3 Key Parameters to Consider When Choosing a Permanent Magnet

18 Aug.,2025

 

3 Key Parameters to Consider When Choosing a Permanent Magnet

Every type of permanent magnet has a unique set of characteristics that can affect how is performs in various applications. When evaluating magnet options for your project, pay attention to the following:

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1. Temperature

One of the most important parameters to consider when choosing a permanent magnet is the temperature of use. As one might imagine, the magnetic field is not constant; it changes with temperature, getting either stronger or weaker. The figure below shows the usable temperature range for each of the five commercially available materials. Conveniently, most applications utilize magnets between -40°C and 150°C, and all listed materials are usable within that range.

Because of their low cost, ferrite (hard ferrite, ceramic) magnets are still widely used.  Note however, that ferrite magnets lose 25% of their flux output when heated from 20 to 150 °C.  They also have relatively low energy products, typically 10% of rare earth magnets. So where device size and weight are important, such as hard disk drives and portable electronics (e.g. cell phones, hearing aids), rare earth magnets are necessary.

2. Availability

Issues of raw material price and availability are at the core of today’s discussion on permanent magnets. These factors are influenced by the general availability of the raw materials, geographic distribution, ease of recovery from mined ore, and open market trading. Of all the elements used in magnetic materials, rare earth elements have been the most problematic based on geographic limitations on sourcing. China still produces 90 percent of the rare earth oxides used each year and more than 95 percent of the rare earth metals and alloys. China also produces and consumes 80 percent of all permanent magnets. There is inconsequential production of neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) in the US. One alternative to neodymium magnets is samarium cobalt (SmCo), which has fewer sourcing limitations and performs better in higher temperature applications.

3. Magnetic Output

How strong a magnet is can be quantified by one of two key metrics. The first is residual induction, BR. If a permanent magnet is placed on a steel block, the force required to remove the magnet from the block is proportional to BR. BR is one of the magnet characteristics published by magnet producers.

The second key metric is maximum energy product, (BH)MAX. Maximum energy product is useful in calculating performance of motors. (BH)MAX is proportional to BR2. Each type of device benefits especially from either B (that is, BR) or B2 (that is,(BH)MAX or BR2) as described in this table of applications.

General Description Physical Laws System Function
Proportional to
Application Examples Conversion of mechanical energy Faraday’s Law B Microphone
Alternators, Generators
Magneto
Torque Transmitters Magneto-static field
to mechanical work Coulomb’s Law B2 Compass
Reed Switches
Torque Coupling (synchronous)
Magnetic Separators
Holding (attachment) Systems
Magnetic Conveyors
Magnetic Bearings Interaction between current and magnetic flux Lorentz Force Law B Motors: DC, BLDC, Synchronous,
Stepping, Linear, Moving Coil
Loudspeakers, Headphones
HDD Voice coil motors
Geophones
Phonograph pickups
Electrical measuring instruments Magnetic Field
Focusing Systems Lorentz forces on free charges B Dipoles, Quadrupoles
Undulators, Wigglers
Magnetrons, TWTs
Mass Spectrometers
NMR devices


Read our in-depth article, Permanent Magnets in a Changing World Market.

Top 10 Permanent Magnet Manufacturers in the World

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, magnetic innovations form the backbone of countless breakthrough applications—from powering high-efficiency electric motors and advanced sensors to driving the next generation of clean energy systems. Magnets, often unseen yet indispensable, enable everything from the precise control in industrial automation to the seamless performance of electric vehicles and consumer electronics.

This article delves into the world of magnetic technology, spotlighting a select group of industry trailblazers whose cutting-edge products and enduring expertise are redefining the limits of what magnets can achieve. With a blend of time-honored tradition and modern ingenuity, these companies not only lead the market with high-performance materials and integrated systems but also fuel a future where efficiency, safety, and innovation are paramount.

