FIRST4MAGNETS® | BLOG | THE WORLD OF MAGNETS

01/07/2021
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How are Alnico magnets important to electric guitars?

Our magnets are used in an array of applications including filtration and separation to everyday objects like smartphones, one use of alnico magnets which may not commonly be known is in electric guitars. So, if you’ve ever been guitar shopping or though about learning to play, you’ll have stumbled across the term alnico pickups. But what exactly are alnico pickups and why are alnico magnets used? What are Alnico magnets? Alnico is an acronym comprising of the first letter of the three metallic elements used to produce the magnets Aluminium,... Read More

30/06/2021
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How Are Samarium Cobalt Magnets Made?

Samarium cobalt magnets are widely produced and the permanent magnets are primarily made up of samarium and cobalt but some grades will also contain varying small amounts of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), hafnium (Hf), zirconium (Zr) and praseodymium (Pr). A number of common manufacturing processes can be used to produce samarium cobalt magnets but typically, a method of reduction and melting is used followed by a process of bonding or sintering the raw material to form the magnet. Bonded Samarium Cobalt Magnets . . Step 1 – Heated Firstly, the... Read More

29/06/2021
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How are Ferrite Magnets made?

The process for manufacturing ferrite magnets, also known as ceramic magnets, is not as costly or sophisticated as producing rare-earth neodymium magnets. The chemical compound of ferrite magnets is SrO-6 (Fe2O3), a combination of strontium carbonate and iron oxide. Due to their chemical make-up it means they are extremely resistant to demagnetisation through heat and corrosion, although, like neodymium magnets they are very hard and brittle. Step 1 – Calcination The production of ferrite magnets begins with calcining a finely powdered mixture of iron oxide and strontium carbonate to produce... Read More

28/06/2021
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How are Neodymium magnets made?

Neodymium magnets are technological marvels and the process for creating them is sophisticated and delicate. The main ingredients of a neodymium magnet are neodymium itself, iron, and boron; the chemical compound known as NdFeb. The exact ingredients depend on the grade or strength of magnet being produced. However, the production process for different strength magnets sees the same size different stages required to produce a neodymium magnet. . Step 1 – The Mix Firstly, all the elements to make the chosen grade of magnet are placed into a vacuum induction... Read More

25/06/2021
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How are Sintered Alnico Magnets made?

Alnico magnets have now been manufactured for over 100 years, in which time the process has not drastically changed. Alnico magnets are permanent magnets that are primarily made up of a combination of aluminium, nickel and cobalt but can also include copper, iron and titanium. In this blog we will be explaining the manufacturing process of Sintered Alnico magnets, smaller Alnico magnets, weighing grams rather than kilograms are usually created using the sintering process. Sintering is generally the process used when a high volume of magnets are required. . . Step 1... Read More

24/06/2021
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How are Cast Alnico magnets made?

Alnico magnets have now been manufactured for over 100 years, in which time the process has not drastically changed. Alnico magnets are permanent magnets that are primarily made up of a combination of aluminium, nickel and cobalt but can also include copper, iron and titanium. In this blog we will be explaining the manufacturing process of Cast Alnico, a larger Alnico magnet weighing tens of kilograms which will nearly always be produced by casting. Step 1 – Foundry Furnace Each grade of Alnico has a special recipe in terms of... Read More

23/06/2021
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What are our strongest magnets

Ever wondered what our strongest magnets are? A magnets strength is an important factor to consider when browsing for the perfect magnet. So, we have decided to list together the strongest of all of our magnets but if you want to shop the entire range of our strongest magnets all in one place, then follow the link below. Lifting Magnets Our range includes hand controlled and switchable lifting magnets in a variety of strengths ranging from 125kg to 2000kg safe working loads. The range of magnets are all designed to... Read More

17/06/2021
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What metals do magnets attract to?

Several customers will contact our team of experts to enquire about what materials will our magnets stick to, as magnets will not stick to all metals. Understanding what metals are magnetic and then learning which metals are best for use in your applications is important. So, here at FIRST4MAGNETS we have decided to show you what magnets will and won’t stick to and explain the reasoning behind these answers. Metals that attract to magnets Metals that naturally attract to magnets are known as ferromagnetic metals; these magnets will firmly stick... Read More

14/06/2021
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What’s in our Magnetic Fishing Kit?

Magnet Fishing has seen a huge rise in popularity I recent years and has become incredibly popular on TikTok and YouTube, however if your unsure how to get started or what equipment you may need, don’t worry we have the answers for you. We’ve produced a Magnetic Fishing Kit which is perfect for beginners who are looking to start magnet fishing or for anyone looking to upgrade their current kit. The durable watertight, hard-shell carrying case includes everything you need for your next fishing trip. So what exactly is included... Read More

11/06/2021
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Our best Magnetic Gifts for Father’s Day

Father’s Day is just around the corner and we here at FIRST4MAGNETS want to help you to find the perfect gift for the father figure in your life. Make a change from the regular gifts this year and pick an extraordinary gift from our range of magnetic products! Even if your father figure isn’t a magnet enthusiast, we are sure to have the ideal gift for them, before you browse our range of gifts just ask yourself a few questions about your father: Does my father do DIY? Does my... Read More