Gold Plated Block (24k)

24k Gold Finish, Superior Conductivity, Biomedical Compatibility We supply Custom Neodymium Blocks finished with a quad-layer Gold Plating (Ni-Cu-Ni-Au). Standard Nickel magnets are functional, but they are electrically resistive and can cause skin irritation (nickel allergy). For these reasons, Gold Plated blocks offer a solution for high-value applications. Gold Plating provides the optimum balance of Low Contact Resistance, Corrosion Protection, and Premium Aesthetics. It is a good when you design a magnetic charging connector, a medical wearable, or luxury packaging. Why Pay for Gold? Gold is expensive. Engineers specify it for three technical reasons: 1. Electrical Conductivity (The “Smart” Connector): The Application: Magnetic Pogo-Pins or Battery Chargers. The Logic: Standard Nickel oxide allows electricity to pass, but with higher resistance. Gold is a noble metal; it does not form an oxide layer. The Benefit: A Gold Plated magnet ensures a reliable, low-resistance electrical connection every time it snaps shut. It is the industry standard for transmitting data or power through a magnetic latch. 2. Biomedical & Hypoallergenic: The Application: Wearables (Smartwatches, Hearing Aids). The Logic: Roughly 10-15% of the population has a Nickel allergy. Direct skin contact with a standard magnet causes a rash. The Benefit: Gold is biocompatible and hypoallergenic. Encapsulating the magnet in Gold allows it to touch the skin safely without irritation. 3. Solderability: The Application: PCB Mounting. The Logic: Gold wets easily with solder. You can reflow or solder a gold plated magnet directly onto a circuit board. The Gold plating ensures a robust mechanical and electrical joint. Manufacturing Specs: The “Layer Cake” Our Gold Plating is not a simple dip. It is a structured barrier. The Quad-Layer Process: To ensure durability, we do not plate Gold directly onto the magnet. We use a 4-stage process: – Base Nickel: Adhesion to the Neodymium. – Copper: Leveling and corrosion resistance. – Second Nickel: Structural hardness. – Top Gold (24k): The functional outer layer (0.05 – 0.1 microns). Standard Thickness: Total coating ~15-20 microns. Appearance: Bright Yellow Gold (Jewelry Grade). Durability Advisory: Softness Gold is a soft metal. It behaves differently than Nickel. The “Sliding” Risk: The Issue: Gold has low hardness. If you use a Gold magnet in a sliding latch, it will constantly rubs against steel. The thin Gold layer will wear off, revealing the Nickel underneath. Recommendation: Gold magnets are best for Compression contacts (Snap-On / Snap-Off). Avoid high-friction sliding applications. Ideal Applications Smart Connectors: Magnetic charging ports on consumer electronics. Medical Wearables: Glucose monitors and hearing aid battery doors. Luxury Packaging: Closures for high-end jewelry or perfume boxes. Sensors: Contacts in corrosive environments (Gold does not tarnish). Ordering Guide: Specifying the Finish To quote these accurately, please define: 1). Dimensions: Length x Width x Thickness. 2). Function: – Conductive: “Is this passing electrical current?” (We prioritize plating thickness). – Decorative: “Is this for a luxury box?” (We prioritize cosmetic perfection). 3). Grade: N35, N42, N52? 4). Quantity: (Gold pricing fluctuates; larger batches lock in better rates).