milling magnets

[star1280]

Can this be done? Does it ruin the polarity? What type of tooling do you use? Does it matter if its permanant or rare earth? I'm assuming grinding is the way to go but I dont have a grinder....

Alicia

[NC Cams]

Four words:

DIAMOND ABRASIVE GRINDING WHEELS.

At least, you're trying to cut ceramic fired materials.

When you cut a magnet in half, you end up taking a N S pole device and turning it into a N S and N S device.

THus, you can "ruin" the polarity.

Better yet, get them uncharged, cut them then magnetize them. You should be albe to "set" the polarity when you do it that way, depeding on how the magnet structure is oriented.

[Geof]

Originally Posted by star1280 Can this be done? Does it ruin the polarity? What type of tooling do you use? Does it matter if its permanant or rare earth? I'm assuming grinding is the way to go but I dont have a grinder.... Alicia

If it is a ceramic magnet and not too thick you might be able to score it and break it much like with ceramic tiles. You will never mill ceramic magnets they are approximately as hard as your cutting tools.

[DareBee]

I have always found milling or turning "rare earth" or Alnico magnets very simple. They are very soft. You want to cut them hard and heavy and keep the chips from away.
Any tooling will do.

Ceramics, on the other hand, I know better than to try and cut them.

[star1280]

thanks guys!!! I'll let you know if we go through with it.