Magnetic Terms That Stick
Magnets play a vital role across industries—from mounting and fastening to sensing, alignment, and structural support. Their effectiveness depends on a clear understanding of how different materials respond to magnetic fields, how magnet shapes influence performance, and how environmental factors affect reliability. Whether you're selecting magnets for everyday use or specialized applications, knowing the terminology ensures smarter choices and safer installations.
To support clearer decision-making and safer applications, the following glossary defines essential magnetic terms—covering materials, shapes, forces, and field behavior.
- Air Gap: The space between a magnet and the mounting surface—reduces holding force if not minimized
- Alnico: A magnet alloy made from aluminum, nickel, and cobalt—stable at high temperatures but weaker than neodymium
- Anisotropic Magnet: A magnet with a preferred magnetization direction—offers higher performance but must be aligned correctly during manufacturing
- Arc Magnet: A curved segment of a ring magnet—used in motors and rotary magnetic assemblies
- Bar Magnet: A rectangular magnet with poles on opposite ends—used in educational demos and basic field alignment
- BH Curve (Demagnetization Curve): A graph showing how a magnet responds to external magnetic fields—used to evaluate material stability and performance
- BH Max (Maximum Energy Product): The point on the BH curve representing the magnet’s maximum strength—used to define grades like N52
- Block Magnet: A rectangular prism magnet—similar to bar magnets but often larger and used in industrial fixtures
- Br Max (Residual Induction): The magnetic field remaining after external magnetizing force is removed—indicates maximum flux output
- Coercive Force (Hc): The magnetic field strength required to demagnetize a magnet—measured in Oersteds
- Cone Magnet: A tapered magnet with focused field geometry—used in specialty applications requiring directional pull
- Curie Temperature: The temperature at which a magnet permanently loses its magnetic properties—critical for high-heat environments
- Cylinder Magnet: A long, round magnet with poles on flat ends—used in deeper mounting wells and magnetic rods
- Demagnetization: Loss of magnetic strength due to heat, shock, or opposing magnetic fields—can compromise mounting integrity
- Diamagnetic Material: A material that is repelled by magnetic fields and very difficult to magnetize—includes copper, bismuth, and graphite
- Disc Magnet: A flat, cylindrical magnet with poles on the circular faces—common in mounting pads, cable holders, and cup assemblies
- Electromagnet: A temporary magnet activated by electric current—used in lifting systems and industrial switching, not applicable to passive mounting
- Ferromagnetic Material: A material that is easily magnetized and strongly attracted to magnets—includes iron, steel, cobalt, permalloy, and Alnico
- Ferrite Magnet (Ceramic Magnet): A low-cost, corrosion-resistant magnet made from iron oxide—used in signage and low-strength mounts
- Field Strength Gradient: The rate at which magnetic field strength changes across space—affects pull force distribution and mounting behavior on uneven surfaces
- Flexible Magnet: A magnet made from ferrite powder and polymer binder—used in signage and low-strength applications
- Grade (e.g., N52, SmCo5): A classification of magnet strength and energy product—higher numbers indicate stronger magnets
- Horseshoe Magnet: A U-shaped magnet with poles on the ends of the arms—designed to concentrate magnetic field strength across a narrow gap
- Hysteresis Loop: A graph showing how a magnetic material responds to magnetizing and demagnetizing forces—used to evaluate material stability
- Isotropic Magnet: A magnet with no preferred magnetization direction—can be magnetized in any orientation but generally weaker than anisotropic types
- Magnet Cup (or Cup Assembly): A steel casing that surrounds a magnet to concentrate and direct its magnetic field—boosts pull force and protects against impact
- Magnetic Base: The foundational magnetic component used to anchor accessories—may be bare, coated, or housed in a cup
- Magnetic Failure Zone: Environments where heat, oil, or non-ferrous surfaces reduce magnetic effectiveness—may require mechanical backup
- Magnetic Field Lines: Invisible lines representing the direction and strength of a magnetic field—denser near poles, relevant for understanding pull zones
- Magnetic Force: The physical force exerted by a magnetic field on ferromagnetic materials or moving electric charges—drives pull and shear performance
- Magnetic Law: Like poles repel; unlike poles attract. This principle governs magnetic orientation, mounting polarity, and multi-magnet configurations
