Magnets for aerospace and aeronautical applications

As we already know, magnets are used in a wide variety of sectors such as healthcare, automotive, wind energy, electronics, recycling, mining, etc...

On the one hand, these can be everyday areas where permanent magnets are installed in the smallest of devices and, at first glance, may not play an important role. On the other hand, quality magnets are also used in larger sectors such as research, industry, and mainly in the aerospace sector.

In the manufacture of aviation magnets, in particular, it is essential that the magnets are of the highest quality, as errors cannot occur. Regardless of whether it is the drive, the machinery, or the compass, magnets are used in various places in aircraft and there must be no failure as millions of lives depend on them every day.

Consequently, much has been invested in the development and improvement of permanent magnets for use in aircraft in recent years. Precisely because of this, they have to meet many conditions and requirements in order to offer the best quality at the best price.

The requirements for aircraft magnets are as follows:

• Be as light as possible
• Be customized, small or even miniature in size
• Rugged enough to withstand harsh conditions
• Perform optimally in both the short and long term
• Have a long service life
• Be excellent value for money
• Have high bond strength
• Manufactured with a reduced proportion of rare earth

When manufacturing aircraft magnets, numerous factors must be taken into account to achieve an optimal result. After all, they have to withstand the most extreme conditions when using such aircraft magnets. From strong temperature differences, different pressure forces, environmental factors, and the fact that they sometimes have to perform extremely well in the smallest of spaces. Let's take a closer look at these aviation parts.

What is the function of magnets in aircraft?

Of course, such demanding requirements for magnets in the aviation technology sector are not without reason. Their main functions are:

• To detect the position of fluid flows.
• Operate in fuel pumps and temperature generators
• Reduce carbon consumption
• Make fuel more efficient

In addition, permanent magnets are used in the following parts of flying machines:

• Missile programs
• Flight control decks (civil and combat aircraft)
• Aircraft loudspeakers
• TWT radar systems
• PM generator rotor assemblies
• Fuel pumps
• Flow controllers
• Aircraft seat mounts
• Position and velocity sensor calibration
• Air compressors
• Motor-driven generators
• Tachometer generators
• Electromagnetic drive
• Electric motors

Are all types of magnets used in aeronautics?

No, because magnets have different characteristics depending on the material they are made of, temperature, etc...

As in all sectors, it is important to be well informed about the application conditions and to be aware of the respective properties of the magnets. Therefore, it is always best to seek the advice of qualified specialists whenever such specific things are to be realized.

As we made clear in the first part of the article, we already know that aviation magnets have to meet very specific requirements. A magnet that loses its adhesive strength at high temperatures is not suitable for use in this sector. As a rule, press-bonded magnets, injection-molded magnets, or hybrid magnets are used. Most of them are made of samarium cobalt because they can withstand high temperatures and unfavorable outdoor conditions.

As you can see, the use of magnets is a very complex subject in aeronautics and it is important to use the best quality magnets. At IMA we also work with customers in the aerospace sector and since we not only sell magnets but also manufacture them ourselves, we can adapt 100% to their needs. This is how we guarantee a high-quality result that delivers efficient performance. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact our specialized staff.