Does a magnet weaken over time?
Once in a while, we are asked questions like "How long do magnets last?" or "Can magnets lose their power?".
Under normal circumstances, neodymium and ferrite magnets, as well as magnetic tapes and magnetic sheets,
retain their magnetism almost indefinitely.
Factors such as temperature, vibrations or magnetic fields can however have a negative effect on the adhesive force of a magnet.
We have compiled the following list for the different types of magnets to show which factors can lead to loss of magnetism.
Neodymium magnets
- Heat: Most neodymium magnets
should not be exposed to temperatures exceeding 80 °C – with the exception of our high-temperature magnets,
which can withstand temperatures of up to 150 °C
- Strong jolts due to repeated blows
- Other strong magnetic fields (e. g. of electromagnets)
Ferrite magnets
- Heat: Ferrite magnets shouldn't be exposed to temperatures above 250 °C
- Cold: Ferrite magnets shouldn't be cooled down below -40 °C
- Strong jolts due to repeated blows
- Other strong magnetic fields: Fields of electromagnets, but also neodymium magnets can demagnetise or reverse the polarity of ferrite magnets. Therefore, neodymium and ferrite magnets should always be stored and transported separately.
Magnetic tapes and magnetic sheets
- Heat: Magnetic tapes and magnetic sheets can withstand a maximum temperature of 85 °C
- Cold: Low temperatures for tapes and sheets must not exceed -20 °C
- Strong jolts from repeated blows
- Other strong magnetic fields: Fields of electromagnets, but also neodymium and ferrite magnets can demagnetise or reverse the polarity of magnetic tapes and sheets. Therefore, they should always be stored and transported separately from other magnets.