic properties. Prior to this new development the cerium content was increased, but it negatively impacted magnetic properties. Continue reading →

Did you know that magnetism could potentially play a role in relaying quantum information? Well, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory has performed extensive research that has, according to their scientists, achieved efficient quantum coupling between two distant magnetic devices, which can “host a certain type of magnetic excitations called magnons.”  Continue reading →

The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering — called the “Nobel for engineering” — recognized the importance and ubiquitousness of magnets by naming Japanese scientist Masato Sagawa the 2022 laureate. Sagawa invented the neodymium-iron-boron (Nd-Fe-B) magnet, which is the strongest permanent magnet in widespread use today. They’re everywhere around us in the products we use every day, like cars, cellphones, and computers.   It’s relevant to note that America’s Dr. John Croat simultaneously came up with the same material solution when working with General Motors. Sagawa’s manufacturing process, however, gave him the upper hand.  Continue reading →

Magnets are integral to the workplace. They not only streamline processes but provide safety in high-risk applications. Magnets can help address common work hazards and meet industry safety practices because of their durability, reliability, and pull force. They are particularly useful for safety in metalworking and fabrication, automobile workshops, production facilities, construction sites, warehouses, and more. Considering implementing one of the following types of magnets to improve safety processes:  Continue reading →

When filling out your Apex custom magnet request form, you’ll come across a section to choose a magnet coating or finish: nickel, zinc, plastic, rubber, epoxy, chrome, gold, silver, or none. Magnet coatings and finishes could help your magnet perform better in your application. They can improve durability, which increases the magnet’s lifetime and reduces overall costs.  If you’re unsure of which magnet coating or finish you should get, or if you should get one at all, this guide can help you decide.  Continue reading →