The current application status and related challenges of neodymium iron boron magnets in the medical field

Neodymium iron boron magnets have long played an important role in the medical industry, including their use inside and outside the body, as well as in the motors and sensors of medical equipment. They have a wide range of applications in the medical industry and are as advanced as the technological innovations related to current research. Although each application is unique, valuable insights and collaboration are required from the design and development stages to the production stage to obtain the best final product.
In vivo use
The magnets used in the body far exceed the requirements of "conventional" magnet applications, and the coatings on medical magnets in contact are biocompatible. The approved coatings for magnets include gold, Paliling, titanium, or rhodium. The correct coating helps improve corrosion resistance to certain chemicals and is also safe for internal use. The polyethylene terephthalate on magnets has long been associated with medical and technological applications, providing a corrosion-resistant and durable coating that can be used for Paliling C, D, and N.
Magnets may experience scratches and debris in the coating during impact, impact, or grinding of other parts, leading to oxidation. In some applications, doubling the coating thickness may be helpful, but tolerances need to be checked to ensure that additional thickness can be used. Gold is an FDA approved medical coating for use in the body. It has a nickel copper nickel base coating, with a standard gold plating thickness of 0.3-0.6 microns and a maximum operating temperature of approximately 200 ℃.
Almost all magnets used in the body are very small. Because stronger magnets are needed, neodymium is almost always used. Sometimes, an application environment is found that attempts to challenge the Physical law, or requires magnets to perform tasks beyond their capabilities. For example, a small 0.5mm x 1mm cylindrical magnet provides a holding force of 20 pounds, or a sensor reads 4000 Gauss from a 1mm x 1mm disk at a distance of 3 inches. For magnets, it is important to understand the possibilities available in dimensional requirements, acceptable tolerances (note: if possible, try not to be too tight), and the required results.
The shape of a magnet usually depends on the application and outcome requirements. Most magnets used inside the body are often small cylindrical, while magnets used outside the body have many shapes and sizes. Just as important as shape is the direction or orientation of magnetization. For example, an application allows a magnet to pass through a sensor, and the initial design shows that the magnet has axial magnetization. Once you have a better understanding of the sensor, you will realize that the magnetization direction should be radial. After the correction, the sensor and magnet work well as a component.
If the correct magnet and coating are selected based on the temperature, cleanliness, and chemicals it is exposed to, the magnet will work indefinitely and continuously. There are many grades of Neodymium magnet, so it is a good starting point to select the correct grade to deal with the temperature requirements. Once the correct grade is determined, the requirements of the environment to which the magnet will be exposed should be considered. If the magnet is cleaned with ordinary chemicals or placed in sterilization equipment, a coating that can withstand this environment will be crucial, as the magnet may encounter more areas than the ambient air.
Testing, data collection, and more data collection require a considerable amount of time and effort from concept to FDA approved products, as well as a large list of documents and reports required for each batch of products. Understand which files and tests are required during initial testing and production processes in order to obtain the correct testing procedures, manufacturing processes, and required document lists before mass production.
conclusion
When considering the use of magnets in medical applications, the above topics are only a starting point, and advances in medical technology and applications require the opportunity to collaborate with the most innovative and creative talents in today's medical industry. Continue to challenge and drive the boundaries of magnets, magnet components, magnet circuits, and coatings, which involve short-term surgical use, long-term placement of equipment, and precise use of sensors and precision motors.