HEALTH AND SAFETY
Which magnets are best suited for children to use?
Children should always be supervised when playing with magnets. Neodymium magnets are too strong for children and small neodymium magnets are very dangerous if a child swallows more than one as they can attract in the intestines requiring immediate surgery. Small Alnico magnets are strong enough for children to experience magnetism without a risk of trapping fingers. For example the traditional alnico horseshoe magnetand educational alnico bar magnetsare widely used in schools. These magnets are also available in sets with iron filings to demonstrate the invisible magnetic fields.Back to top
Are magnets dangerous to someone with a pacemaker?
The operation of heart pacemakers will be affected by the close proximity of a magnet as they can cause pacemakers to operate in a mode that does not respond to the user’s own heart rhythm. The way a pacemaker responds to a magnetic field differs between manufacturers and therefore people with pacemakers should not put strong magnets close to their chest.
Will a magnet damage my smartphone or tablet?
Small and medium sized magnets should not have any detrimental effect on your smartphone or tablet. It is quite possible that these devices already contain small magnets which enable them to perform certain functions. However, it is always wise to keep large, powerful magnets away from any electronic device as strong magnetic fields could possibly damage mechanical parts.Back to top
Will a magnet damage my wristwatch?
It is possible for the tiny components of mechanical wrist watches to become magnetized when placed in closed proximity to strong magnetic fields if the parts are made from ferrous material. If the mechanical ferrous parts become magnetized, they can attract to each other, attract to the inside of the casing causing the watch to run fast or slow or cease working altogether.
Many modern watches are now made from ‘non-magnetic’ material and therefore are resistant to fairly weak magnetic fields. To be on the safe side, you should always keep your mechanical watch away from strong magnetic fields. If your watch does become magnetized, a watch repair shop should be able to demagnetise it and return it to its correct operation.
PRODUCTS
What is the strongest type of magnet?
The strongest magnets commercially available are rare earth neodymium magnets. They are made from an alloy of neodymium, iron and boron and are also known as NdFeb magnets. They are available in different grades – thestrongest gradecommercially available is N55.
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What is ferrofluid?
Ferrofluid is a liquid that reacts to magnetic fields and is made from tiny magnetic particles coated with a stabilising dispersing agent within a carrier liquid. The dispersing agent, known as a surfactant prevents the tiny magnetic particles clumping together, even when a strong magnetic field is applied to the liquid. Instead, when an external magnetic field is applied, the particles, each of which behaves like a spherical magnet with a north and a south pole, experience a torque and align themselves in the direction of the magnetic field. This reaction causes the fluid to form amazing spikes which can be precisely controlled by applying and removing a magnetic field, such as that produced by a neodymium magnet. Ferrofluid truly is a wonder to behold and makes an incredibly unique gift.
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How should you dispose of ferrofluid?
Ferrofluidis non-toxic and in small amounts, it can be disposed of in the way you would ordinarily dispose of motor oil. Our advise would be to put it in a sealed container such as an old jam jar and take it to your local authority waste recycling dump.
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How strong is flexible magnetic tape and sheet?
Flexible magnetic tapes and sheetsare not as strong as hard permanent magnets in small volumes, however, when used over a large surface area it can be really effective. Typically, flexible magnetic tape or sheet provides a pulling force of 40 grams (0.08lbs) per cm2 and can offer a cost effective solution for hanging signs and displays.
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Can I stick other types of permanent magnets to flexible magnet sheet or tape?
Unfortunately, as other types of magnets such as neodymium or ceramic have greater magnetic performance, they will actually damage the magnetic sheeting by realigning the magnetic particles in the sheet. The result is that the sheet will be significantly weakened in the area(s) that you have placed the magnets. If you are wanting to use a flexible sheet with neodymium magnets you should use a ferrous sheet or tape. While ferrous sheet or tape does not produce any of its own magnetism it is excellent for sticking magnets too.
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Can you cut your flexible sheet and tape magnets?
All our flexible sheet and tape magnets can be cut with trimmers or household scissors. Visit our 'Flexible Magnets' section to view our full range.
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Can you print on to your flexible sheet and tape magnets?
At FIRST4MAGNETS we can provide flexible magnetic sheet and tape which are laminated with colored vinylwhich is ideal for screen printing, digital printing or laminating vinyl graphics onto.
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Can you supply monopole magnets?
Magnetism flows from the north to the south pole of a magnet and if a magnet only had one pole, there would be no magnetism and hence it could not be a magnet. Monopole magnets therefore do not exist. All magnets have both a north and a south pole. If you take a bar magnet with north at one end and south at the other and cut it in half to secure just a north pole, you will find that the two halves suddenly have a north and south pole too. If a monopole was possible, it would facilitate perpetual motion magnet generators which would lead to unlimited free electricity.
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APPLICATIONS
Which magnets should be used for magnetic therapy?
At FIRST4MAGNETS we do not have any scientific evidence to support the theory that magnets and magnetic fields provide therapeutic benefits and pain relief. Despite this, we have been contacted by a number of customers who have purchased our magnets who are delighted with the results they have experienced. If you are looking for magnets for magnet therapy, you will find suitable products in our magnetic therapy section.
