Why Are Permanent Magnets Made Of Steel?

Steel has become one of the most significant metals in the world, with a tensile strength nearly 1,000 times that of iron. Everything from bridges and autos to nuts, bolts, and even gardening equipment is made using it. Steel, however, is an important component in the manufacture of permanent magnets, which many people are unaware of. You might be asking why permanent magnets are made of steel, which isn't magnetic in the first place.

 

 

What is the definition of a permanent magnet?

 

A permanent magnet, often known as a hard magnet, is a magnetic object that has a constant magnetic field. To put it another way, it's a magnet that retains its magnetic strength. A permanent magnet will remain as powerful as the day it was made even after years of use. Temporary magnets, on the other hand, lose their magnetic strength with time.

 

A refrigerator is an example of a permanent magnet. Permanent magnets are commonly used in refrigerators to reduce the loss of chilled air. Manufacturers realised that by putting permanent magnets in refrigerator doors, the appliances were less prone to lose chilled air in the mid-1900s. Paperclips, on the other hand, are called transient magnets.

 

When a paperclip is exposed to a magnet, the paperclip becomes magnetic. This magnetic field, however, is only transitory, and the paper clips will ultimately lose their ability to attract other ferromagnetic items.

 

Steel's Role in Permanent Magnets

 

So, why do permanent magnets producers utilise steel? Going back to the beginning of this metal, steel is an iron and carbon alloy. Steel is not magnetic in its native condition, but it may be converted to become magnetic.

 

When a nonmagnetic piece of steel is placed near a magnet, the atoms within it rearrange in such a way that a permanent magnet is formed. As the atoms align, a magnetic field is created that maintains its intensity. The atoms of an item must be suitably aligned in order to produce a magnetic field. Because of the inherent placement of its atoms, steel is extremely useful for this purpose.

 

Permanent pin steel magnets are made from a variety of materials, including steel. Ceramic, iron, cobalt, nickel, gadolinium, and neodymium are also used to make permanent magnets. Steel magnets, on the other hand, are a far more affordable and commonly accessible material than the aforementioned ones. For these reasons, many permanent magnet producers opt to use steel in their designs.