Magnetic Grades

We are all familiar with Grades, for most of us the first thing that comes to mind is A, B, C, D, and F, since E is obviously not part of that alphabetic sequence….

However, magnetic grades aren’t quite what you would normally associate with passing or failing a particular quality test.  Magnetic Grades are more specifically associated with two things, magnetic strength and temperature tolerance.

The numbers

The numbers in the magnet grading system are an indication of strength.  N35 is the most common rare earth Neodymium super magnet grade.  N35 is the weakest of the super magnetic family.  N52 magnets are the strongest of the super magnet family boasting a potential energy of 49% greater than a comparable N35 magnet.  The grade does NOT denote a quality difference between the two magnets, there are subtle procedural and chemical differences that determine the difference in magnetism between them.  The higher grades require more refining and subsequently cost more.

The Letters

N35 magnets as stated above are the most common cheapest super magnets you’ll find.  The 35 being the lowest strength and the N denoting temperature tolerance.

There is an alphabetical soup that describes the different temperature tolerances of each magnet before they begin to de-magnetize.