Magnetic Assemblies and Safety Precautions

In the realm of motion control, permanent magnets are a fundamental component that assist in the functionality of couplings, motors, stators, and other various components. Generally, magnetic assemblies provide torque and motion that is ample enough for standard system operations despite their compact packaging. As permanent magnets can present various safety concerns when they begin to reach the end of their service lives or when damaged, it is important that they are well maintained and protected. In this blog, we will discuss the common materials that are used for magnetic assembly construction, as well as some of the various safety precautions that should be followed to prevent hazardous conditions.


When procuring permanent magnets for a motion control application or system, the most popular types of magnet parts are those that are fully sintered rare earth magnets. Generally, a magnet assembly made from Neodymium – Iron – Boron (NdFeB) or Samarium Cobalt (SmCo) can be beneficial due to the high energy density that such materials provide. Beyond such types, coned or injection molded magnets may be used, though at the expense of less energy density as compared to fully sintered variations. Generally, coned or injection molded magnets provide 80% less energy density.
 
Unlike other forms of magnet parts, permanent magnets are unable to be turned off due to their dynamic behavior. As such, they are capable of producing large amounts of force, especially when implemented in bigger assemblies. Due to this force, extreme caution must be followed in order to maintain safety in operations. Nevertheless, there are certain aspects of operations that make the presence of permanent magnets useful, such as their ability to maintain functionality even when parallel or angular misalignment between components occurs.
 
There are many ways in which safety precautions can be upheld, ranging from the construction of the assembly itself to how procedures are carried out. Permanent magnets are often faced with the risk of corrosion, and thus a nickel coating may be added to various magnet types for protection. It is very important that plating is added correctly for corrosion resistance as incorrect application may lead to various safety issues. A common issue faced by magnets with incorrect plating is an occurrence known as “dog boning,” that of which is when an excess current begins to build up around the corners of the assembly. This can lead to a loss in overall integrity, thus it is important to protect the magnet.
 
NdFeB permanent magnets in particular are often at risk of damage due to the presence of hydrogen which results in a process known as hydrogen decrepitation. Typically, this issue results from the process of plating, stemming from hydrogen becoming trapped under plating when a caustic washing process is carried out before corrosion resistance is implemented. Such issues may not show up right away, rather slowly developing until damage is already done.
 
Magnets constructed from rare earth often undergo a slow and intensive process for production, requiring specific pressures. Magnets are also often very brittle, meaning that slicing and grinding procedures must be taken at a slow pace to prevent any damage. Alongside their construction, the implementation of magnets within a system also warrants caution, and safety standards should be followed during assembly.
 
During the operation of various permanent magnet assemblies, all personnel should always wear protective gear as necessary, and manufacturer specifications and safety guidelines must be adhered to in order to avoid any dangers or injuries. When handling large magnets, one should also wear safety goggles, and gloves are also useful to prevent pinching. Additionally, magnets should be kept at a distance from sensitive electronics and storage devices when they are transported or operated, ensuring that damage does not occur.
 
When you find yourself in need of permanent magnets, fastener magnetic parts, and other magnetic assembly components, look no further than ASAP AOG. ASAP AOG is a website owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, offering customers access to an unrivaled inventory containing over 2 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find items. We are the only independent distributor with a strict NO CHINA SOURCING pledge, ensuring that all parts are from a manufacturer that we trust. Furthermore, we utilize third party testing centers to ensure that all components are inspected, tested, and verified as necessary. Due to our unwavering commitment to such quality control standards, we proudly conduct operations with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B certification and accreditation.
 
If there are particular items on our website that you would like to purchase, we invite you to first begin with a competitive quote for your comparisons which you may receive through the submission of an RFQ form. With team members readily available for customers 24/7x365, responses to quote requests will be given in just 15 minutes or less. Get started today and see why customers choose to steadily rely on ASAP AOG for all their operational requirements. 

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