My project is to pull an object along a path with solenoids, by cycling their on/off state. I don't know if ferrous core solenoids pulling steel would be more efficient than pulling a neodymium magnet with air-core solenoids. Simple diagram is shown below.
Would ferrous core solenoids with a steel slug be more efficient than air-core solenoids with a neodymium slug?
My goal is to have smaller solenoids ~1cm in diameter. I'm not sure how the size of the solenoid might affect this answer. If voltge/current/power affects the answer, please let me know. Thank you in advance.