Magnets for medical devices

Fundamentally, the use of magnets in medical devices can help save lives and significantly improve the level of patient care. This is because magnets are a key component of many medical devices. The most famous application is likely to be magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but magnets are used in ventilators, insulin pumps, and magnetic drug delivery. The list is endless and continually added to as technology improves and develops. Magnets for medical devices have been responsible for groundbreaking medical achievements, which will continue.

Magnetic challenges in medical applications

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating the UK medical device market, so when dealing with magnets in medical applications, it’s reassuring to know that e-Magnets has expertise in this field.

Challenges in medical applications include ensuring that the magnets are safe (some for internal use) and have corrosion resistance to certain chemicals. Evaluation is also needed for:

• How the magnets respond to temperature
• How they will be cleaned and the cleaning chemicals used
• The size and shape of the magnets needed
• The direction of the magnetic orientation/ magnetisation
• Need/use for different magnetic coatings available.

Applications of medical device magnets

Magnets are hidden in all kinds of medical devices; they’re the unsung heroes in hospital settings. For example, magnets can improve cleanability by fixing components together and being hidden behind metal walls or sealed plastic so that no grooves or seams are exposed, which can harbour dirt and disease. Other applications include:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation
• Drug delivery
• Dental devices
• Cochlear implants
• Pacemakers
• Heart pumps
• Ventilators
• Sleep apnea devices

Our medical device magnets

Our medical device magnets meet the magnetic challenges in medical applications head-on:

Samarium cobalt magnets are ideal for medical devices sterilised using a medical autoclave because they can withstand extremely high temperatures.

Alnico magnets have a high corrosion resistance and can be used in high-temperature applications.

Ferrite magnets can be cut into different sizes and shapes at a relatively low cost. They also have excellent resistance to corrosion and demagnetisation.

Neodymium magnets are also known as neodymium iron boron magnets, ‘neo’ or NdFeB, and are widely used in the medical field (for example, MRI).

We also stock pot magnets with a wide range of magnet materials, including alnico, ferrite, neodymium and samarium cobalt.

Quality assured magnets

Quality assurance measures are at the forefront of what we do, and when our magnets are being used for medical devices, nothing can be more critical. We’re proud that our focus on providing the highest quality is proven in our ISO9001 and ISO14001 certifications, showing our commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.

Every step of the magnet production process — from the material selection to the manufacturing to the medical device magnet — is part of a rigorous quality management system that produces the highest quality products and focuses on customer satisfaction.

Why choose Bunting for magnetic applications?

When choosing magnets for medical devices, no risks can be taken. Bunting provides peace of mind as a global business with over 60 years of magnet expertise.

Medical devices have specific requirements for the magnet component. We have over 1,500,000 magnets in stock and can customise products for any needs. Our repeat customers span the healthcare, renewable energy and aerospace sectors, and we are proud of what can be achieved worldwide. We remain focused on supplying high-quality magnets across the globe while also staying on the cutting edge of new magnet development.