1. Arnold Magnetic Technologies

Year Founded:

Headquarters: New York, USA

Company Type: Manufacturer

Main Products:

  • Permanent Magnets
  • Precision Thin Metals
  • Flexible Composites
  • Electromagnetics
  • Electric Motors

Company Profile:

Arnold Magnetic Technologies is recognized worldwide as a premier manufacturer of high-performance permanent magnets, flexible composites, electromagnets, magnetic assemblies, and precision thin metal foils.

Key Characteristics:

  • Versatility: Their products power a range of applications including high-efficiency electric motors, generators, sensors, and batteries.
  • Quality Focus: Committed to world-class product quality and customer service.
  • Global Reach: Serves diverse industries with innovative and reliable magnetic systems.

2. Dexter Magnetic Technologies

Year Founded:

Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA

Company Type: Manufacturer

Main Products:

  • Electromagnets
  • Magnetic Assemblies
  • Magnetic Cores, Ferrites and Sensors
  • Medical Solutions
  • Permanent Magnets

Company Profile:

Dexter Magnetic Technologies stands out as a dynamic provider of integrated magnetic solutions, driven by a team of seasoned engineers and support experts.

Key Characteristics:

  • Innovation through Partnership: Focuses on delivering innovative technical solutions via close collaboration with clients.
  • Technical Expertise: Leverages deep engineering know-how to meet diverse and evolving customer needs.
  • Integrated Solutions: Aims to be a fully integrated provider across the magnetic systems spectrum.

3. Ningbo Zhaobao Magnet Co., Ltd. 

Year Founded:

Headquarters: Zhejiang, China

Company Type: Manufacturer

Main Products:

  • NdFeB Magnet
  • SmCo Magnet
  • AlNiCo Magnet
  • Magnetic Assembly

Company Profile:

One of the top permanent magnet manufacturers globally, Ningbo Zhaobao Magnet excels in the research, development, and production of rare earth magnets such as NdFeB and SmCo.

Key Characteristics:

  • Advanced Material Science: Produces magnets with high coercive force, low reversible temperature coefficients, and minimal weight loss.
  • High-End Applications: Supplies over 95% of its products to industries like industrial automation, automotive, and clean energy, including high-efficiency motors.
  • Precision Engineering: Tailors magnets for high-performance applications such as elevator motors, servo motors, and new energy vehicle drive systems.

4. Adams Magnetic Products Co., Ltd.

Year Founded:

Headquarters: Illinois, USA

Company Type: Manufacturer

Main Products:

  • Alnico
  • ceramics
  • flexible magnets
  • neodymium
  • samarium cobalt
  • rare earths
  • magnet assemblies

Company Profile:

With a legacy dating back to , Adams Magnetic Products combines experience with innovation to design and manufacture a broad spectrum of magnetic products.

Key Characteristics:

  • Custom Solutions: Offers a vast inventory along with tailored magnet designs to meet specific customer requirements.
  • Diverse Product Range: Manufactures everything from alnico and ceramic magnets to neodymium and samarium cobalt types.
  • Enduring Expertise: Over seven decades of industry knowledge ensure reliability and performance.

5. Hitachi Metals Ltd

Year Founded:

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan

Company Type: Manufacturer

Main Products:

  • Magnetic Material
  • Ceramic Components
  • Magnetic Assembly

Company Profile:

A leader among magnetic material suppliers, Hitachi Metals Ltd provides an extensive range of magnets, including Neomax rare earth and ferrite magnets, across various sectors.

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Key Characteristics:

  • Technological Innovation: Constantly pushes the envelope with new materials and production techniques.
  • Broad Application Spectrum: Serves industries ranging from automotive and electronics to home appliances.
  • Energy Efficiency: Focused on developing magnets that contribute to building a more energy-efficient society.

6. Eclipse Magnetics Ltd

Year Founded:

Headquarters: Atlas Way, Sheffield S4 7QQ, United Kingdom

Company Type: Manufacturer

Main Products:

  • Custom permanent magnet

Company Profile:

With 100 years of industry expertise, Eclipse Magnetics Ltd is synonymous with high-performance magnetic systems designed for the most demanding industrial applications.

