Safety tips for working with magnets

Danger	Ingestion
	Children can swallow small magnets. If multiple magnets are swallowed, they can settle in the intestine and cause life-threatening complications.
	Magnets are not a toy! Make sure that magnets do not fall into the hands of children.

 

Danger	Electrical conductivity
	Magnets are made of metal and conduct electricity. Children might try to put magnets into an electrical socket and get an electric shock.
	Magnets are not a toy! Make sure that magnets do not fall into the hands of children.

 

Warning	Crushing
	Large magnets have a very strong attractive force. With careless handling, fingers or skin can get pinched between two magnets. This can lead to bruising and contusions at the affected sites. Very large magnets can cause bone fractures with their force.
	When handling larger magnets, wear strong protective gloves.

 

Warning	Pacemaker
	Magnets can affect the function of pacemakers and implanted defibrillators. A pacemaker could switch to test mode and cause nausea. A defibrillator could potentially stop working.
	As a wearer of these devices, maintain a sufficient distance from magnets. Warn wearers of these devices about getting too close to magnets.

 

Warning	Heavy objects
	Excessively high or impact loads, fatigue, and material defects can lead to the magnet or magnetic hook detaching from its base. Falling objects can lead to serious injuries.
	The specified magnetic force can only be achieved under ideal conditions. Also factor in a high safety margin. Do not use magnets in places where personal injury could occur due to material failure.

 

Warning	Metal splinters
	Magnets are fragile. When two magnets collide, they can shatter. Sharp splinters can be thrown meters away and injure your eyes.
	Prevent magnet collisions. Wear protective goggles when handling larger magnets. Ensure that people standing nearby are equally protected or keep their distance.

 

Notice	Magnetic field
	Magnets generate strong magnetic fields that reach far. They can damage, among other things, televisions and laptops, computer hard drives, credit cards and electronic cards, data carriers, mechanical watches, headphones, and speakers.
	Do not leave magnets near any devices and objects that could be damaged by a strong magnetic field. Consult our table of recommended distances.

 

Notice	Flammability
	When mechanically processing magnets, drilled dust can easily ignite.
	Refrain from processing magnets entirely or use appropriate tools and sufficient cooling water.

 

Notice	Nickel allergy
	Many of our magnets have coatings that contain nickel. Some people react allergically to contact with nickel. Nickel allergies can be triggered by prolonged contact with nickel-plated objects.
	Avoid prolonged contact of nickel-plated magnets with skin. Refrain from handling magnets if you already have a nickel allergy.

 

Notice	Air freight
	The magnetic fields of improperly packaged magnets can interfere with aircraft navigation systems. In the worst case, an accident could occur.
	Only send magnets by airmail in packages with sufficient magnetic shielding. Observe the relevant regulations.

 

Notice	Shipping by mail
	The magnetic fields of improperly packaged magnets can cause malfunctions in sorting systems and damage sensitive goods in other packages.
	See our shipping tips. Use a sufficiently dimensioned box and place the magnets in the center of the package using filling material. Arrange the magnets in the package so that the magnetic fields neutralize each other. If necessary, use iron sheets to shield the magnetic field. Stricter rules apply to air transport: Observe the warning notice "air transport".

 

Notice	Effect on people
	According to the current state of knowledge, the magnetic fields of permanent magnets have no measurable positive or negative effect on humans. Health risks from the magnetic field of a permanent magnet are unlikely, but cannot be completely ruled out.
	For your safety, avoid prolonged contact with magnets. Store large magnets at least one meter away from your body.

 

Notice	Coating peeling
	Most of our magnets have a thin nickel-copper-nickel coating for corrosion protection. This coating can begin to peel or crack as a result of collisions or strong pressure. This makes the magnets more susceptible to environmental influences such as moisture and can cause them to oxidize.
	Separate large magnets, especially spheres, with a piece of cardboard. Avoid collisions between magnets in general, as well as repeated mechanical stress (e.g., impacts).

 

Notice	Oxidation, corrosion, rust
	Unprocessed magnets oxidize very quickly and disintegrate. Most of our magnets have a thin nickel-copper-nickel coating for corrosion protection. This coating guarantees them a certain protection against corrosion, but it is not sufficiently resistant for permanent use in outdoor environments.
	Use magnets only in dry indoor environments or protect them from environmental influences. Prevent damage to the coating.

 

Notice	Thermal Resistance
	Magnets have a limited maximum operating temperature. Depending on the magnetic material, this temperature ranges between 80 and 220 °C. Most of our magnets permanently lose part of their magnetic force at temperatures above 80 °C.
	Do not use magnets in places where they would be exposed to high heat. If you are using glue, do not cure it with hot air.

 

Notice	Mechanical Processing
	Magnets are brittle, sensitive to heat, and oxidize easily. When drilling or cutting a magnet with unsuitable tools, the magnet may break. The generated heat can demagnetize the magnet. Due to damage to the coating, the magnet will oxidize and disintegrate.
	Refrain from mechanically processing magnets if you do not have the necessary tools and experience. Instead, get a quote for custom manufacturing.

 

NeoCube Maintenance

It is very important to keep the magnetic balls clean! As these are very strong magnets, dirt easily adheres to them, which then scratches the balls and marks the beginning of their end. If your magnetic balls fall on the ground, never use them without thoroughly cleaning them! As soon as your hands start to get dirty while playing with the magnetic balls, the balls are dirty and are being abraded! When your magnetic balls get dirty, lubricate them with oil and wipe them dry with a cloth. Never pull magnetic ball chains apart sharply. A ball from the new end of the chain can be repelled and may bounce far away, where it will attach to a metal object, making it very difficult to find.