How Are Magnets Made? From Ferrite to Super-Neodymium
Magnets are everywhere: in headphones, kitchen cabinets, smartphones – and in our soap holders. But hardly anyone knows how magnets are actually produced. Today, we're taking you on a short journey through the world of magnet production – from classic ferrite magnets to super-strong neodymium magnets.
Ferrite – Robust, Inexpensive, Widespread
Ferrite magnets are made of iron oxide and ceramic compounds. They are pressed, sintered (i.e., fired at a high temperature), and then magnetized – only a strong external magnetic field turns the blank into a real magnet. Ferrite magnets are rust-proof, heat-resistant, and relatively weak – ideal for speakers, motors, or children's toys.
Thanks to their comparatively low magnetic force, they are perfect for light applications – such as for our hotel soap holder, where strong adhesive force is not required.
Neodymium – Small, but Extremely Strong
For stronger applications – such as with larger soaps – more power is needed. This is where neodymium comes in. Neodymium magnets are the powerhouses among magnets – which is exactly why we use them at SAVONT. They are made of neodymium, iron, and boron (NdFeB) and are pressed and sintered under vacuum. The result: a compact magnet with up to 10 times the strength of a ferrite magnet of the same size!
How is the strength of a magnet measured?
- with a teslameter (gaussmeter) – measures the magnetic field on the surface
- with a pull force tester – shows how much force is needed to detach the magnet
- or very practically in everyday life: e.g., with a SAVONT soap capsule 😉
This is how magnetic force can be made visible, tangible – and, if necessary, provable.
Why do neodymium magnets have a silver sheen?
Neodymium magnets rust very quickly as soon as they come into contact with moisture. To prevent this, they are covered with a triple protective layer – typically nickel-copper-nickel (Ni-Cu-Ni). This provides:
- a shiny surface
- limited protection against moisture and air
- improved mechanical stability – at least at first glance
But be careful: This protective layer is not a solution for wet environments.
The shiny nickel coating is only a few micrometers thin – razor-thin. Mechanical impacts and repeated abrasion – such as from constantly placing and removing a soap disc – create micro-cracks. When water then gets in, the creeping decay begins:
- The magnet loses its shine
- turns brown
- and eventually rusts through
And that's exactly what happens with many cheap soap holders with unprotected magnets. This is not an option for us – because we see it as our responsibility to protect the rare earths inside.
What exactly are "rare earths"?
Neodymium belongs to the group of so-called rare earths – special metals that occur only in low concentrations and are complex to mine. They are found in electric cars, wind turbines, laptops... and also in our soap holders. Without them, many modern technologies would be unthinkable.
And yet: as powerful as the material is, without a crucial final step, it remains lifeless.
Only when a magnet is magnetized by a strong external magnetic field does it begin to "beat."
You could say: The magnetic field is the heartbeat – and the rare earth is the heart.
That's why it's a matter of course for us to protect this heart – permanently. Not just with shiny coatings, but with real shielding: our SAVONT development.
Our Solution: The SAVONT Protector
At SAVONT, we chose our own path: Our neodymium magnets are completely encased in a plastic sleeve – we call it the Protector. It permanently protects the magnet from water, soap, impacts, and air contact.
This preserves the magnetic force – not just for weeks or months, but for the long term. This is how we protect what is valuable: the rare earths inside.
And yes: anyone who has ever seen a once-shiny magnet become rusty, crumbly, and non-functional knows why this difference matters.
While many manufacturers use unprotected magnets, we rely on our own development – the Protector.
This means: no corrosion, no loss of performance, no risk.
Magnets that stay strong – because they are protected.
Conclusion
Whether ferrite or neodymium – every magnet has its place.
But while many manufacturers leave their magnets exposed, we focus on protection, value retention, and longevity.
Because neodymium is not a disposable material.
It should be protected – technically, functionally, and ecologically.
That's why we develop our holders with one goal:
Magnets that stay strong – and are preserved.