Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) in vehicles, including motorcycles and aircraft, haven’t just become more popular, they’ve become the standard in vehicle safety. Since the 90s, it has become a baseline feature in cars instead of a premium one. The vast majority of tests confirm that ABS technology minimizes the risk of accident and reduces accident-related casualties Anti-lock Brake Systems 

What & How of ABS

The components of the typical ABS includes: 
  • Sensors that monitor wheel rotation speed
  • Valves that allow, block, and release brake pressure
  • Pumps filled with hydraulic fluid
  • Controllers that signal action
When you break it down, ABS helps keep the wheels of a vehicle from locking up, allowing the driver to operate the vehicle safely (without fishtailing or skidding), even when a sudden stop is required.  The sensors (or reed switches) that measure wheel rotation involve magnets. When the wheel rotates, magnets (ceramic/ferrite) continue to pass by the switch. This counts rotations to determine speed. Now, if you suddenly stomp the brakes, the computing system or controller in the car can figure out which wheel is spinning faster and slow it down by sending hydraulic oil pressure into the related brake disc.

Apex Magnets & the Auto Industry

If you’re in the automotive industry, you know how important magnets are to production and safety ratings. They’re involved in several different aspects of design, although anti-lock brakes are arguably the most important. If you don’t see something to your exacting specifications in our catalog of products, call us at 1-304-257-1193, or submit a simple custom magnets request.