Everyone is familiar with magnets, but have you ever wondered what it means to be magnetic? Or perhaps, how many types of magnets? In what application can magnets be used in various industries? Let’s look at some of the basic information about industrial magnets, the different types and some common industrial uses.

What is a magnet?

A magnet is a material or object that produces a magnetic field. This magnetic field is invisible but is responsible for the most notable property of a magnet: a force that pulls on other ferromagnetic materials, such as iron, and attracts or repels other magnets. The concept of magnetism dates back to ancient Greece, where naturally magnetized stones called lodestones were discovered. Today, magnets are crucial components in a wide range of industrial applications, providing critical functionality in numerous devices and systems.

Magnetic poles

Magnets have two distinct regions called poles: the north pole and the south pole. These poles are where the magnetic force is strongest. A fundamental principle of magnetism is that opposite poles attract each other (north to south), while like poles repel each other (north to north or south to south). This behavior is the result of the alignment of the magnetic fields generated by the electrons in the magnet.

If you break a bar magnet in half, each half will have a north and south pole, even if you break it in half many times. This phenomenon is due to the nature of magnetic domains within the magnet.

Types of magnet for industrial use 

Magnets can be classified into three main types based on their properties and how they are made: permanent magnets, temporary magnets, and electromagnets. Each type has unique characteristics and applications.

Permanent Magnets

Permanent magnets are those magnets that are commonly used. They are known as permanent magnets because they do not lose their magnetic property once they are magnetized. However, there are some ways to demagnetize permanent magnets:

• Exposing magnets to extreme temperatures.
• Hammering disrupts the alignment of magnetic dipoles in the material. Disorganized dipoles create weaker magnetic fields that partially cancel each other so the overall magnetism of the magnet weakens.

Common types of permanent magnets include:

• Ceramic or ferrite
• Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB)
• Alnico
• Samarium Cobalt (SmCo)

Temporary Magnets

Temporary magnets can be magnetized in the presence of a magnetic field. When the magnetic field is removed, these materials lose their magnetic property. In other words, temporary magnets are materials that exhibit magnetic properties only when subjected to a magnetic field. Iron nails and paper clips are examples of the temporary magnet.

Electromagnets

Electromagnets are created by running an electric current through a coil of wire wound around a core made of ferromagnetic material, such as iron. The magnetic field generated by the electric current induces a magnetic field in the core, making it a magnet. Electromagnets can be turned on and off and their strength can be adjusted by changing the amount of electric current flowing through the wire.

Applications of Industrial Magnet

Magnets play a critical role in numerous industrial applications due to their ability to generate a magnetic field. Some key applications include:

Electronics

Industrial electromagnets magnets are fundamental components in various electronic devices. They are used in hard drives to store data, in speakers and headphones to convert electrical signals into sound, and in smartphones for vibration and sensor functions.

Automotive Industry

In the automotive industry, industrial permanent magnets are used in electric motors for hybrid and electric vehicles, in sensors for various control systems, and in alternators to generate electricity while the engine is running.

Manufacturing

Industrial magnets are used in manufacturing processes for holding and lifting metal parts, in magnetic separation to remove metal contaminants from products, and in conveyor systems to move materials efficiently.

Energy Generation

In wind turbines and hydroelectric generators, industrial magnets are crucial for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Neodymium magnets, in particular, are used in wind turbine generators due to their high strength and efficiency.

Medical Field

Magnets are employed in the medical field in devices such as MRI machines, which use strong magnetic fields to create detailed images of the human body. They are also used in magnetic therapy to relieve pain and improve healing processes.

Recycling

Magnets are used in recycling facilities to separate ferrous materials from non-ferrous materials, ensuring efficient recycling processes and reducing waste.

In conclusion, magnets are indispensable in modern industry, with various types providing specific benefits for different applications. From permanent magnets in electronic devices to electromagnets in industrial machinery, the utility and versatility of magnets continue to drive technological advancements and industrial efficiency.

Prostech’s solutions for industries

Whatever your industry, Prostech offers a wide range of magnets in diverse shapes and sizes to suit your industrial needs. Contact us for a consultation to explore how our magnet portfolio can enhance your applications and drive your success.