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Which magnets are best for making refrigerator magnets?
Generally speaking, the refrigerator magnets you buy from gift or souvenir shops will have aflexible rubberorceramic magneton the back. Both types of magnets are great value for money and, while not as strong as neodymium magnets, they are more than strong enough to hold a lightweight item to a refrigerator. Both are flexible rubber and ceramic magnets are available with self-adhesiveon one side and are great for making your own refrigerator magnets.
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Which magnets are best suited for glass wipe boards?
Glass wipe boards have a thick sheet of glass in between the magnet and the magnetic surface, so most magnets which are suitable for normal whiteboards simply fall off of glass noticeboards because they don't have the required depth of field to cope with the thickness of glass. Magnets best for glass wipe boards are strong Neodymium magnets that will penetrate the thickness of the glass to attract to the steel plate behind.
Which magnets are suitable for use with magnetic plaster?
This depends on what it is you are trying to hold. If you are looking to hang something lightweight like photos or posters, then our range of magnets for noticeboardsare ideal, or small self-adhesive magnetscan be stuck to the back of the item you are looking to hang. If you are looking to hold picture frames or similar items then our high-powered magnetic sheetor magnetic tapeshould be sufficient. For heavier items, our rubber-coated pot magnetsare the best solution as the rubber increases the slide resistance of the magnet. If the item you want to hang is sliding down the wall then adding cut pieces of our high-power flexible magnetic sheet will increase the friction between the item and the wall.
We've put together a handy magnets for magnetic plaster selection pack,which is great for getting you started. If you are planning to apply magnetic plaster in a child's bedroom or play room, then our child-friendly selection packis perfect and safe.
Which magnets are suitable for us with magnetic paint?
The magnets which are suitable for use on magnetic plaster are also great to use with magnetic paint. However, as magnetic paint has a lower ferrous content than magnetic plaster, the attraction will not be as strong. For lightweight items like photos or posters, then our range of magnets for noticeboardsare ideal, or small self-adhesive magnetscan be stuck to the back of the item you are looking to hang. For picture frames or similar items then our high-powered magnetic sheetor magnetic tapeshould be sufficient.
We've put together a handy magnets for magnetic paint selection pack, which is great for getting you started.
I'm an expert in magnetism with a deep understanding of the various types of magnets and their applications. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, allowing me to provide comprehensive insights into the use of magnets in different scenarios. Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
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Neodymium Magnets for Children:
- Neodymium magnets are too strong for children.
- Small neodymium magnets are dangerous if swallowed, as they can attract in the intestines, necessitating immediate surgery.
- Small Alnico magnets, like traditional alnico horseshoe magnets and educational alnico bar magnets, are safer for children and still offer a magnetic experience.
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Magnets and Pacemakers:
- Magnets can affect the operation of heart pacemakers.
- Close proximity to a magnet can cause pacemakers to operate in a mode that doesn't respond to the user's own heart rhythm.
- Individuals with pacemakers should avoid placing strong magnets close to their chest.
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Magnets and Electronic Devices:
- Small and medium-sized magnets typically do not harm smartphones or tablets.
- Devices may already contain small magnets for specific functions.
- Large, powerful magnets should be kept away from electronic devices to prevent potential damage.
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Magnets and Wristwatches:
- Mechanical wristwatches with ferrous components can become magnetized in strong magnetic fields.
- Modern watches made from non-magnetic materials are resistant to weak magnetic fields.
- Strong magnetic fields should be avoided to prevent magnetization; demagnetization can be performed by a watch repair shop.
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Strongest Magnet Type:
- Rare earth neodymium magnets (NdFeb magnets) are the strongest commercially available magnets.
- Available in different grades, with the strongest grade being N55.
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Ferrofluid:
- Ferrofluid is a liquid containing tiny magnetic particles coated with a dispersing agent.
- Responds to magnetic fields, forming controllable spikes.
- Non-toxic and can be disposed of like motor oil in small amounts.
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Flexible Magnetic Tape and Sheet:
- Flexible magnetic tapes and sheets are not as strong as hard permanent magnets in small volumes.
- Effective over a large surface area, providing a pulling force of 40 grams per cm2.
- Can be cut with trimmers or household scissors.
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Printing on Flexible Magnets:
- Flexible magnetic sheets and tapes can be laminated with colored vinyl, suitable for printing.
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Monopole Magnets:
- Monopole magnets do not exist; all magnets have both a north and a south pole.
- A hypothetical monopole could lead to perpetual motion magnet generators.
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Magnets for Various Applications:
- No scientific evidence supports therapeutic benefits of magnets.
- Refrigerator magnets often use flexible rubber or ceramic magnets.
- Neodymium magnets are best for glass wipe boards, penetrating the thickness of glass.
- Different magnets are suitable for magnetic plaster and paint based on the weight of items to be hung.
In summary, my expertise extends across the practical applications, safety considerations, and characteristics of various magnets, providing a well-rounded understanding of the topic.
