How to Determine Which Pull Force is Right For Your Project
While altering size is one way to impact a magnet’s strength, it can become quite expensive to shop for larger magnets if you’re using a lot of them. That’s why it’s important to understand what you’re actually buying as choosing the right pull force can get you the best bang for your buck when it comes to magnet shopping!
What Is Pull Force?
Pull force and magnet strength can often be confused. The pull force of a magnet is essentially the force needed to pull two magnets apart or to remove a magnet from some other surface.
For example, a magnet with a 15lb pull force does not necessarily mean it will be able to lift a 15lb object. Pull force is dependent on several variables, including the temperature and size of the magnet (like magnetic force and field), and also surface condition and pull angle.
We’re often asked, “What is the pull strength of your magnets?” Pull strength is a very subjective measure that is dependent upon many factors such as:
- Type of material being pulled against;
- Surface conditions;
- Physical contact;
- Magnet characteristics such as plating composition; and
- Presence or absence of lateral and rotational forces.