Does a magnet weaken over time?
Once in a while, we are asked questions like "How long do magnets last?" or "Can magnets lose their power?".
Under normal circumstances, neodymium and ferrite magnets, as well as magnetic tapes and magnetic sheets,
retain their magnetism almost indefinitely.
Factors such as temperature, vibrations or magnetic fields can however have a negative effect on the adhesive force of a magnet – causing the magnet to ultimately lose its adhesive force partially or even completely.
We have compiled the following list for the different types of magnets to show which factors can lead to loss of magnetism.
Table of Contents
Factors that negatively affect the adhesive force
Neodymium magnets
- Heat: Most neodymium magnets
should not be exposed to temperatures exceeding 80 °C – with the exception of our high-temperature magnets,
which can withstand temperatures of up to 150 °C
- Jolts: Strong jolts due to repeated blows
- Corrosion: Long-term use outdoors or in humid environments
- Other strong magnetic fields (e. g. of electromagnets)
Ferrite magnets
- Heat: Ferrite magnets should not be exposed to temperatures above 250 °C
- Cold: Ferrite magnets cannot withstand temperatures below -40 °C
- Jolts: Strong jolts due to repeated blows
- Other strong magnetic fields: Fields of electromagnets, as well as neodymium magnets, can demagnetise or reverse the polarity of ferrite magnets. Therefore, neodymium and ferrite magnets should always be stored and transported separately.
Magnetic tapes and magnetic sheets
- Heat: Magnetic tapes and magnetic sheets can withstand a maximum temperature of 85 °C
- Cold: Low temperatures for tapes and sheets must not exceed -20 °C
- Jolts: Strong jolts from repeated blows
- Other strong magnetic fields: Fields of electromagnets, as well as neodymium and ferrite magnets, can demagnetise or reverse the polarity of magnetic tapes and sheets. Therefore, they should always be stored and transported separately from other magnets.