Gluing Neodymium Magnets
Gluing Neodymium Magnets
Magnet Preparation
1.) Sand the magnets with rough grit sandpaper (10-50 grit). This gives the glue more surface area to grip. The rougher grit allows the glue to seep into the crevices created by the sandpaper.
a.) For best results sand in a crosshatch pattern.
b.) Try not to sand past the copper layer of the magnets plating. Most of our Neodymium magnets are nickel-copper-nickel plated. Sand just past the first nickel layer into the copper layer.
c.) If you are working with large quantities of magnets be sure to wipe or brush your work area periodically as nickel dust can build up and be difficult to clean off of the magnets. If you find a magnet covered in nickel dust you can use blue painter’s tape to remove the dust.
2.) Clean the magnet thoroughly with acetone or denatured alcohol.
a.) Wear gloves during and after cleaning the magnets. Even trace amounts of oil and grease from hands can cause the glue to fail.
Non-Magnet Surface Preparation
1.) If gluing to metal, repeat the above steps from magnet preparation to the metal surface.
2.) If gluing to wood, wipe away any excess dust and ensure the area is dry.
3.) If gluing to plastic, repeat the steps from magnet preparation but ensure that the cleaning product you use will not melt or damage the plastic. Ie. Acetone will damage abs plastic.
Types of Glue for Magnet to Wood
1.) Jb Weld and other 2part epoxies are highly recommended when the application requires the glue to fight the full pulling strength of the magnet.
a.) Always consult the instructions and recommended usage of the glue you intend to use.
b.) Be aware that metal reinforced glue is attracted to the magnets. This can be a blessing for glue distribution and a curse for keeping the glue off one side of the magnet.
c.) Keep a rag handy for wiping away excess glue.
2.) Contact Cement or E6000 is recommended for applications where there is less force on the magnet. Ie. There is a gap between the magnet and the surface it is attaching to that will reduce the effective force on the magnet.
Types of Glue for Magnet to Metal
1.) Jb Weld and other 2-part epoxies are highly recommended when the application requires the glue to fight the full pulling strength of the magnet.
a.) Always consult the instructions and recommended usage of the glue you intend to use.
b.) Be aware that metal reinforced glue is attracted to the magnets. This can be a blessing for glue distribution and a curse for keeping the glue off one side of the magnet.
c.) Keep a rag handy for wiping away excess glue.
2.) Superglue or E6000 will work for applications where the glue will not be fighting the full pull strength of the magnet.
Types of glue for Magnet to Plastic
1.) Because there are so many different plastic materials and surface finishes, we recommend that you contact your glue providers such as 3M or Loctite for assistance in selecting the right glue for your specific plastic.