Which magnet coatings are there?
Table of ContentsNeodymium magnets (super magnets): Coating necessaryNickel (Ni-Cu-Ni)Gold-coating (Ni-Cu-Ni-Au)Chrome (Ni-Cu-Ni-Cr)Copper (Ni-Cu)Epoxy resin (Ni-Cu-Ni-Epoxy)Zinc (Zn)Pot magnetsSpecial coatingsFerrite magnets: No coatingNeodymium magnets (super magnets): Coating necessaryNeodymium reacts to oxygen and oxidises quickly if untreated. That's why all neodymium magnets in our shop are covered with a protective coating, which is so thin that it doesn't have any impact on the adhesive force of the magnet.We use the following coatings on our neodymium magnets:Nickel (Ni-Cu-Ni)By far the most frequently used coatingColour: shiny metallicGood price/performance ratioThickness: approx. 12 micro metresGold-coating (Ni-Cu-Ni-Au)Razor-thin coating (24k) over normal Ni-Cu-Ni coat, but with the same featuresColour: shiny metallicThickness of gold-coating without Ni-Cu-Ni: 0,05 micro metreThickness of whole coating: approx. 12 micro metresThe gold-coating rubs off easily with frequent use. It is therefore suitable for decorative purposes only, not for playing or working.Chrome (Ni-Cu-Ni-Cr)Better resistance against rubbing and pressure (that's why we use this coating for our sphere magnets)Colour: dull, grey-metallicThickness: approx. 15 micro metresCopper (Ni-Cu)Colour: shiny brown-red-gold. The colour may change over time due to oxidation (darkening, spots)!Slightly weaker rubbing and impact resistance than Ni-Cu-NiSlightly weaker corrosion resistance than als Ni-Cu-NiThickness: approx. 10 micro metresThe copper-coloured surface rubs off with frequent use (similar to gold-coated magnets) and is therefore suitable for decorative purposes only.Epoxy resin (Ni-Cu-Ni-Epoxy)(in exceptional cases also just epoxy)Colour: blackalmost 100% non-corrosive, as long as coating is intactnot shock-resistant (crumbles quickly)Thickness: approx. 10 micrometreEven the smallest, not visible to the eye, damages of the coating will cause damage to the magnet in the long term when exposed to moisture.Zinc (Zn)Colour: matt grey/blueishonly zinc without Ni-Cu-Nimore susceptible to corrosion than Ni-Cu-Nican leave black marksThickness: approx. 4 micrometresPot magnetsIf not noted otherwise, we use neodymium magnets with a Ni-Cu-Ni coating for our pot magnets. The term "coating" in the article description of pot magnets refers to the steel pot around the magnet. In most cases it is nickel (Ni); for the pot magnets that are painted white it is nickel with additional powder coating.Special coatingsThere is a variety of other coatings for neodymium magnets that we do not (or only sporadically) offer in our standard assortment.Without coatingNaked magnet material, black/greyMagnets oxidise and corrode quickly when they come in contact with oxygen and waterMagnets need to be covered air- and watertight quicklyWe do not recommend having uncoated magnets manufactured.Silver (Ni-Cu-Ni-Ag)Shiny silverRazor-thin coating over normal Ni-Cu-Ni coating, hence the same attributesDifference purely visualMaterial: Sterling SilverApprox. 12 micrometres thickTeflonGrey/anthraciteOnly teflon without Ni-Cu-NiNearly waterproofVery rub-resistant12-25 micrometres thickFerrite magnets: No coatingIn theory, you could put various coats on ferrite magnets, but that is technically complex and expensive. The price for the coating would be greater than the price for the whole magnet.Since ferrite magnets are weather-resistant even without protection, an additional coating is not necessary. Our ferrite magnets are therefore uncoated.