Magnet Specifications
What is the strongest magnet you can buy?
The strongest magnet you can buy is a neodymium magnet, made from a neodymium-iron-boron alloy (NdFeB). Of the permanent magnets sold commercially, neodymium has the highest energy product. The strongest grade in everyday supply, and the strongest grade we stock, is N52, which reaches a maximum energy product of about 50–52 MGOe and a residual flux density of 14.5–14.8 kilogauss (roughly 1.45–1.48 tesla).
Here is what the grade actually tells you. The N-number is the material's maximum energy product (BHmax), measured in MGOe — in plain terms, it is the strength rating of the magnet at a given size. Compare two magnets of the same size and shape and the higher grade pulls harder. What grade does not do is set total pull on its own: a physically larger magnet in a lower grade can out-pull a small N52, because pull force also scales with the magnet's size, shape, and how flat it sits against clean steel. Choose the size the job needs first, then the highest grade available in that size. The verified pull-force tables below give the real numbers per size.
How the magnet types rank by strength
| Magnet type | Relative strength | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Neodymium (NdFeB) | Strongest | Highest energy product; standard maximum operating temperature 80°C (176°F). Every Magnet Baron super magnet is neodymium. |
| Samarium-cobalt (SmCo) | Strong | Lower peak strength than neodymium, but holds up at much higher temperatures. More expensive. |
| Alnico | Moderate | Very stable across temperature; demagnetizes more easily than rare-earth types. |
| Ceramic / ferrite | Weakest of the common types | Inexpensive and corrosion-resistant, but far lower pull. The fridge-magnet material. |
If you want the strongest magnet for its size, that is N52 neodymium. If your application runs hot, a high-temperature neodymium variant (the H, SH, UH, EH or AH grades) trades a little peak strength for a higher heat limit.
N52 grade neodymium magnets: technical specifications
All Magnet Baron magnets are made from the highest-grade N52 neodymium (NdFeB) material unless otherwise specified. N52 is the strongest commercially available permanent magnet material.
Grade specifications
| Material | Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) |
|---|---|
| Grade | N52 (standard), N35 (select products) |
| Maximum energy product | 52 MGOe (N52), 35 MGOe (N35) |
| Residual flux density | 14.5–14.8 kG (N52), 11.7–12.1 kG (N35) |
| Coercive force | >11.2 kOe (N52), >11.0 kOe (N35) |
| Maximum operating temperature | 80°C (176°F) standard |
| Magnetization direction | Axial (through thickness) unless specified |
Coating systems
| Standard coating | Triple-layer nickel-copper-nickel (NiCuNi) |
|---|---|
| Coating thickness | Approximately 12–15 micrometers total |
| Individual layer thickness | Nickel (5–7 µm), copper (5–7 µm), nickel (5–7 µm) |
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent against humidity and moderate salt spray |
| Salt spray test rating | 24–48 hours standard |
| Finish | Bright metallic silver |
Disc magnet specifications
Micro disc magnets (1–2.5 mm diameter)
| Size | Pull force | Surface field | Grade / coating | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mm × 0.5 mm (1/32" × 1/64") | 0.05 lb | ~3,500 G | N52, zinc | Jewelry, micro assemblies |
| 1 mm × 1 mm (1/32" × 1/32") | 0.10 lb | ~4,200 G | N52, zinc | Watch mechanisms, electronics |
| 1.5 mm × 1.5 mm (1/16" × 1/16") | 0.11 lb | ~4,800 G | N52, zinc | Small crafts, sensors |
| 2 mm × 1.5 mm (1/16" × 1/16") | 0.21 lb | ~5,200 G | N52, NiCuNi | Miniature parts, Harlequin arms |
Small disc magnets (3–4 mm diameter)
| Size | Pull force | Surface field | Grade / coating | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 mm × 1 mm (1/8" × 1/32") | 0.24 lb | ~4,900 G | N52, NiCuNi | Small weapon swaps, detail work |
