Powerful N35 and N52 Neodymium Magnets

Neodymium magnets, also known as NdFeB magnets, are permanent magnets made primarily from an alloy of neodymium, iron and boron. They provide very high magnetic strength in relation to their small size, making them particularly suitable for figures, miniatures, wargames, scale modeling and RC car bodies.

At Green Stuff World, you will find N35 and N52 neodymium magnets available in different sizes so you can choose the most suitable combination of diameter, thickness and strength for each project. They can be used to magnetize bases, keep miniatures secured on transport trays, create interchangeable parts or attach components to vehicles and scale models.

What is an NdFeB neodymium magnet?

A neodymium magnet is a type of permanent magnet belonging to the rare-earth magnet family. Its magnetic material is mainly composed of neodymium (Nd), iron (Fe) and boron (B), hence the name NdFeB.

This composition makes it possible to achieve a very strong magnetic field in a compact size. It is precisely this combination of magnetic power and small size that makes NdFeB magnets especially useful for miniatures, figures and modeling projects where available space is often limited.

They are available in different shapes, including discs, blocks, rings and spheres. For figures and bases, disc-shaped neodymium magnets are generally the most practical.

What is the difference between N35 and N52 neodymium magnets?

The designations N35, N42, N50 or N52 refer to the grade of the magnetic material. The number indicates, among other things, the material's maximum energy product. With comparable dimensions and geometry, a higher grade can provide stronger magnetic performance.

Green Stuff World offers, among others, N35 and N52 magnets. The choice mainly depends on the available space, the weight of the part to be held and the required magnetic pull.

To explore the different options available, see our N35 and N52 ranges.

However, grade is not the only determining factor. Size, thickness, shape, magnetization direction, distance between surfaces and the material the magnet acts on also influence the actual force achieved in a real application.

What size neodymium magnet should you choose for a miniature?

The right size mainly depends on the weight of the miniature, the space available under the base and the intended use. For wargame miniatures, it is usually best to use a magnet powerful enough to hold the model securely without using an unnecessarily large diameter.

On many plastic miniature bases, the space available underneath is limited. When the magnet is thinner than the inner gap of the base, a small amount of Green Stuff epoxy putty can be used to fill the space and position the magnet correctly.

Neodymium magnets for figures, miniatures and wargames

Neodymium magnets for miniatures make it possible to create discreet and powerful fastening systems. They can be installed in the base of a miniature to hold it on a metal surface, movement tray or transport case.

They are also very useful for making certain parts of a miniature interchangeable. Arms, weapons, equipment, heads, turrets and other components can be magnetized so the configuration of a miniature can be changed easily without having to assemble several different models.

Powerful magnets are also widely used with Miniatures carry cases. Combining a magnet installed under the base with a metal surface helps keep miniatures securely in place during storage or transport.

How to create a magnetic base or tray for miniatures?

To create a movement tray or magnetic transport base, it is important to combine the metal surface and magnets correctly.

Green Stuff World offers magnetic sheets and other materials that can be cut to adapt the tray surface to the required size.

Depending on the weight of the miniatures, several solutions can be used:

• Adhesive magnetic sheets or elements for very light miniatures.

• 3 × 2 mm neodymium magnets for medium-sized plastic miniatures.

• 5 × 2 mm neodymium magnets for heavier metal or resin miniatures.

• 8 × 2 mm neodymium magnets for large miniatures, vehicles or heavy models.

How to attach a neodymium magnet to a miniature?

Magnetizing a miniature is a simple technique that allows you to attach a model to a metal surface or make certain parts interchangeable.

For this process, you will generally need:

• A hobby drill or pin vise to create a precise recess for the magnet.

• Instant CA glue to secure the magnet quickly.

• Sandpaper or other abrasive products to slightly roughen the bonding surface and improve adhesion.

• Green Stuff epoxy putty or another epoxy putty to fill gaps and adjust the height of the magnet.

Steps for magnetizing a miniature base

1. Check the space available under the base and choose a suitable diameter and thickness.

2. If necessary, prepare a small amount of epoxy putty to create a support under the magnet.

3. Identify the poles before gluing several magnets so that they all keep the same orientation.

4. Apply a small amount of cyanoacrylate glue to the attachment area.

5. Place the magnet and make sure it remains perfectly aligned with the bottom edge of the base.

6. Allow it to dry completely before testing the miniature on the metal surface.

In our online store, you will find a wide variety of N35 and N52 neodymium magnets in different sizes so you can adapt the fastening system to the size and weight of your miniatures.

What determines the holding force of a neodymium magnet?

The actual strength of a magnet does not depend solely on its grade. Two N52 magnets of different sizes will not necessarily produce the same attractive force.

The main factors are:

• Magnetic grade: N35, N42, N50, N52, etc.

• Diameter or surface area: a larger contact area can increase useful holding force.

