Key takeaways
- N48: 45–48 MGOe (358–382 kJ/m³); N52: 48–53 MGOe (382–422 kJ/m³), at 20°C.
- N48 HcJ: ≥11 kOe (≥876 kA/m); N52 HcJ: ≥11 kOe (≥876 kA/m), at 20°C.
- The class temperature is a screening reference. Safe operation requires the material’s hot demagnetization curves, load line, opposing field and duty cycle.
- BHmax is energy product. Differences do not give a fixed change in field, pull force, torque or required magnet volume.
- Price and lead time require comparable quotations for the same geometry, coating, quantity and acceptance plan.
Overview
Overview
N48 and N52 are sintered NdFeB reference grades. Their listed energy-product ranges differ at 20°C. Compare remanence and intrinsic coercivity separately. These values describe the educational table; supplier specifications can differ. A design calculation or test is needed to compare output in the complete magnetic circuit.
Side-by-side
Side-by-Side Comparison
Reference properties and design questions. A count of comparison points does not establish a material or supplier recommendation.
| Criterion | N48 | N52 |
|---|---|---|
| BHmax at 20°C | 45–48 MGOe (358–382 kJ/m³) | 48–53 MGOe (382–422 kJ/m³) |
| Br at 20°C | 13.7–14.1 kGs (1.37–1.41 T) | 14.2–14.8 kGs (1.42–1.48 T) |
| HcJ minimum at 20°C | ≥11 kOe (≥876 kA/m) | ≥11 kOe (≥876 kA/m) |
| Nominal temperature class | 80°C; geometry and load dependent | 65°C; geometry and load dependent |
| Hot performance | Requires the proposed material’s hot curves | Requires the proposed material’s hot curves |
| Chemistry and processing | Confirm composition and route | Confirm composition and route |
| Price and availability | Quote for the actual part | Quote for the actual part |
Confirm source conditions and the actual part requirements before using reference values as acceptance limits.
Use cases
Conditions for considering each option
When N48 wins
- The N48 material meets the field and demagnetization requirements in the validated design.
- Its part quotation and qualification plan fit the programme.
When N52 wins
- The N52 material meets a requirement that the evaluated N48 material does not.
- The measured benefit justifies any difference in part cost or qualification work.
How to choose
Decision Framework
Decision framework
Compare hot B-H and J-H curves at the worst working point, including faults and transient temperature. Then calculate or test output in the actual geometry. N48 and N52 cannot be selected from the class temperature alone. Agree coating, acceptance tests and production route before comparing quotations.
Specs
Related NdFeB Grades
N48
80°C classN48 reference: 45–48 MGOe at 20°C, with a nominal 80°C temperature class.
Reference; drawing review required
N52
65°C classN52 reference: 48–53 MGOe at 20°C, with a nominal 65°C temperature class.
Reference; drawing review required
N48H
120°C classN48H reference: 45–48 MGOe at 20°C, with a nominal 120°C temperature class.
Reference; drawing review required
N48SH
150°C classN48SH reference: 45–48 MGOe at 20°C, with a nominal 150°C temperature class.
Reference; drawing review required
Industries
Related Applications
Industrial Automation
NdFeB magnets for stepper motors, servo drives, linear actuators, magnetic couplings, and factory automation equipment across European and North American manufacturing.
Medical Devices
NdFeB design considerations for medical equipment mechanisms, sensors and permanent-magnet MRI systems.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between N48 and N52?
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N48 lists 45–48 MGOe (358–382 kJ/m³) and HcJ ≥11 kOe (≥876 kA/m); N52 lists 48–53 MGOe (382–422 kJ/m³) and HcJ ≥11 kOe (≥876 kA/m). These are reference values at 20°C. The numeric grade describes energy product, while a suffix distinguishes a coercivity class.
Which grade should I use in a motor?
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Assess the local operating point using hot material curves, including opposing fields and transient duty. Room-temperature BHmax and a nominal class temperature cannot guarantee motor output or demagnetization margin.
How do I compare cost?
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Request prices for the same dimensions, coating, quantity, test requirements and delivery terms. A fixed grade-price percentage is not a reliable basis for a new quotation.
Does the suffix establish export licensing?
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A grade suffix does not determine chemistry or licensing. Obtain the actual composition and product description, then have the exporter confirm classification and transaction requirements under current rules.
Need help deciding?
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