| 3 mm × 2 mm (1/8" × 1/16") | 0.54 lb | ~5,900 G | N52, NiCuNi | Space Marine arms, light weapons |
| 4 mm × 1.5 mm (5/32" × 1/16") | 0.68 lb | ~5,500 G | N52, NiCuNi | Medium weapons, vehicle parts |
| 4 mm × 2 mm (5/32" × 1/16") | 1.10 lb | ~6,200 G | N52, NiCuNi | Heavy weapons, larger assemblies |
Medium disc magnets (5–6 mm diameter)
| Size | Pull force | Surface field | Grade / coating | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mm × 2 mm (3/16" × 1/16") | 1.24 lb | ~6,400 G | N52, NiCuNi | Titanicus weapons, vehicle sponsons |
| 6 mm × 2 mm (1/4" × 1/16") | 1.58 lb | ~6,800 G | N52, NiCuNi | Large model weapons, flight stands |
Large disc magnets (8–25 mm diameter)
| Size | Pull force | Surface field | Grade / coating | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 mm × 2 mm (5/16" × 1/16") | 2.95 lb | ~7,100 G | N52, NiCuNi | Vehicle magnetization, heavy assemblies |
| 10 mm × 3 mm (3/8" × 1/8") | 5.16 lb | ~7,800 G | N52, NiCuNi | Knight weapons, large vehicle parts |
| 12 mm × 3 mm (1/2" × 1/8") | 7.67 lb | ~8,200 G | N35, NiCuNi | Flight stand bases, heavy-duty mounting |
| 20 mm × 2 mm (3/4" × 1/16") | 7.39 lb | ~7,900 G | N35, NiCuNi | Base magnetization, transport systems |
| 25 mm × 2 mm (1" × 1/16") | 9.72 lb | ~8,400 G | N52, NiCuNi | Large base magnetization, case systems |
Block magnet specifications
| Size | Pull force | Grade / coating | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mm × 2 mm × 1 mm | 0.17 lb | N52, NiCuNi | Micro assemblies, detail parts |
| 3 mm × 3 mm × 2 mm | 0.70 lb | N52, NiCuNi | Small weapon mounts, accessories |
| 5 mm × 5 mm × 2 mm | 1.46 lb | N52, NiCuNi | Vehicle weapons, medium assemblies |
| 6 mm × 6 mm × 2 mm | 2.15 lb | N52, NiCuNi | Large weapon systems, structural connections |
| 10 mm × 10 mm × 2 mm | 4.20 lb | N52, NiCuNi | Vehicle hull magnetization, major assemblies |
| 20 mm × 20 mm × 2 mm | 8.50 lb | N52, NiCuNi | Case magnetization, transport systems |
Sphere magnet specifications
| Size | Pull force (each) | Pack quantity | Grade / coating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mm (1/16") | 0.08 lb | 50 pcs | N52, NiCuNi |
| 4 mm (5/32") | 0.35 lb | 50 pcs | N52, NiCuNi |
| 6 mm (1/4") | 1.20 lb | 20 pcs | N52, NiCuNi |
| 8 mm (5/16") | 2.80 lb | 10 pcs | N52, NiCuNi |
| 12 mm (1/2") | 6.50 lb | 4 pcs | N52, NiCuNi |
| 20 mm (3/4") | 18.20 lb | 2 pcs | N52, NiCuNi |
Ring magnet specifications
| Size | Pull force | Grade / coating | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 mm OD × 3 mm ID × 3 mm H | 1.85 lb | N52, NiCuNi | Rotating joints, specialized mounts |
| 12 mm OD × 3 mm ID × 3 mm H | 4.20 lb | N52, NiCuNi | Flight stand connections, articulated joints |
Specialty magnets
Diametrically magnetized magnets
These magnets carry north and south poles on opposite curved sides rather than the flat faces, so they self-align when free to rotate.
| Size | Pull force | Grade / coating | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mm × 0.5 mm diametric | 0.04 lb | N52, NiCuNi | Self-aligning micro assemblies |
| 2 mm × 1 mm diametric | 0.15 lb | N52, NiCuNi | Rotating weapon mounts, articulated poses |
Countersunk ring magnets
| Size | Pull force | Grade / coating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 mm OD × 6 mm ID × 6 mm H | 6.30 lb | N52, NiCuNi | Countersunk hole for flush screw mounting |
Quality standards and testing
Manufacturing tolerances
- Diameter: ±0.05 mm (±0.002")
- Height: ±0.05 mm (±0.002")
- Parallelism: ≤0.05 mm
- Squareness: ≤0.05 mm
Quality assurance
- 100% magnetic strength testing
- Dimensional inspection on statistical sampling
- Visual coating inspection
- Pull-force verification on a sample basis
Safety information
- Warning: small magnets present a choking and intestinal hazard if swallowed.
