Neodymium Magnets

Neodymium magnets have a smooth and shiny outer surface coating. This smooth coating can occasionally be problematic for some glues to adhere to and can make it difficult to create a secure and durable bond with the magnet.

Cleaning all surfaces should be the first undertaking prior to gluing Neodymium magnets to each other or to another type of material. Alcohol based solvents or cleaning products are ideal for this purpose.

Small, thin magnets that are not bearing any significant weight bearing or pull forces can usually be glued to another magnet or smooth surface without further preparation. Double sided tape can also be a simple option for lightweight duties.

Larger magnets where load bearing is over 3kg can benefit from some preparation to the standard smooth Nickel surface coating. Mildly abrading the Nickel surface can allow the glue to mate with the Nickel surface and create a more durable and secure bond.
Light sanding with fine grade abrasive paper, or lightly etching the smooth surface with a thin nail or scraper can help the glue to mesh more securely with the otherwise smooth Nickel surface. Remember to wipe any dust or loose powder material away once the surface is etched sufficiently. Etching around 10% of the total surface area should be enough to create a secure bond between the shiny magnet and the glue.

Most commonly used glues are suitable for use with Neodymium magnets, but Hot Glue guns are not recommended. The heat generated by the gun can damage the Neodymium material permanently at temperatures over 80°C.

Suitable glues include:

Epoxy two part glue
Urethane based glue
Super glue
Liquid Nails
Silicone adhesive
Sikaflex builders glue

Ferrite/Ceramic Magnets

Attaching the Ceramic style magnets with glue can be as simple as thoroughly cleaning the Ferrite dust from the surface of the magnet and bonding it with glue to another surface. It can be advisable to choose a glue that is compatible with the surface you are attaching the magnet onto.

Glues that are suitable for Plastic,
Aluminum, Steel or Metal alloys or Timber composites should be considered.
Ceramic magnets can tolerate temperatures up to 250°C without becoming demagnetised, so Hot Glue guns that operate below this threshold can be used to adhere Ceramic//Ferrite magnets to another surface.when appropriate.

Common adhesive glues include:

Epoxy two part glue
Urethane based glue
Super glue
Liquid Nails
Silicone adhesive
Sikaflex builders glue

Alnico and Samarium Cobalt Magnets

These magnets are resistant to high temperature applications so Hot Glue guns can be used to fix the magnets in many instances.

The surface of these magnetic materials is not like smooth Nickel but is slightly coarser in most cases, making many common glues suitable for adhering these magnets to another surface. Once again,it is wise to choose a glue that is compatible with the non-magnetic surface, whether it be PVC, Plastic, Metal or Timber.

The commonly used glues for fixing these magnets include:

Epoxy two part glue
Urethane based glue
Super glue
Liquid Nails
Silicone adhesive
Sikaflex builders glue