Welding is the process of joining or fusing materials –– primarily metal –– through controlled heat, melting the workpieces together and then letting them cool into place. It’s used in an assortment of major industries including aerospace, automobiles, construction and infrastructure, manufacturing, railroads, and shipping. So...how do magnets fit into this equation?   An Important Tool for Welders Welding magnets are a very important tool to the average welder, and they’re extremely helpful to the process of fusion. They adhere to metal surfaces to hold them at various angles –– 45 degree, 90 degree, and 135 degree. Welding blocks and cubes can also be used to create inside and outside corners as they hold the metal (tube or sheet) at the desired position.  Typically, welding magnets are made of either Alnico, neodymium, or samarium-cobalt –– all materials Apex offers. These strong magnets allow welders to meet the demands of almost all applications and give them the opportunity to work in a safe, hands-free environment where they can meet a high-level of accuracy.  Types of Welding Magnets On/off Switch A primary welding magnet tool is typically a magnet with an on/off switch (which can be electromagnetic). As its name suggests, you can turn its magnetism on and off, which allows you to work without the concern of accidentally getting it stuck to other surfaces, collecting too much metal debris, or becoming too difficult to detach from your project. Arrow  Arrow welding magnets (with and without holes) are commonly used in pipe installations. They’re strong enough to attract and adhere to any ferrous surface and can hold 45, 90, and 135 degree angles.  Adjustable  Unlike the previous magnets, Adjustable Angle welding magnets can swivel, giving welders 360 degrees to work with. They typically have a general holding capacity of 50 lbs and are ideal for traditional welding and assembly. Customization with Apex Did these descriptions spark some project ideas for you? We’re able to take customized orders if you’re looking for a specific type of block or cube magnet to use in your next welding project. Some details to consider prior to purchasing include pull force (holding workpieces together), number of angles, use of a countersink hole, and operating temperature. The last detail is particularly important as welding is a high-heat operation and standard Neodymium magnets can begin to lose their strength at 176 degree fahrenheit. Fortunately, samarium-cobalt and Alnico magnets can withstand much more extreme temperatures. If you’re ready to make your order, you can visit our custom order page. If you’d still like to talk through the details of your project, including heat resistance, give us a call at 1-304-257-1193.