What Is The Smallest Strongest Magnet?
The smallest and strongest magnets are Neodymium magnets, also known as super magnets - a title they definitely deserve. Neodymium magnets have incredible strength despite some of these little magnets weighing less than one gram. Neodymium magnets are the strongest permanent magnets in the world.
Neodymium is a Rare Earth material. These magnets are made from an alloy of Neodymium, Iron, and Boron (NdFeB). Neodymium magnets are used in countless applications, including motors, generators, magnetic bearings, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, electronics, communication and sensor systems. Neodymium magnets are sometimes referred to as silver magnets, because in most cases they have a chrome-like nickel-plated surface that is distinctive from other types of magnetic material.
The reason Neodymium magnets are so strong is because of their high resistance to demagnetisation (coercivity) and their high levels of magnetic saturation, which allows them to generate large magnetic fields.
The strength of Neodymium micro magnets is extraordinary. For example, a 2 gram (0.07 ounce) Neodymium magnet measuring just 8 mm (0.315 inches) in diameter and 5 mm (0.197 inches) long, generates a force of over 1700 grams (3.75 pounds).
Because Neodymium Rare Earth magnets are so compact and powerful, they have enabled the rapid development of many high-tech equipment and industries. Neodymium micro magnets have led to high-tech gadgets becoming smaller, cheaper and lighter while maintaining optimal pull strength. The superior magnetic quality of Neodymium magnets has also led to greater efficiency in the automotive industry, communications and mobile phones, avionics, green energy, alarms and sensors, audio equipment and factory automation.
There are magnets even smaller than the tiny commercially available Neodymium magnets used in jewellery and electronics. The smallest and strongest magnets are known as microscale or nanoscale magnets, which are most often made from Neodymium or other Rare Earth materials. These magnets are manufactured using advanced techniques such as thin-film deposition or lithography.
But scientists have found a way to make even smaller micro magnets - single-molecule magnets (SMMs). These truly tiny micro magnets consist of individual molecules exhibiting magnetic properties. These molecules can be incredibly small, on the scale of nanometers, and yet exhibit strong magnetic behaviour at low temperatures.
These microscale magnets do not have the strength of larger Neodymium magnets used in commercial applications, but they do have an amazing size-to-strength ratio and potential applications in fields such as data storage, sensors, and biomedical technology is limitless.
Nano-scientists created an even smaller magnet, the world's smallest - an atom. This magnet has a north and south pole, composed of only one atom of the element - holmium (Ho)
What Can I Do With Tiny Magnets?
Tiny Neodymium magnets are perfect for people who construct miniature models, such as Warhammer, miniature railways and scale models. Modellers apply paint on top of the magnet to keep it hidden, and the power and proportions of these micro-Neodymium magnets have transformed the accuracy and scope of scale modelling.
Magnetising miniature models opens a universe of customisation options. With the simple addition of small magnets, parts such as arms, weapons, and heads become interchangeable. The flexibility when using Neodymium micro magnets allows you to adapt figures for different gaming scenarios or to showcase them in various dynamic poses.
Magnetic clasps are an essential tool in the jewellery industry. Small, powerful Neodymium magnets are easy to use and are more secure and versatile than traditional jewellery clasps. Magnetic jewellery clasps allow necklaces and bracelets to be closed easily and securely.
Tiny Neodymium magnets make great fridge and whiteboard magnets. Whether it's polymer clay creations, painted pebbles or resin crafts, Neodymium magnets can turn all projects into handy fridge and whiteboard magnets. Using these small but powerful Neodymium magnets means you can display your artwork, projects, priorities and plans with a dash of flair and creativity.
Because they are so strong and discreet, Neodymium mini magnets are a must-have tool for craft work, whether in home design, fashion, jewellery, or other decorative arts. Micro magnets can be easily hidden within fabric or easily attached to other items, which means these Neodymium magnets can attach and hold two items together without the attachment being obtrusive or clumsy. In dressmaking and fashion design, tiny Neodymium magnets offer a whole new way of securing clothing. They are easily inserted into textiles and allow for innovative options to buttons, zips and hooks.
Small, adhesive Neodymium button magnets are ideal for securing to the back of documents and photos. They’re lightweight enough not to affect the document itself but strong enough to keep them attached to your fridge or whiteboard. Neodymium mini magnets are cost effective, easy to attach, prevent damage or penetration to surfaces, and allow an almost limitless range of applications.
As well as being useful and versatile, small Neodymium magnets have had a huge impact on a whole range of industries. In factories and processing plants, the small size of these magnets, coupled with their surprising magnetic power, has allowed automated production lines to be designed more efficiently, for sensors to be added to production lines and alarm systems, and for the advanced development of some of the amazing audio technology available today, such as microphones and speakers.
Our mobile phones use tiny Neodymium magnets, the cases they are in also use mini magnets for closure – in fact, we use these small Neodymium powerhouse magnets in our homes, offices, schools and workspaces every day.
Are Small Magnets Safe?
Small magnets are safe to use for adults but can be dangerous in the hands of a child. Mini magnets are easily swallowed, and children, especially younger children, should be supervised when using mini magnets. Parents and caregivers are advised to be extremely careful when letting children handle products with small magnets as these can be life threatening when accidentally swallowed.
Small, strong magnets are increasingly being used in novelty items and many toys will have tiny magnets within them. Young children may mistake these colourful magnets for sweets and swallow them. Children may also be attracted to fridge magnets that are made to look like food.
The danger of ingesting these small magnets arises when more than one magnet is swallowed over a short period of time. The magnets may become attracted to each other while travelling through the body and can damage intestinal walls. These magnets have also been known to cause infection, blood poisoning and even death. When magnets are swallowed, emergency surgery may be required.
Before you purchase any small, powerful magnets, read the age recommendations, safety warnings, and other instructions for use and follow them strictly.
If you are buying products which use magnets, make sure the magnets are securely attached and do not come off easily or become a choking hazard.
If toys have magnets attached or inserted into them, make sure you supervise children when they are playing with them, check that there are no loose magnetic pieces and inspect toys regularly to make sure there is no risk that a child could accidentally ingest a magnet.
Keep small magnets and items containing magnets securely out of children’s reach. If a child is suspected of swallowing a magnet, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Warn children that small magnets and toys containing magnets should never be placed in their mouths and share with other parents the potential dangers that small magnets can pose to children.
