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Magnet Coatings

magnet coatings

NICKEL (NiI+Cu+Ni)

This coating is the most commonly used on the surface of Neodymium or Rare Earth magnets. 3 layers in total, of nickel then copper and a final layer of nickel encase the Magnetic material to create a smooth, shiny finish and give conditional protection to the alloy compound inside. Nickel coatings are suitable for indoor use and for applications requiring low friction or good response to shear forces. Nickel coatings do not have long term resistance to moisture exposure or marine environments.

 

ZINC (Zn)

Zinc coatings offer higher resistance to corrosion than Nickel coatings and so are ideal for prolonged exposure to water or for outdoor use. Zinc coatings have a silvery matte or dull patina and over time will develop an oxidised protective barrier between the magnetic material and the environment, reducing corrosion and increasing the magnets longevity. Zinc also provides high resistance to abrasion and scratching. Zinc coated Neodymium magnets are used in motors and the Automotive industry.

You can browse our Zinc coated Magnets here.

 

GOLD (Ni+Cu+Ni+Au)

Gold coatings are smooth and aesthetically attractive and commonly used in art, fashion, decorative and advertising displays. As a thin extra layer over the standard Nickel coat, gold coatings are slightly more expensive. Gold is very conductive material and also has excellent water resistant properties. Gold coatings are not resistant to abrasion or scratching so should not be exposed to these environments. Jewellery makers and therapeutic health practitioners also find them appealing alternatives to nickel for their gold surface.

You can find our Gold coated products here.

 

BLACK EPOXY (Ni+Cu+Ni+BE)

Black Epoxy coatings have excellent resistance to moisture, humidity and submersion. Epoxy can easily scratch and expose the underlying Nickel coat, causing it to rust and corrode prematurely. Ideally they should be positioned permanently and not repositioned frequently. The glossy black coating has appeal for users making displays or outdoor signage or when long term water exposure is problematic.

See our Black Epoxy coated magnets here.

 

RAW EPOXY (BE)

This coating does not have underlying coats of Nickel or Copper and can only be achieved by special order from our factory. Contact our office for a quote or further information.

 

PLASTIC (ABS)

Injection moulding allows the regular magnet coating to be encased with plastic (ABS) creating an almost unbreakable protective cover between the magnet and a ferrous metallic surface. Moisture cannot permeate the plastic seal, greatly increasing the life of the magnet and saving money. The Plastic Coat is thick and therefore reduces the actual magnetic pull force due to the extra space created between the surfaces. Plastic coating allows the attachment and removal from delicate surfaces without scratching or chipping, eliminating problems associated with abrasion, moisture and collision.The table above shows their superiority in nearly all applications, including when glue is used as an adhesive.

See our Plastic Coated Magnets here.

 

TEFLON (PTFE)

Almost as efficient as Plastic coating, Teflon Coatings have attributes useful in hospitality, medical, chemical engineering and laboratory fields. Not much adheres to the surface encasing the magnet which is ideal in scientific or hygiene affected facilities where contamination can not be tolerated. As with all Teflon coated objects, friction is greatly reduced allowing the encased magnet to slip or be repositioned with minimal shear force while retaining its strong holding ability. As with Plastic coating, Teflon provides a waterproof seal for the magnetic compound within, so immersion and washability are of no concern. Teflon also provides protection for delicate surfaces and stops damage from collision. Although not many things adhere to Teflon, this does include glues and epoxy, so other fixing methods must be employed. Teflon coatings have great properties employed by makers of clothing and baggage where exposure to weather common and weak shear resistance is an advantage for opening and closure purposes.

Find our Teflon Coated Products here.

 

PAINT

The painted magnets which are readily available for purchase include Alnico magnets, Ferrite magnets and Samarium Cobalt magnets. Magnets with the traditional red gloss paint are normally Alnico magnets. However Ferrite magnets are also commonly painted to indicate the two poles of the magnet which is useful for educational settings.

You can find our paint coated products here.

 

PARYLENE-C

Parylene-C is a thin, conformal coating that has ideal barrier and corrosion resistant properties required for medical applications. Parylene-C coated magnets have excellent high temperature stability, and outstanding moisture resistance. Parylene coatings lend the magnets a blue tinted chrome-like appearance. We currently have one size of Parylene-C coated magnet in our online store. However, we are always happy to assist customers in sourcing the best magnets for their needs.  Contact our office for a quote or further information.

 

PHOSPHORUS

Phosphorus coatings create an inert protective barrier for the surface of the magnet. Phosphorus coated magnets are a good choice for outdoor applications and where exposure to the weather is unavoidable. Phosphorous magnets are usually used in sensors and alarms, as well as by the security, defense and surveillance industries.
Phosphorus is used on Neodymium magnets for the purpose of passivation and to assist in the prevention of chemical reactivity. This coating helps tackle short-term exposure to corrosive elements and applications with low protective requirements.

You can find our paint coated products here.

 

RUBBER

Rubber coated magnets provide superior hold by increasing surface friction without marking or scratching. A rubber coating makes these magnets ideal for applications such as hanging outdoor signage and mounting cameras or sensors. Corrosion is the most common reason for a magnet to fail and rubber coated magnets can provide an increased resistance to corrosion.

Rubber not only protects the inner magnets from corrosion it also provides excellent protection from impact. Neodymium is a very brittle material. Rubber coated magnets are able to withstand far more robust handling than a standard magnet would.

You can find our paint coated products here.

 

STAINLESS STEEL 

Stainless steel coated magnets are extremely robust and are able to withstand most environmental factors. These stainless steel magnets offer excellent corrosion resistance due to their stainless steel casing. They can be used in outdoor environments, marine, or harsh environments where the nickel plating would normally fail.
A stainless steel casing also provides extra protection from physical impacts which cause chipping, cracking, and corrosion. A Neodymium magnet is housed within the stainless steel casing. The casing changes the magnetic field produced by the magnet and deflects the field to create a strong single-sided holding magnet.

You can find our paint coated products here.