How To Prevent Your Magnets from Becoming De-Magnetized
Magnets can generally last a very long time and retain their strength, but there are several factors that can cause their magnetic strength to eventually weaken. Most household magnets are considered permanent magnets so they are constantly surrounded by a magnetic field unless other factors cause something to change and make the magnetic field weaker or unstable.
A factor commonly thought to have a significant role in demagnetizing permanent magnets is time, so when many people's magnets weaken they just assume it is typical wear due to age. While time does have a small effect on a magnet's strength, it is actually minimal over the useful life of the magnet. There are actually several other factors that can have a much bigger impact on a magnet's strength, but unlike time, these factors can be more in your control.
One major factor in demagnetizing magnets is temperature. Magnets should be kept and stored at a consistent temperature. Depending on the severity of changes in temperature and the materials used in the magnet, losses of strength due to high or low temperatures may be recovered when the magnet returns to its original temperature. However, in more severe cases, a magnet may require re-magnetization to recover the losses. Furthermore, if a magnet is exposed to extremely hot temperatures, it may be rendered completely useless.
Exposing magnetized magnets to adverse external fields can also produce a demagnetizing effect. This means that magnets should be stored carefully so their magnetic fields aren't opposing each other. So if you have multiple magnets to store, consider packing them individually or at a decent distance away from each other in order to maintain their strength. In general, magnets should also be handled with care in order to prevent brittleness or cracking, which can also cause damage to the magnetic field.
Please note that these tips may not necessarily apply directly to all types of magnets. For example, electromagnets are temporary magnets in that their magnetic field can be turned on or off depending on the presence of a flowing electric current. There are also rare-earth magnets that are the strongest type of permanent magnet made so their resistance to demagnetization may be greater. While we don't offer these magnets, it is useful to be aware of them in understanding how to maximize the useful lifespan of the magnets you do own.
Information provided courtesy of magnets.com
Magnets can generally last a very long time and retain their strength, but there are several factors that can cause their magnetic strength to eventually weaken. Most household magnets are considered permanent magnets so they are constantly surrounded by a magnetic field unless other factors cause something to change and make the magnetic field weaker or unstable.A factor commonly thought to have a significant role in demagnetizing permanent magnets is time, so when many people's magnets weaken they just assume it is typical wear due to age. While time does have a small effect on a magnet's strength, it is actually minimal over the useful life of the magnet. There are actually several other factors that can have a much bigger impact on a magnet's strength, but unlike time, these factors can be more in your control.
One major factor in demagnetizing magnets is temperature. Magnets should be kept and stored at a consistent temperature. Depending on the severity of changes in temperature and the materials used in the magnet, losses of strength due to high or low temperatures may be recovered when the magnet returns to its original temperature. However, in more severe cases, a magnet may require re-magnetization to recover the losses. Furthermore, if a magnet is exposed to extremely hot temperatures, it may be rendered completely useless.
Exposing magnetized magnets to adverse external fields can also produce a demagnetizing effect. This means that magnets should be stored carefully so their magnetic fields aren't opposing each other. So if you have multiple magnets to store, consider packing them individually or at a decent distance away from each other in order to maintain their strength. In general, magnets should also be handled with care in order to prevent brittleness or cracking, which can also cause damage to the magnetic field.
Please note that these tips may not necessarily apply directly to all types of magnets. For example, electromagnets are temporary magnets in that their magnetic field can be turned on or off depending on the presence of a flowing electric current. There are also rare-earth magnets that are the strongest type of permanent magnet made so their resistance to demagnetization may be greater. While we don't offer these magnets, it is useful to be aware of them in understanding how to maximize the useful lifespan of the magnets you do own.
Information provided courtesy of magnets.com
SHARE
