1. What are neodymium magnets? Are they the same as "rare earth"?

Neodymium magnets are a member of the rare earth magnet family. They are called "rare earth" because neodymium is a member of the "rare earth" elements on the periodic table. Neodymium magnets are the strongest of the rare earth magnets and are the strongest permanent magnets in the world.

2. What are neodymium magnets made from and how are they made?

Neodymium magnets are actually composed of neodymium, iron and boron (they are also referred to as NIB or NdFeB magnets). The powdered mixture is pressed under great pressure into molds. The material is then sintered (heated under a vacuum), cooled, and then ground or sliced into the desired shape. Coatings are then applied if required. Finally, the blank magnets are magnetized by exposing them to a very powerful magnetic field in excess of 30 KOe.

3. How is the strength of a magnet measured?

Gaussmeters are used to measure the magnetic field density at the surface of the magnet. This is referred to as the surface field and is measured in Gauss (or Tesla). Pull Force Testers are used to test the holding force of a magnet that is in contact with a flat steel plate. Pull forces are measured in pounds (or kilograms).

4. What does the "N rating", or grade, of the neodymium magnets mean?

The grade, or "N rating" of the magnet refers to the Maximum Energy Product of the material that the magnet is made from. It refers to the maximum strength that the material can be magnetized to. The grade of neodymium magnets is generally measured in units millions of Gauss Oersted (MGOe). A magnet of grade N42 has a Maximum Energy Product of 42 MGOe. Generally speaking, the higher the grade, the stronger the magnet.