How to weaken the magnetic force of a customized magnet if it is too strong?

Many customers encounter the problem of excessive magnetic force when commissioning custom magnets; for example, items become difficult to separate once attached, installation is laborious, and this affects the product’s practical use. So how can this issue be resolved (without resorting to demagnetisation)?

The best solution is to increase the distance between the magnet and the object being held. As the distance increases, the magnetic field weakens rapidly. Adding a layer of plastic, rubber or a thin sheet of stainless steel to the surface of the magnet can increase the gap between the magnet and the surface being held, thereby reducing the actual holding force. Many electronic products and magnetic attachment mechanisms utilise this method to adjust the feel of the product.

Furthermore, the usable magnetic field can be reduced through appropriate design of the magnetic circuit, for example by adding magnetic conductive materials or adjusting the mounting position of the magnet.

Examples of the shapes of some neodymium magnets

If the project is still at the customised prototype stage, magnetism can be reduced by altering the magnet’s dimensions—such as reducing its thickness—or by changing the magnet material (e.g. replacing neodymium-iron-boron with ferrite) or downgrading its performance (e.g. changing from N42 to N35).

Once the magnets have been manufactured, the options for reducing their magnetic force are relatively limited. It is therefore recommended that magnet selection be carried out during the product development stage, taking into account the installation space, operating distance and required magnetic force, and that the design be continuously optimised through sample testing.

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