Mounting and gap matter more for patterned magnets than for conventional ones, because the field is concentrated close to the surface.
On gap, Correlated Magnetics Research recommends under 2 mm between a Polymagnet and its mating magnet or steel target, and says the right figure depends on geometry, pattern and application. Every layer counts toward that gap: plastic housing walls, paint, adhesive, coatings and labels. Design the enclosure so the magnets sit as close to the mating face as possible.
On fixing, CMR's FAQ ranks a screw through a countersink as the best method, followed by bonding the magnet to steel. It does not recommend bonding high-force Polymagnets directly to plastic, because the joint can fail before the magnet does. That is why many catalog pairs come with M4 or #6 countersunk holes.
Constraint matters too. Latch and spring pairs only work when the two parts are held centered, usually by a guide, rod or hinge. CMR's catalog includes a brass constraining rod and a zinc-coated steel plate for testing. And CMR notes its force data comes from magnets held parallel and aligned; a part that can tilt during engagement will see lower force.
WholeMagnetics, 2026-10-04. Polymagnet facts are taken from Correlated Magnetics Research’s public pages, listed below; vendor performance figures are CMR’s own.