Can 5mm diameter magnets be cut or shaped?
Sep 11, 2025| Hey there! As a supplier of 5mm diameter magnets, I often get asked a bunch of questions, and one that pops up quite a bit is, "Can 5mm diameter magnets be cut or shaped?" Well, let's dive right into this topic and find out.
First off, we need to understand what kind of magnets we're talking about. There are different types of magnets out there, like neodymium, ceramic, and samarium - cobalt. Each of these has its own unique properties, and these properties play a huge role in whether they can be cut or shaped.
Neodymium magnets are super strong and are very popular. They're made of an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron. These magnets are extremely brittle. If you try to cut a 5mm diameter neodymium magnet with a regular tool like a saw, it's likely to crack or shatter. The reason behind this is the internal stress in the magnet. When you try to cut it, you're essentially disrupting the magnetic domains and the crystalline structure of the alloy, which can cause it to break apart.
Ceramic magnets, on the other hand, are less brittle than neodymium magnets but still not very easy to cut. They're made from a mixture of iron oxide and barium or strontium carbonate. You can use a diamond - tipped saw to cut ceramic magnets, but it's a delicate process. The cutting has to be done slowly and with precision. Otherwise, you might end up with a magnet that has rough edges or even cracks.
Samarium - cobalt magnets are also pretty tough. They're known for their high resistance to heat and corrosion. Similar to neodymium magnets, they're brittle. Cutting them requires specialized equipment and expertise. If you don't have the right tools, you'll just end up damaging the magnet.
So, if you're thinking about cutting or shaping a 5mm diameter magnet, here are some things to keep in mind.
Safety First
Magnets can be dangerous. When they're being cut or shaped, small pieces can break off and fly around. These small pieces can cause eye injuries, so wearing safety goggles is a must. Also, magnets can attract metal objects, and if you're using power tools, there's a risk of the tool getting pulled in by the magnet, which can lead to serious accidents.
Specialized Equipment
As I mentioned earlier, regular tools won't do the job. You need specialized equipment like diamond - tipped saws, laser cutters, or water jet cutters. Diamond - tipped saws are good for cutting through the hard material of the magnets, but they need to be used with care. Laser cutters can provide a very precise cut, but they're expensive and require a lot of skill to operate. Water jet cutters use a high - pressure stream of water mixed with abrasive particles to cut through the magnet. This method is less likely to cause cracks, but it also needs proper setup.
Magnetic Field Disruption
Cutting or shaping a magnet will disrupt its magnetic field. After the cutting process, the magnet might not have the same magnetic strength as before. The magnetic field lines will be re - arranged, and in some cases, the magnet might even lose its magnetization. If you need a magnet with a specific magnetic field, you'll have to re - magnetize it after the cutting or shaping process.
Now, let's talk about some of the reasons why you might want to cut or shape a 5mm diameter magnet.
Custom Applications
Sometimes, off - the - shelf magnets don't fit the requirements of a particular project. For example, if you're working on a small electronic device, you might need a magnet with a specific shape or size. Cutting a 5mm diameter magnet can help you get that custom shape. You could turn it into a Disc Shaped Magnet or use it to create a more complex design.
Prototyping
When you're developing a new product, you might need to test different magnet shapes and sizes. Cutting a 5mm diameter magnet allows you to quickly create prototypes and see how they work in your design. This can save a lot of time and money compared to ordering custom - made magnets from the start.
If you're in the market for 5mm diameter magnets or other types of magnets like Disc Magnets or 4mm X 2mm Disc Magnet, we've got you covered. We offer a wide range of magnets with different materials, strengths, and shapes. And if you have any questions about cutting or shaping the magnets, our team of experts is here to help.
Whether you're a hobbyist working on a small project or a professional in the manufacturing industry, we can provide you with the right magnets for your needs. We understand that every project is unique, and we're committed to helping you find the perfect magnet solution.
If you're interested in purchasing our magnets or want to discuss your specific requirements, feel free to reach out. We're always happy to have a chat and see how we can assist you. Just drop us a line, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.


In conclusion, while it is possible to cut or shape 5mm diameter magnets, it's not an easy task. It requires safety precautions, specialized equipment, and an understanding of the potential impact on the magnetic field. But with the right approach, you can achieve the custom magnet shapes you need for your projects.
References
- "Magnet Physics and Applications" - A textbook on magnetism and its practical uses.
- "Advanced Magnet Manufacturing Techniques" - A research paper on the latest methods of manufacturing and modifying magnets.

