Ferrite Magnets (ceramic)

Often called 'ceramic magnets' because they are hard and brittle like porcelain.

Ferrite magnets are the most widely used magnet type because of their low cost of manufacture and high coercive properties.

Features:

• 250 degrees C maximum temperature
  (for higher temperature applications see cast alnico magnets )
• Economical
• High coercivity - do not lose their magnetic properties easily
• Hard and brittle

There are 2 main forms:

Sintered Ferrite

Produced from strontium and has anisotropic properties (the magnet is much stronger along one axis at the expense of other axes). Usually formed by wet pressing. Applications:

• Audio / television
• Holding / clamping
• Loud speakers
• Reed switches
• Security systems
• Sump plugs
• Water conditioners

Bonded Ferrite

Ferrite powders are mixed with polymer based resins. Cheaper to manufacture that sintered. Used for a wide range of electronic and small motors and used extensively in the automotive industry. Applications:

• Instrumentation
• Reed switches
• Sensor applications