Manufacturing Magnets for Magnetic Therapy

Manufacturing Magnets for Magnetic Therapy

Blog Article

Once the alloy is prepared, it is melted and cast into ingots. These ingots are then ground into a fine powder using a technique called hydrogen decrepitation. This powder is then subjected to a process known as sintering, which involves pressing the powder into molds under high pressure and then heating it in a controlled environment. This step allows the powder particles to fuse together into a solid mass without melting, preserving the material’s crystalline structure and magnetic properties. The resulting blocks are called sintered magnets and can be machined or cut to the desired shape and size.

Magnetic orientation is another crucial step during manufacturing. This involves aligning the magnetic domains in the material in a specific direction before or during the sintering process. Applying a magnetic field at this stage allows the final product to achieve maximum magnetic performance in the desired direction. In some methods, the orientation is done during  Industrial Magnets compaction, while in others, it is applied immediately after the material is pressed. The orientation process is vital because it determines the magnet’s strength and stability in real-world applications.

After sintering and orientation, the magnets are often brittle and require precision machining. Cutting, grinding, and shaping are done using diamond-coated tools to ensure accuracy while preserving the magnet's strength. Because magnets are hard and fragile, this step requires careful handling and advanced equipment. Any mechanical stress can lead to micro-cracks or loss of magnetization, so precision and experience are essential.

Following machining, many magnets undergo a coating or surface treatment process. This is particularly important for rare earth magnets like neodymium, which are highly susceptible to corrosion. Common coatings include nickel, zinc, epoxy, gold, and plastic. These coatings not only protect the magnet from environmental factors such as moisture and chemicals but also improve the magnet’s durability and appearance. In applications where hygiene is important, such as medical devices, specialized biocompatible coatings may be used.

Another critical step in magnet manufacturing is magnetization. This process involves exposing the finished magnet to a strong external magnetic field, usually generated by a coil or solenoid, to align the internal domains permanently. The strength and direction of the magnetic field applied during this step define the magnet's performance in practical use. Once the magnet has been fully magnetized, it is tested for various parameters such as field strength, polarity, and mechanical tolerances to ensure quality and consistency.