Magnetic Strength FundamentalsFerrite magnets, also known as ceramic magnets, are composed of iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) mixed with strontium or barium carbonate. Their magnetic strength is moderate, typically ranging between 0.2–0.5 Tesla, making them 2–7 times weaker than neodymium magnets of similar size. Neodymium magnets (NdFeB), composed of neodymium, iron, and boron, are the strongest permanent magnets available, with magnetic fields up to 1.4 Tesla. This disparity in strength is critical for applications requiring compact, high-performance solutions.
Practical ImplicationsThe weaker magnetic field of ferrite magnets limits their use in applications demanding high force density. For example, a neodymium magnet can hold objects many times its weight, whereas a ferrite magnet of the same size would struggle. This difference is evident in consumer electronics: neodymium magnets are preferred in portable audio devices (e.g., headphones, speakers) due to their compact size and strong magnetic field, which enhances sound clarity and efficiency. Ferrite magnets, being bulkier, are more common in stationary setups like refrigerator magnets or magnetic boards.