Key Characteristics:

  • Heritage of Excellence: A century-long tradition of innovation and quality in magnetic system design.
  • Critical Partnerships: Supplies critical magnetic equipment to leading brands, ensuring performance in high-stakes industries.
  • Robust Engineering: Delivers reliable and high-performance solutions that underpin modern industrial systems.

7. Goudsmit Magnetics Group

Year Founded:

Headquarters: Netherlands

Company Type: Manufacturer

Main Products:

  • Neodymium magnets
  • Ferrite magnets 
  • Samarium cobalt magnets
  • AlNiCo magnets 
  • Plastic-bonded neodymium magnets 

Company Profile:

Goudsmit Magnetics Group is a globally recognized supplier, specializing in the design and manufacture of high-tech magnet assemblies and industrial magnet systems.

Key Characteristics:

  • Wide Industry Reach: Serves sectors including food processing, automotive, recycling, metals, pharmaceuticals, offshore, and aerospace.
  • High-Tech Solutions: Integrates advanced design and manufacturing processes to produce cutting-edge magnetic systems.
  • Global Distribution: Provides high-quality, robust magnet solutions on a worldwide scale.

8. Magnequench International, LLC

Year Founded:

Headquarters: Canada

Company Type: Manufacturer

Main Products:

  • Permanent Magnet
  • Magnetic Assembly

Company Profile:

A Canadian public company with over 35 years of experience in rare earth and rare earth metals, Magnequench International is a pioneer in manufacturing quenched magnetic powder for bonded NdFeB magnets.

Key Characteristics:

  • Industry Pioneer: Led the development of bonded NdFeB magnetic powder, setting benchmarks in performance.
  • Application Versatility: Supplies high-performance magnets for automotive, media storage, home appliances, and more.
  • Consistent Innovation: Over two decades of specialized expertise in producing advanced magnetic powders.

9. Thomas & Skinner, Inc.

Year Founded:

Headquarters: Indiana, USA

Company Type: Manufacturer

Main Products:

  • Magnetic Material

Company Profile:

Since the early s, Thomas & Skinner, Inc. has been a world leader in manufacturing cast and sintered AlNiCo magnets, magnetic assemblies, transformer laminations, and tungsten alloys.

Key Characteristics:

  • Legacy of Quality: Over a century of delivering world-class, high-performance alloys.
  • Customization Expertise: Known for meeting unique design needs with tailored, high-quality magnet solutions.
  • Diverse Applications: Serves a broad range of industries with precision-engineered magnetic products.

10. Vacuumschmelze GMBH & Co. Kg

Year Founded:

Headquarters: Germany

Company Type: Manufacturer

Main Products:

  • Permanent Magnets
  • Magnetic Assembly
  • Magnetic Material

Company Profile:

Vacuumschmelze (VACUUMSCHMELZE) is a trailblazer in magnetic materials and solutions, working closely with customers to develop application-specific innovations.

Key Characteristics:

  • Breakthrough Solutions: Pioneers in using advanced magnetic materials to create smaller, lighter, and more efficient systems.
  • Safety and Efficiency: Committed to enhancing performance and safety in customer applications.
  • Collaborative Innovation: Partners with clients to push the boundaries of technology and material science.

Conclusion

These ten companies exemplify the diversity and ingenuity inherent in the magnetic technology sector. Whether it’s through groundbreaking material innovations, centuries-long expertise, or an unwavering commitment to quality and efficiency, each company contributes uniquely to a rapidly evolving industry. As the demand for high-performance magnetic solutions continues to grow across sectors—from renewable energy to automotive and beyond—these industry leaders are poised to shape the future of magnetic applications on a global scale.

If you need to buy various types of permanent magnets, then you can choose to contact us. We will give detailed quotations and plans within 24 hours, and we look forward to hearing from you!

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