Which Magnet Is Stronger N50 or N52?

When selecting neodymium magnets, one of the key factors determining a magnet’s strength is its grade, which is classified using numbers like N35, N42 or N52. A common question faced by engineers and product designers is whether the N50 or N52 grade magnet provides greater magnetic strength. In this comprehensive guide, we will compare N50 vs N52 magnets to help you determine which grade better meets your application’s requirements.

N50 and N52 Magnet Grades Explained

First, let’s briefly understand what these grade numbers for neodymium magnets signify.

The numbering system denotes the maximum magnetic energy product that a neodymium magnet can offer, measured in mega-gauss oersted (MGOe) units. Simply put, higher grade numbers represent magnets capable of generating more powerful magnetic fields.

N52 grade neodymium magnets have the highest magnetic energy density commercially available today, with a maximum rating of around 52 MGOe. This allows N52 magnets to create the strongest possible magnetic field strengths per unit volume.

N50 magnets have slightly lower performance than N52 grade magnets. They offer a maximum magnetic energy product ranging from 47 MGOe to 51 MGOe, which positions their capabilities closer to mid-range grades like N48.

So in terms of pure magnetic field generation capability, N52 grade neodymium clearly provides the upper hand over N50 grade. But magnetic strength alone doesn’t determine which grade best suits an application. Other factors also come into play.

Key Differences Between N50 and N52 Magnets

Now, let’s take a deeper look at how the characteristics of N50 and N52 actually differ:

1. Temperature Stability

Properly manufactured N52 magnets retain their magnetism exceptionally well even in temperatures up to 130°C. On the other hand, N50 magnets tend to lose their magnetic field strength more rapidly above 80°C.

So for applications involving continuous exposure to high ambient temperatures or heating from electrical devices, N52 offers much better thermal stability.

2. Resistance to Demagnetization

The N52 grade has excellent resistance to being demagnetized by external magnetic fields, impacts, or other mechanical abuse. By comparison, N50 magnets will demagnetize more easily when subjected to demagnetizing influences.

Thus, for applications where the magnet may experience occasional shocks or encounters with other magnets, N52 grade provides a larger safety buffer against demagnetization issues.

3. Mechanical Hardness

Thanks to processing refinements and precise compositional tuning, highest grade N52 magnets achieve enhanced mechanical hardness characteristics. Their improved structural integrity helps better withstand fracturing or cracking vulnerabilities under mechanical stresses.

N50 grade magnets still maintain good mechanical strength for most applications but display somewhat more brittleness and lower overall toughness than premium N52 variants if subjected to excessive mechanical forces over long time frames.

4. Corrosion Resistance

Both N50 and N52 neodymium magnets utilize coatings like nickel-copper-nickel plating to protect against oxidation or other forms of corrosion damage.

However, N52 magnet surfaces typically receive thicker and more advanced coating processes during manufacturing. This further improves their corrosion resistance, especially in acidic environments or high humidity conditions, adding to their usable lifespan.

5. Availability and Cost

Being the highest performing neodymium grade commercially produced today, N52 availability is restricted to smaller volumes focused on specialty industrial usages. And their elevated material and processing requirements also translate into higher costs for N52 magnets versus mid-range N50 alternatives, often varying from 30% to 60% cost premiums.

Which Magnet Is Stronger N50 or N52?

Considering all the above-mentioned aspects, while N52 ultimately provides moderately higher pure magnetic strength in terms of MGOe ratings, N50 neodymium magnets offer much better value for cost-driven applications not requiring maximum thermal stability or demagnetization resistance.

For applications emphasizing sustained magnetic field reliability under demanding conditions, N52 is the strongest grade available commercially today and recommended grade over N50 or lower mid-range variants.

For more cost-sensitive purposes prioritizing acceptable magnetic performance, N50 magnets better balance capabilities and affordability.

Now that you understand the key itemized strengths and limitations distinguishing N50 and N52 grades, you can determine which classification better aligns with your functional needs and constraints. Let’s recap a helpful comparison chart before concluding:

Conclusion

• For applications demanding consistent magnetic reliability under temperature or mechanical stresses over prolonged operating lifetimes, N52 is the superior choice despite higher costs.
• For cost-sensitive applications involving ambient temperatures under 80°C without major demagnetization risks, N50 offers an easier balance of performance and affordability.

So factor in your working environmental conditions and budget limitations to decide whether N50 or maximum-grade N52 neodymium magnets (and their characteristic differences) are optimal to fulfill your project requirements.