Working with Neodymium Magnets

Instead of trying to pull strong magnets apart, firmly slide and/or twist them away from each other and far enough apart so that they don’t jump back together.Neodymium magnets are exceptionally strong. If you’ve never handled them before, you will probably be surprised by how powerful these magnets can be.This is because neodymium magnets are the strongest type of permanent magnet in the world. In fact, they are far stronger than all other ceramic or alnico magnets of equal size – with a magnetic energy value as much as 18 times greater than these other magnets by volume and 12 times...

Generally speaking, no. All neodymium magnets, while solid and hard, are also very brittle. The hardness of the neodymium nickel coating material is rated at RC46 on the Rockwell "C" scale, and this is harder than commercially available drills and tooling. As a result, these tools will heat up and become damaged if used on neodymium magnets. Machining of neodymium magnets can be done, but should only be performed by experienced machinists familiar with the risk and safety issues involved. Normally, diamond tooling, EDM (Electrostatic Discharge Machines), and abrasives are the preferred methods for shaping neodymium magnet material. It is...