• Thickness: this also affects the performance of the magnetic system.

• Distance: magnetic force decreases rapidly when there is a gap between the magnet and the metal surface.

• Contact material: steel and suitable ferromagnetic materials provide better attraction.

• Contact surface: a flat and clean surface generally provides better adhesion.

• Direction of force: resistance to perpendicular pulling can differ from resistance to lateral sliding.

• Temperature: excessively high temperatures can reduce magnetic performance.

For scale modeling, it is therefore preferable to choose a magnet according to the actual application rather than relying solely on whether it is N35 or N52.

Coating and corrosion resistance of NdFeB magnets

NdFeB is a high-performance material, but it is also sensitive to moisture and corrosion when unprotected. For this reason, neodymium magnets are generally covered with a protective metallic coating.

A common coating consists of several layers of nickel, copper and nickel (Ni-Cu-Ni). This coating gives many neodymium magnets their characteristic silver appearance while protecting the magnetic material inside.

However, it is advisable to avoid scratching or damaging the coating, as this could expose the NdFeB material to moisture and promote corrosion.

What is the difference between a neodymium magnet and a ferrite magnet?

Neodymium magnets and ferrite magnets are both permanent magnets, but their properties and applications are different.

Thanks to their size-to-power ratio, NdFeB magnets are particularly suitable for assembling figures, scale models and miniatures.

Neodymium magnets for RC car bodies and scale modeling

The small size of neodymium magnets also makes them suitable for integration into RC modeling projects. They can be used to create removable fastening systems for car bodies, hoods, panels or accessories where available space is limited.

Using magnets makes it possible to achieve a discreet fastening system without certain visible mechanical clips or fasteners, while still allowing the relevant part to be removed quickly.

Where to buy neodymium magnets for wargames and scale modeling?

On the official website of Green Stuff World, you will find neodymium magnets especially suitable for modeling, miniatures and wargames, available in different formats and pack sizes.

You can choose between two main ranges: N35 and N52. The latter are particularly useful when strong magnetic power is required in a limited space.

You will also find magnetic sheets, metal surfaces and other accessories for creating complete systems for transporting, storing and magnetizing miniatures.

Are neodymium magnets dangerous for children?

Neodymium magnets are not toys and must be kept out of reach of children.

Swallowing several small magnets is particularly dangerous because they can attract each other through the walls of the digestive system and cause internal injuries. Small powerful magnets should therefore always be handled and stored responsibly.

When used in modeling projects, also make sure that magnets are securely glued so that they cannot easily come loose from the miniatures.

How long do neodymium magnets last?

Under good conditions of use and storage, a neodymium magnet can retain its magnetic properties for a very long time. Its lifespan nevertheless depends on its environment and how it is used.

The main factors that can reduce its performance are:

• High temperature: each grade has a recommended maximum operating temperature. Excessive exposure to heat can cause partial or permanent loss of magnetization.

• Opposing magnetic fields: sufficiently strong fields can contribute to demagnetization.

• Corrosion: damage to the protective coating can expose the NdFeB material to moisture.

• Impacts: neodymium magnets are hard but relatively brittle and can chip or break if subjected to a strong impact.

To extend their lifespan, store magnets in a dry place, avoid excessive temperatures and protect their coating from scratches and impacts.

Applications of neodymium magnets

Beyond scale modeling, NdFeB magnets are used in many applications that require a strong magnetic field in a small volume. They can be found in various mechanical systems, electronic equipment, electric motors, magnetic fastening systems and other technical devices.

For Green Stuff World, their main use remains in figures, bases, miniatures, wargames, scale models and RC projects, where their small size makes it possible to create fastening solutions that are practically invisible.

Frequently asked questions about neodymium magnets

Which neodymium magnet is stronger: N35 or N52?

With comparable size and geometry, N52 has a higher magnetic grade than N35. It is therefore particularly useful when strong magnetic force is required in a limited space.

Which magnet should be used under a miniature base?

For a standard plastic miniature, a magnet of around 3 × 2 mm can be a good starting point. Heavier miniatures may require 5 × 2 mm, 8 × 2 mm magnets or a different combination depending on their weight and base.

Can a neodymium magnet be glued with cyanoacrylate?

Yes. Instant CA glue is commonly used to secure magnets in miniatures. A clean and slightly roughened surface generally improves adhesion.

How can you identify the poles of a magnet before gluing it?

Before attaching several magnets, use another magnet as a reference and always mark the same face with a permanent marker or a small dab of paint. This helps prevent accidentally gluing two magnets with incompatible orientations.

Why are neodymium magnets suitable for miniatures?

Because they provide high magnetic strength in very small dimensions. They can therefore be hidden inside a base, arm, weapon or vehicle component without significantly altering the appearance of the model.

Complementary products for your modeling projects

To complete your projects, we also recommend checking out our selection of board games as well as our rotatable display stand,.