- Brittle material: handle carefully to prevent chipping or cracking.
- Pinch hazard: strong magnetic attraction can cause finger injuries.
- Storage: keep away from magnetic media, pacemakers, and electronic devices.
Application-specific recommendations
Warhammer 40K model magnetization
- Space Marine arms: 3 mm × 2 mm (1/8" × 1/16")
- Vehicle weapons: 5 mm × 2 mm (3/16" × 1/16")
- Imperial Knight weapons: 6 mm × 2 mm (1/4" × 1/16")
- Flight stand bases: 12 mm × 3 mm (1/2" × 1/8")
Base magnetization by size
- 25 mm bases: 4.5 mm × 2.2 mm flush-fit magnets
- 32 mm bases: 6 mm × 2.6 mm flush-fit magnets
- 40 mm bases: 6 mm × 2.6 mm flush-fit magnets
- 50 mm and larger bases: multiple magnets or larger disc magnets
- Model-by-model lookup: see our Warhammer 40K base size chart
Environmental considerations
- Standard coating suits indoor hobby use.
- For humid environments, consider the epoxy coating upgrade.
- Avoid direct contact with salt water or acidic solutions.
- Operating temperature range: −40°C to +80°C (−40°F to +176°F).
- Soldering near magnets? See our guide to soldering with magnets for safe distances and heat-tolerant grades.
Custom and bulk magnets
Need a magnet we don't list? We take on custom work. If you're after a custom size, a custom shape, a specific neodymium grade, or a bulk and wholesale quantity, send us the spec and we'll quote it. Tell us the dimensions, grade, coating, quantity, and what the magnet has to hold, and we'll point you to the closest stock option or source the custom run.
Common requests: custom neodymium magnets in a size we don't stock; custom-shape discs, blocks, rings, and cylinders; higher-temperature grades; and bulk orders for makers, shops, and resellers.
Strongest magnet FAQ
What is the strongest magnet you can buy?
A neodymium (NdFeB) magnet. It has the highest energy product of any permanent magnet in commercial supply. The strongest grade in common use is N52.
Is N52 the strongest magnet grade?
N52 is the strongest neodymium grade in everyday commercial supply and the highest grade Magnet Baron stocks. Higher experimental grades exist but are rare and not generally sold for hobby or household use.
What does the N number mean?
The number after the N is the magnet's maximum energy product (BHmax) in MGOe (mega-gauss-oersteds). N52 reaches about 50–52 MGOe; N35 reaches about 35. A higher number means more magnetic energy packed into the same size, so a stronger magnet at that size.
Does a higher grade always hold more weight?
Only at the same size. For two magnets of the same size and shape, a higher grade does hold more. Across different sizes it is not that simple: a larger magnet in a lower grade can out-pull a small N52, because pull force also depends on size, shape, and contact with clean steel. Match the size to the job first, then pick the highest grade in that size.
How strong is an N52 magnet?
It depends on size. A 3 mm × 2 mm N52 disc pulls about 0.54 lb; a 10 mm × 3 mm N52 disc pulls about 5.16 lb. See the verified pull-force tables above for figures by size and shape.
Can a magnet be stronger than N52?
For the heat range most people use magnets in, N52 is the strongest grade in common supply. To go hotter rather than stronger, choose a high-temperature neodymium grade; to get more total pull, use a larger magnet rather than chasing a higher grade number.
Can I order custom or bulk magnets?
Yes. We take on custom work: custom sizes, custom shapes, specific neodymium grades, and bulk or wholesale quantities. Send the dimensions, grade, and quantity through our contact page and we'll quote the closest stock match or a custom run.