What is a ceramic magnet?

Ceramic magnets (also known as ferrite magnets) were developed in the 1960’s 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 types of DC motors, magnetic separators, magnetic resonance imaging and automotive sensors.

Benefits of Ceramic Magnets

Ceramic magnets offer several noteworthy benefits, one of which being a low cost. Statistics show roughly three-quarters of all magnets produced globally consist of ceramic magnets. As a result, they typically cost less than other magnets, such as rare-earth magnets. For companies looking to purchase bulk quantities of magnets, this makes ceramic an attractive choice.

Aside from their low cost, ceramic magnets also offer a superior level of corrosion resistance when compared to their rare-earth counterparts. In fact, rare-earth magnets are often plated or coated with a protective exterior to inhibit corrosion. Ceramic magnets don’t require the use of a protective exterior since they are naturally protected against corrosion.