How to Communicate Your Magnet Requirements with Sales Representatives?

How to Communicate Your Magnet Requirements with Sales Representatives?

What Key Details Must Be Specified to Get Accurate Quotes and Lead Times?

If you have these questions when purchasing magnets, this article will provide valuable insights.

Defining magnet procurement requirements involves two main aspects:

1. Basic Magnet Specifications

2. Project Lead Time Requirements

Basic Magnet Specifications

When clearly communicating your magnet procurement needs, the following key factors must be specified: performance requirements, shape and dimensions, magnetization direction, and surface treatment requirements. Providing detailed drawings will further help suppliers understand your exact needs. Below, we use neodymium permanent magnets as an example to explain each aspect in detail.

1. Performance Requirements

Performance refers to the magnet grade. Since different suppliers may define the same grade slightly differently, it is crucial to specify key parameters such as remanence (Br) and intrinsic coercivity (Hcj) to avoid discrepancies.

If you are unsure about the exact grade, you can provide alternative indicators such as surface magnetic field, pull force, or magnetic flux/magnetic moment to help determine the right material.

Additionally, depending on the operating environment, you may need to specify parameters such as temperature coefficients for remanence and coercivity.

For applications with strict magnetic flux or performance standards, it is essential to agree on testing equipment and methods to ensure consistent quality evaluation.

2. Shape, Dimensions, and Magnetization Direction

When describing your procurement needs, it is essential to clearly specify the basic shape and dimensions of the magnet. For instance, if you require a magnet of 6.0mm (+0.03/-0.03), provide the exact length, width, height, and tolerances.

For complex shapes, you should also specify profile details and angle requirements (e.g., 30°±1°). Providing detailed technical drawings is highly recommended.

Additionally, you must indicate:

• Magnetization direction (N-S poles)

• Magnetization method (single-pole or multi-pole magnetization)

• Magnetization angle, if applicable

3. Surface Treatment Requirements

Specify the coating type to ensure the magnet meets your application’s durability and environmental requirements. Key factors include:

• Coating methods (electroplating, chemical plating, electrophoresis, vapor deposition, etc.)

• Coating materials (zinc, nickel, copper, aluminum, epoxy resin, etc.)

• Coating thickness

If your product requires resistance to salt spray or other environmental tests, you should agree on testing conditions, duration, and acceptance criteria in advance.

4. Other Requirements

Additional specifications to consider include:

• Appearance requirements

• Special testing requirements (e.g., aging tests)

• Packaging and transportation requirements

Lead Time Considerations

Most suppliers have raw material inventories for common magnet grades, but the shape and processing complexity largely determine the final delivery time.

For custom products, dedicated molds are often required. If the supplier does not have the appropriate mold size, additional time will be needed for mold production, leading to longer lead times.

While production schedules can sometimes be optimized, suppliers may not always meet ideal delivery expectations. For time-sensitive orders, we recommend placing orders as early as possible.

By providing clear and detailed specifications, you can ensure smooth communication with magnet suppliers, obtain accurate quotes, and receive products that meet your exact requirements.