Magnet Coatings

Types of magnet coatings for neodymium rare earth magnets, and the characteristic of each coating

NiCuNi coating: The nickel coating of nicuni-plated magnets is composed of three layers, nickel-copper-nickel. This type of coating is the most widely used and provides protection against corrosion of the neodymium magnet in outdoor situations. Processing costs are low. The maximum working temperature of the coating is approximately 220-240ºC (depending on the maximum working temperature of the magnet). The powerful NdFeB magnet with NiCuNi coating is used in engines, generators, medical devices, sensors, automotive applications, retention, thin film deposition processes, and pumps.

Black nickel: The properties of this coating are similar to those of the nickel coating, with the difference that an additional process is generated, the black nickel assembly. Properties are similar to those of conventional nickel plating; with the particularity that this coating is used in applications that require that the visual aspect of the piece is not bright.

Gold: This type of coating is often used in the medical field and is also suitable for use in contact with the human body. There is approval from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Under the gold coating, there is a sub-layer of Ni-Cu-Ni. The maximum working temperature is also about 200 ° C. In addition to the field of medicine, neodymium magnets with gold plating are also used for jewelry and decorative purposes.

Zinc: If the maximum working temperature is less than 120 ° C, this type of coating is adequate. The costs are lower and the magnet is protected against corrosion in the open air. It can be glued to steel, although a specially developed adhesive must be used. The channel magnet assembly zinc coated is suitably provided that the protective barriers for the magnet are low and low working temperatures prevail.

Parylene: This coating is also approved by the FDA. Therefore, neodymium magnets with parylene coating are used for medical applications in the human body. The maximum working temperature is approximately 150 ° C. The molecular structure consists of ring-shaped hydrocarbon compounds consisting of H, Cl, and F. Depending on the molecular structure, different types are distinguished as Parylene N, Parylene C, Parylene D, and Parylene HT.

Epoxy: A coating that provides an excellent barrier against salt and water. There is very good adhesion to steel if the magnet is glued with a special adhesive suitable for magnets. The maximum working temperature is approximately 150 ° C. The epoxy magnet coatings are usually black, but they can also be white. Applications of epoxy neodymium magnets can be found in the maritime sector, engines, sensors, consumer goods, and the automotive sector.

Plastic: Magnets injected in plastic. or also called over-moulded. Its main characteristic is its excellent protection of the magnet against breakage, impacts, and corrosion. The protective layer of plastic covered magnets shields them from water and salt exposure. The maximum working temperature depends on the plastic used (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene).

PTFE (Teflon): Like the injected / plastic coating also provides excellent protection of the magnet against breakage, impacts and corrosion. The rare earth neodymium magnet is protected against moisture, water and salt. The maximum working temperature is around 250 ° C. The PTFE coated magnets are mainly used in the medical industries and in the food industry.

Rubber: The rubber coating protects perfectly from breakage and impacts and minimizes corrosion. The rubber material produces very good slip resistance on steel surfaces. The maximum working temperature is around 80-100 ° C. The rubber coated mounting magnets is the most obvious and widely used rubber coated magnetic product.

Rhodium: Rhodium coatings give the magnet very good resistance to scratches and tarnish. The magnet is also protected against corrosion. In addition, the rhodium coating gives the magnet a very decorative appearance. The maximum working temperature is around 200°C. Rhodium coatings are used for jewelry, medicine and the automotive industry.

Titanium Nitrate (TIN): Is also a coating approved by the FDA and is suitable for use in applications in contact with the human body. It is formed by a hard layer with a very strong bond to the magnet. In addition, it provides resistance to most chemicals. The maximum working temperature is approximately 500 ° C and its main use is in the medicines sector.

Copper / Chrome / Silver: The neodymium magnets with these type of coating are mainly used for decorative purposes. The maximum working temperature is around 200°C.

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