NICKEL (NiI+Cu+Ni)

This coating is the most commonly used on the surface of Neodymium or Rare Earth magnets. 3 layers in total, of nickel then copper and a final layer of nickel encase the Magnetic material to create a smooth, shiny finish and give conditional protection to the alloy compound inside. Nickel coatings are suitable for indoor use and for applications requiring low friction or good response to shear forces. Nickel coatings do not have long term resistance to moisture exposure or marine environments.

ZINC (Zn)

Zinc coatings offer higher resistance to corrosion than Nickel coatings and so are ideal for prolonged exposure to water or for outdoor use. Zinc coatings have a silvery matte or dull patina and over time will develop an oxidised protective barrier between the magnetic material and the environment, reducing corrosion and increasing the magnets longevity. Zinc also provides high resistance to abrasion and scratching. Zinc coated Neodymium magnets are used in motors and the Automotive industry.

You can browse our Zinc coated Magnets here.

GOLD (Ni+Cu+Ni+Au)

Gold coatings are smooth and aesthetically attractive and commonly used in art, fashion, decorative and advertising displays. As a thin extra layer over the standard Nickel coat, gold coatings are slightly more expensive. Gold is very conductive material and also has excellent water resistant properties. Gold coatings are not resistant to abrasion or scratching so should not be exposed to these environments. Jewellery makers and therapeutic health practitioners also find them appealing alternatives to nickel for their gold surface.

You can find our Gold coated products here.

BLACK EPOXY (Ni+Cu+Ni+BE)

Black Epoxy coatings have excellent resistance to moisture, humidity and submersion. Epoxy can easily scratch and expose the underlying Nickel coat, causing it to rust and corrode prematurely. Ideally they should be positioned permanently and not repositioned frequently. The glossy black coating has appeal for users making displays or outdoor signage or when long term water exposure is problematic.

See our Black Epoxy coated magnets here.

RAW EPOXY (BE)

This coating does not have underlying coats of Nickel or Copper and can only be achieved by special order from our factory. Contact our office for a quote or further information.

PLASTIC (ABS)

Injection moulding allows the regular magnet coating to be encased with plastic (ABS) creating an almost unbreakable protective cover between the magnet and a ferrous metallic surface. Moisture cannot permeate the plastic seal, greatly increasing the life of the magnet and saving money. The Plastic Coat is thick and therefore reduces the actual magnetic pull force due to the extra space created between the surfaces. Plastic coating allows the attachment and removal from delicate surfaces without scratching or chipping, eliminating problems associated with abrasion, moisture and collision. The table above shows their superiority in nearly all applications, including when glue is used as an adhesive.

TEFLON (PTFE)

Almost as efficient as Plastic coating, Teflon Coatings have attributes useful in hospitality, medical, chemical engineering and laboratory fields. Not much adheres to the surface encasing the magnet which is ideal in scientific or hygiene affected facilities where contamination can not be tolerated. As with all Teflon coated objects, friction is greatly reduced allowing the encased magnet to slip or be repositioned with minimal shear force while retaining its strong holding ability. As with Plastic coating, Teflon provides a waterproof seal for the magnetic compound within, so immersion and washability are of no concern. Teflon also provides protection for delicate surfaces and stops damage from collision. Although not many things adhere to Teflon, this does include glues and epoxy, so other fixing methods must be employed. Teflon coatings have great properties employed by makers of clothing and baggage where exposure to weather common and weak shear resistance is an advantage for opening and closure purposes.

Find our Teflon Coated Products here.