What is a ceramic magnet?
Ceramic magnets (also known as ferrite magnets) were developed in the 1960s as a low-cost alternative to metallic magnets. They are composed of iron oxide and strontium carbonate. While their hard, brittle quality and low energy exclude them from some applications, ceramic magnets have won wide acceptance due to their corrosion and demagnetization resistance and low price per pound. Ferrite represents more than 75 percent of world magnet consumption (by weight). It is the first choice for most DC motors, magnetic separators, magnetic resonance imaging, and automotive sensors.
How are ceramic magnets made?
Ceramic magnets are manufactured using powder technology techniques. The primary raw material – ferrite – is made by using iron oxide and strontium carbonate. These materials are mixed and then elevated in temperature to 1800-2000 degrees F. At this temperature, they undergo a chemical conversion, and the resulting material is ferrite.