Rubber coated magnets
Rust is the worst thing that can negatively affect your magnet (that is apart from chipping or breaking). It is that terrible brownish layer that forms on anything that contains iron.
What is the process behind the formation of rust?
Rust is a result of complex chemical reactions that occur when the iron is exposed to oxygen and moisture. Magnets are not left out.
Since there’s a little iron content in every magnet (magnets are ferrous because of their iron content), magnets also suffer from this same issue. This phenomenon is common in magnets used constantly outdoors and greatly diminishes their quality.
Before you know it, your magnet would become unusable or diminish in quality, in a very short while. Hence, you’ll spend more money in a bid to replace such magnets.
Some magnets are more resistant to rust than others, because of the materials they are made of. Neodymium magnets are the strongest magnets on earth. Hence, they have a higher iron content than others and have the highest susceptibility to rust.
How can I prevent my magnet from rusting?
Most magnets are coated in stainless steel or a nickel-copper-nickel coating. This coating can be sufficient for magnets that are used indoors. However, they are not sufficient to prevent rust in magnets to be used consistently outdoors. At best, it could serve for a while but give way as time goes on.
So what’s the solution?
Rubber coating the magnets: that's it.
What are rubber coated magnets?
Rubber coated magnets are also called water-proof or weather-proof neodymium magnets.
Simply put, rubber-coated magnets are neodymium magnets, with a threaded hole at the top, encased within a rubber coating.
These coatings are specially made, not to cause a significant reduction in the magnetic strength of the magnet. However, the reduction in the magnetism depends on the type of rubber that’s used. Those with natural rubber, possess a weaker magnetic property than isomer rubber magnets. Hence, their range of applications differs.
Aside from protecting against rust, rubber-coated neodymium magnets are more resistant to chipping/cracking, slipping (it increases friction), and breaking.
They also protect the surface you intend to attach them such as your car, fridge, etc.
How are these magnets made?
Rubber coated magnets are made in these steps:
Step 1: The neodymium magnet core is produced by the magnet manufacturer
Step 2: Before it is magnetized, the magnet is placed in a mould that resembles the intended shape of the finished magnet
Step 3: Vulcanized rubber is added to the mould containing the non-magnetized magnet. After it cools down, it’s removed.
Step 4: After cooling, the rubber-coated magnet is sent off to be magnetized.
Types of rubber-coated magnets
Typically, a rubber-coated magnet is circular in shape. The differences in the various types is a result of the mode of the hole.
They are:
1. Screw Socket-Type Rubber Coated Magnet
2. Countersunk Hole-Type Rubber Coated Magnet
3. Threaded Stem-Type Rubber Coated Magnet
4. Internal Thread-Type Rubber Coated Magnet
What are the applications of rubber-coated magnets?
Rubber-coated magnets have a wide range of applications. Examples of them include:
- For hanging signs
- Mounting cameras
- Mounting sensors
- Door latches
- Mounting objects on glass
Where can I get quality rubber coated magnets?
Dailymag has a wide range of quality rubber-coated magnets. You’ll only have to place an order to our sales rep or customer service desk that’s available 24/7.