Can magnets be used as structural elements in an assembly?
Most magnetic materials are too brittle to be safely used as structural components. Samarium cobalt, neodymium-iron-boron, and ferrites are particularly brittle. Iron-chrome-cobalt is a malleable alloy and not likely to crack or shatter. However, its magnetic properties change under stress and work hardening. Bonded magnets have been successfully used as structural components, but only when subjected to low stresses. Unlike fiberglas reinforced plastics, the high magnetic material loading in bonded magnets means that they are not very strong. Alnico magnets are the toughest of the common materials. But even they are not recommended for structural use. Can magnets be used in an application where they will rub against other surfaces? Most magnetic materials are very abrasive and hard. This means that they have the capability to seriously abrade adjacent surfaces. As in the previous question: as a general rule, magnets do not make good structural members. Are there any regulations for shi
