What is the
definition of a magnet?
A magnet is an object that is capable of creating a magnetic
field. All magnets must have at least one north pole, and
one south pole. TOP of
PAGE
What can a magnet do?
Most people are familiar with the basic traits of magnets,
and know that they attract metal objects. Specifically,
magnets attract objects made from iron, nickel, and cobalt.
However magnets are used in many other ways due to the fact
that they are able to effect electrically charged particles
and electric conductors. Because of these properties,
magnets are capable of converting electrical energy to
mechanical energy, and vice-versa.
Some practical uses of this capability are found in the
thousands of different products that rely on magnets to
operate, such as loudspeakers, generators, microphones,
motors, eddy current and hysteresis torque devices, magnetic
resonance equipment, sensors, gauges, switches – etc. TOP of
PAGE What is a magnetic field?
A magnetic field is an area of space where there is a
detectable magnetic force. A magnetic force has a measurable
strength and direction. TOP of
PAGE What
is magnetism?
Magnetism refers to the force of attraction or repulsion
that exits between substances made of specific materials
such as iron, nickel, cobalt and steel. This force exists
due to the motion of the electrical charges within the
atomic structure of these materials. TOP of
PAGE What is a “permanent”
magnet? How does that differ from an “electromagnet?”
A permanent magnet continues to emit magnetic force even
without a power source, whereas an electromagnet requires
power in order to generate a magnetic field. EAM only offers
permanent magnets. TOP of
PAGE How long
will a permanent magnet last?
A permanent magnet will retain its magnetism unless it is
affected by a strong outside magnetic or electrical force,
or elevated temperatures. If they are not exposed to any of
these conditions, permanent magnets will lose magnetism on
their own, however this degradation is very slow, on the
order of one percentage point every ten years or so. TOP of
PAGE Can a magnet lose
its magnetism?
Yes, if a magnet is influenced by another strong magnet, is
affected by a powerful electrical force, or is exposed to
temperatures above a certain level, it may lose some or all
of its magnetic strength. Be sure to identify the properties
of the magnet in question before using it if loss of
strength is a concern. TOP of
PAGE Can magnets be
re-magnetized? Can I make my magnet stronger?
Depending on how the magnet in question lost its strength,
it may be able to be re-magnetized. Once a magnet is fully
saturated, it cannot be made any stronger. TOP of
PAGE What is the
difference between an isotropic and anisotropic magnet?
An isotropic magnet is not oriented during the manufacturing
process, and can therefore be magnetized in any direction
after it is made. In contrast, an anisotropic magnet is
exposed to a strong magnetic field during the manufacturing
process in order to orient the particles in a specific
direction. As a result, anisotropic magnets can only be
magnetized in one direction, however they generally have
stronger magnetic properties. TOP of
PAGE What
defines a magnet’s
polarity?
If allowed to move freely, a magnet will align itself with
the north-south polarity of the earth. The pole that seeks
south is called the “south pole” and the pole that points
north is called the “north pole.” TOP of
PAGE How can I
tell the poles apart?
The poles of a magnet are identical, so you cannot see or
feel the difference between them. An easy way to check the
poles of a magnet is to use a compass. The part of the
needle that normally points north will seek the south pole
of the magnet. TOP of
PAGE
How are magnets made?
Magnets are made using the following methods:
Pressing and Sintering
Extruding
Injection Molding
Calendering
Casting
Compression Bonding TOP of
PAGE What
materials are permanent magnets made from?
Permanent magnets may be made from any for the following
materials:
Strontium-Iron (Ferrite or Ceramic)
Neodymium-Iron-Boron (Sintered or Injection Molded)
Samarium Cobalt (a type of Rare Earth)
Aluminum-Nickel-Cobalt (Alnico) TOP of
PAGE What is a magnetic
assembly?
When a magnet is incorporated into a housing or permanently
mounted to another part it may be called a magnetic
assembly. The most common types of magnetic assemblies are
those that are designed to increase the pull strength that
the magnet would normally exhibit. Some magnetic assemblies,
like round bases or channel assemblies, can be more than 30
times as strong as the magnet would be on its own. TOP of
PAGE How is a
magnet’s strength measured?
Magnetic strength is measured in a few different ways. Here
are a few examples:
A Gauss Meter is used to measure the strength of the field a
magnet emits in units called “gauss.”
Pull Testers can be used to measure the amount of weight a
magnet can hold in pounds or kilograms.
Permeameters are used to identify the exact magnetic
characteristics of a specific material. TOP of
PAGE Why should I choose EA
Magnetics for my magnet needs?
There are several reasons EAM is the right choice for you: QUALITY: EAM is an
ISO/TS 16949:2002 certified manufacturer. You can count on
our highly developed quality system to see your parts or
project through from design through final delivery. EXPERIENCE: EAM’s
customer service and technical team has decades of
experience with nearly every type of magnetic application.
You can be assured that we will apply that experience to
your specific needs each and every time to guarantee your
complete satisfaction. TECHNICAL SUPPORT: EAM
has the technical expertise to help you through your most
difficult magnetic design challenges. Our helpful and
courteous staff is always available to get you the answers
you need, as quickly and accurately as possible. VERSATILITY: No other
magnet company can offer customers what EAM can:
A unique combination of TS certified, domestic magnet
manufacturing capability,
including on-site magnetization, fabrication, design and
analysis - as well as high quality off-shore sourcing
options which provide our clients the best, most
cost-effective options no matter what the requirements. TOP of
PAGE
All Grades, Shapes and
Sizes Available
Rods - Rings - Horseshoes - Bars - Plugs
Stock Sizes — Cast & Sintered — Precision
Fabrication
