Magnets are everywhere, from the fridge door to your headphones, but have you ever wondered why certain materials are magnetic while others are not? The answer lies in the structure of atoms and the behavior of their electrons. The Science Behind Magnetism Atoms are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Electrons orbit the nucleus and also “spin.” These tiny...
When we think of magnets, rare earth elements like neodymium and samarium cobalt often come to mind. But there’s another metal just as critical to magnetic assemblies: copper. While copper itself isn’t magnetic, its unmatched electrical conductivity makes it indispensable for creating, stabilizing, and optimizing magnetic fields. Why Copper Matters in Magnetism Copper plays a central role in electromagnets, superconductors...
A superconducting magnet is a type of electromagnet built from coils of superconducting wire. When cooled to cryogenic temperatures, these wires conduct electricity with zero resistance, allowing the magnet to generate extremely strong, stable magnetic fields without losing energy as heat. In fact, superconducting magnets can generate fields over 2,000 times stronger than the magnets on your refrigerator! Superconducting magnets...
When you think of magnets, you might picture refrigerator notes or workshop tools. But in the food and beverage industry, magnets play a critical role in quality control (QC). From preventing costly equipment damage to protecting consumers from contaminated products, magnets help capture tiny fragments of metal that can slip into food during processing. Magnets, especially high-strength neodymium magnets, provide...
You might not peek at your credit card and think, “This is science in my wallet.” Yet hidden on its back is a magnetic stripe, and inside many modern cards is a microchip protruding into your reader—both products of fascinating magnetic and electronic engineering. In this blog, we'll explore how magnetic stripes and chip readers work. Magnetic Stripes: Tiny Iron...
Magnets are essential tools across industries, from medical device manufacturing to retail display solutions. But when it comes to sourcing or evaluating magnets for your business, one of the most common questions is: How do you measure the strength of a magnet? Understanding this helps ensure you select the right magnet for performance, safety, and efficiency in your operations. Tools...
Magnets play a crucial role in industrial systems, from motors and generators to sensors, couplings, and material handling equipment. But when these components are exposed to high temperatures, their performance can degrade—sometimes permanently. Understanding how heat affects magnets enables manufacturers, engineers, and purchasing managers to select the appropriate magnetic material for the task, particularly in demanding environments. The Science of...
Magnets might seem like they’re always magnetic by nature, but in industrial production, that’s not the case. In fact, magnetization is usually one of the final steps in making a permanent magnet. Magnets (especially strong rare-earth magnets like neodymium) go through mining, alloying, pressing, and heat treatment steps without exhibiting any magnetic pull. These unfinished magnets, often called slugs or...
While most magnets are magnetized through their length or thickness, diametric magnets are magnetized across their diameter or width, as in diametric blocks. This creates a distinct magnetic field pattern that opens up new possibilities for industrial applications. If you need more help visualizing the difference, view our helpful video about axial vs. diametric magnets here. If you’re working on...
Magnetic phone holders are incredibly convenient, especially for drivers who want hands-free navigation or tech lovers who prefer a clutter-free desk setup. But with all that magnetic force so close to your electronics, it’s natural to ask: Are magnetic mounts safe for cell phones? It’s a great question. After all, magnets can affect electronics in some situations. The good news...