In the world of magnetics, one marvel stands timeless and unchanging — permanent magnets. At BJA Magnetics, located in Leominster, MA, we’ve worked with these magnets for over 35 years. Permanent magnets have revolutionized several industries and are used in various applications, from electronic gadgets like smartphones to magnetic bearings for spacecraft.
Understanding the basics of how these magnets work is essential for engineers, robotics experts, and anyone working in the aerospace industry. Let’s take a comprehensive look at permanent magnets, including:
- How are permanent magnets made?
- Applications of permanent magnets
- Advantages of permanent magnets
What are Permanent Magnets?
Permanent magnets near Bismarck, North Dakota are made up of ferromagnetic materials, which are characterized by their strong attraction to magnetic fields. These materials are made up of tiny magnetic domains, which align themselves in the same direction, creating a net magnetic field at the macro level. Permanent magnets have this name because once they’re magnetized, they retain their magnetic properties indefinitely, unlike electromagnets.
How are Permanent Magnets Made?
These magnets are made using materials like neodymium, samarium-cobalt, and ferrite. These materials are first melted in a furnace, and then cooled to form a solid block.
This block is then crushed into a fine powder, mixed with a binding solution, and molded into the desired shape using extreme pressure. The molded magnets are then heated at a high temperature to activate their magnetic properties, then cooled down slowly to retain their magnetic alignment.
Applications of Permanent Magnets
Permanent magnets for Bismarck, North Dakota have found wide-ranging applications in several industries over the years. Some of the most common applications include:
- Electric Motors: These magnets are a key component of electric motors used in several devices, including cars, washing machines, and power tools.
- Magnetic Bearings: These magnets are used to create magnetic levitation in high-speed bearing systems, reducing friction and increasing efficiency.
- Consumer Electronics: Gadgets like smartphones, speakers, and earphones use permanent magnets to produce sound and create various functionalities, like the vibration motor in smartphones.
Advantages of Permanent Magnets
Unlike traditional magnets – like electromagnets – Bismarck, North Dakota area permanent magnets have several unique advantages. These advantages include:
- High-energy density: These magnets have a high magnetic energy density, making them a more efficient power source than traditional magnets.
- Longevity: As mentioned earlier, permanent magnets retain their magnetic properties indefinitely, making them a more durable and reliable power source.
- Compact size: These magnets can be designed to be very compact without sacrificing their magnetic strength, making them ideal for use in small, portable electronic devices.
The scope of permanent magnets is vast and varied. They can be found in everyday devices like smartphones and fitness trackers, to more complex systems such as hard drives, memory cards, and robotic arms. Their precision and control make them indispensable in the aerospace industry, while their power and efficiency are harnessed for miracles in the medical field, including MRI machines and implantable devices.
At BJA Magnetics, we believe in the potential of magnets and invite you to explore their power and versatility with us. We’re more than just a supplier — we’re your partner in navigating permanent magnets in your projects and products. Contact us to get started today!