Different Types And Uses Of Permanent Magnets

Permanent magnets are magnets permanently and are different from those which behave like magnets only when electric current is passed through them. Magnets are made of materials like magnetite or neodymium. Magnetite is a mineral which occurs naturally while neodymium is a synthetic material.

Since these are not as strong as the electromagnets their applications are also limited. However, they have various uses. Like any magnet these magnets are also capable of producing a magnetic field around in a particular pattern. The size of the magnet decides the size of the field. A permanent magnet has two poles, the south and the north.


These magnets have to be used with care because they can cause some trouble by erasing the data from your computer hard drives or your ATM card. If you want to erase any data and make it irrecoverable all you have to do is run a magnet over it. Usually, the deleted data is actually hidden somewhere and not totally removed when deleted. But using a permanent magnet you can erase it completely.





Permanent magnets retain their magnetism and are used for various purposes. They are used in different kinds of tools like screwdrivers to keep the screws attached and not lose them. But you need to be careful with them while working with discs and hard drives. Another use is in electric and hybrid vehicles. These magnets are specially used in vehicles which are made of materials containing high proportion rare earths. Some types of jewelry also use these magnets. Some necklaces, earrings and bracelets use them for keeping the jewelry clasped.

There are various kinds of scientifically engineered permanent magnets. Some of them are alnico, bonded, fabricated, hard ferrite, neodymium and somarium cobalt magnets. Alnico magnets are made by combining nickel, aluminum and cobalt. They come in different sizes from less than a gram to 22 kg. They are strong, durable, highly resistant to corrosion and stable in hot temperatures. Various complex shapes can also be produced from this.


Bonded types are injection molded which means that they can be shaped into requires forms. They generate moderate amounts of energy and are highly resistant to oxidation. When not stored in cold temperatures they tend to decay soon. Fabricated magnets have less strength when compared to the bonded types. They are made of pliable resins and binders like vinyl etc. The inexpensive varieties have moderate strength and are stable in moderate and cold temperatures.

Hard ferrite magnets are made of barium compound and iron oxide. They are widely used due to their inexpensive nature. The neo magnets are available in a wide variety of classifications and dimensions. They are usually used in different types of motors, MRIs, amplifiers etc.


The somarium cobalt magnets are used for small motors for snowmobiles and boats. They are highly resistant to oxidation and offer great high-temperature operation, magnetic intensity and high-energy production. Since they are made of rare earths they are brittle. These magnets are expensive also.