What Is a Neodymium Magnet?

A neodymium magnet is among the strongest magnets on earth, with some being able to hold up to 1300 times its weight. It is used in many industries and applications, and is relatively cheap.
Neodymium        
Neodymium is a rare earth element. However, that is misleading, for neodymium is relatively common in the Earth's crust. Neodymium can be mined from various ores. It is generally paramagnetic, meaning that it can be magnetized. However, it is not the only metal present in most neodymium magnets.   
Composition        
A neodymium magnet is generally a neodymium, iron and boron magnet, represented by Nd2Fe14B. The magnet is considered a metal alloy. It is important to remember that this magnet may look like a single metal, but is really an alloy, which is a bond of all three metals.   
Manufacture        
The neodymium magnet is manufactured by first melting down the neodymium-iron-boron alloy. This alloy is then crushed into a powder and magnetically aligned so as to have a permanent magnetic field. This power is pressed and sintered (heated) until it becomes a solid. Once in solid, magnetic form, it can be cut into the desired shape.   
Properties        
The neodymium magnet is extremely strong, with magnetic strengths between N24 and N55, with N55 being the strongest manufactured. Unfortunately however, it has a lower working temperature with its extremely high strength, with the maximum working temperature of some reaching only 200 degrees C.   
Uses        
The neodymium magnet is used in many of today's best electric motors, due to its efficiency and strength. It is also used in many toys, speakers, computers and electronics. The strength of the neodymium magnet has been key to the invention of electric motors for use in many applications that require more powerful motors, such as model aircraft.