Adhering a Magnet

This is one of the most common questions we receive.

In most cases, the specific application will determine the type of adhesive you should use, but choosing the wrong one can lead to the magnet being pulled off the surface it’s attached to. This is especially true for Neodymium magnets, given their increased strength. Using adhesives like Super Glue, which dry hard without any flexibility, often result in the adhesive failing.

We recommend the following three types of adhesives for use with magnets:

• Silicone: Ideal for larger magnets, silicone is a simple and cost-effective option for securing magnets in place that allow for a degrees of flex which is important for larger strong magnets.
• Two Part Epoxy Resin: This is the most widely used adhesive and is what we use for our magnetic separation equipment as it dries relatively quickly and maintains a small degree of flexibility.
• Cyanoacrylate (CA): Similar to epoxy glues, CA adhesives require an initiator for activation and can be used on metal, plastic, and glass surfaces.

Another important consideration is the coating on the magnet. Plastic-coated magnets generally adhere well to most adhesives, while zinc and epoxy-coated magnets are also compatible with a wide range of adhesive options.

Our range that already contains VHB backed adhesive will not stick to silicone coated surfaces.

We recommend customers review the adhesive manufacturer’s information to ensure it is suitable for use with magnets.