- Magnetic Pole: The region of a magnet where the field is strongest—typically labeled North (N) and South (S); affects mounting orientation and interaction
- Magnetic Saturation: The point at which a magnetic material cannot hold any more magnetic flux—important for understanding performance limits
- Magnetization Direction: The axis along which a magnet is most effectively magnetized—critical for anisotropic magnets and mounting orientation
- Mounting Orientation: The direction a magnet is applied relative to its poles and the surface—affects pull force, shear resistance, and multi-magnet alignment
- Mounting Substrate Compatibility: The ability of a surface material to support magnetic adhesion—depends on ferrous content, coatings, and surface condition
- Neodymium Magnet (NdFeB): A rare-earth magnet offering high strength in compact form—ideal for cable mounts and retrofit hardware
- Paramagnetic Material: A material that is weakly attracted to magnets and can be slightly magnetized—includes aluminum and platinum
- Permanent Magnet: A magnet that retains its magnetic field without external power—used in mounting hardware, motors, and sensors
- Pull Force: The vertical force required to detach a magnet from a surface—often listed in pounds (lbs) for specifier clarity
- Residual Magnetism: The lingering magnetic field in a surface or material after a magnet is removed—can interfere with
- BH Curve (Demagnetization Curve): A graph showing how a magnet responds to external magnetic fields—used to evaluate material stability and performance
- BH Max (Maximum Energy Product): The point on the BH curve representing the magnet’s maximum strength—used to define grades like N52
- Br Max (Residual Induction): The magnetic field remaining after external magnetizing force is removed—indicates maximum flux output
- Coercive Force (Hc): The magnetic field strength required to demagnetize a magnet—measured in Oersteds
- Curie Temperature: The temperature at which a magnet permanently loses its magnetic properties—critical for high-heat environments
- Demagnetization: Loss of magnetic strength due to heat, shock, or opposing magnetic fields—can compromise mounting integrity
- Electromagnet: A temporary magnet activated by electric current—used in lifting systems and industrial switching, not applicable to passive mounting
- Ferrite Magnet (Ceramic Magnet): A low-cost, corrosion-resistant magnet made from iron oxide—used in signage and low-strength mounts
- Ferromagnetic Surface: A surface containing iron, nickel, or cobalt that supports magnetic adhesion—e.g., steel panels, conduit, strut
- Flexible Magnet: A magnet made from ferrite powder and polymer binder—used in signage and low-strength applications
- Flux Density (Gauss): A measure of magnetic field strength at a specific point—used to evaluate magnet performance
- Grade (e.g., N52, C8, SmCo5): A classification of magnet strength and energy product—higher numbers indicate stronger magnets
- Hysteresis Loop: A graph showing how a magnetic material responds to magnetizing and demagnetizing forces—used to evaluate material stability
- Isotropic Magnet: A magnet with no preferred magnetization direction—can be magnetized in any orientation but generally weaker than anisotropic types
- Magnet Cup (or Cup Assembly): A steel casing that surrounds a magnet to concentrate and direct its magnetic field—boosts pull force and protects against impact
- Magnetic Base: The foundational magnetic component used to anchor accessories—may be bare, coated, or housed in a cup
- Magnetic Field Lines: Invisible lines representing the direction and strength of a magnetic field—denser near poles, relevant for understanding pull zones
- Magnetic Failure Zone: Environments where heat, oil, or non-ferrous surfaces reduce magnetic effectiveness—may require mechanical backup
- Magnetic Pole: The region of a magnet where the field is strongest—typically labeled North (N) and South (S); affects mounting orientation and interaction
- Magnetization Direction: The axis along which a magnet is most effectively magnetized—critical for anisotropic magnets and mounting orientation
- Magnetic Saturation: The point at which a magnetic material cannot hold any more magnetic flux—important for understanding performance limits
- Neodymium Magnet (NdFeB): A rare-earth magnet offering high strength in compact form—ideal for cable mounts and retrofit hardware
- Permanent Magnet: A magnet that retains its magnetic field without external power—used in mounting hardware, motors, and sensors
- Pull Force: The vertical force required to detach a magnet from a surface—often listed in pounds (lbs) for specifier clarity
- Rubber-Coated Magnet: A magnet with a protective layer to prevent surface damage and improve grip on uneven or painted panels
- Samarium Cobalt (SmCo): A rare-earth magnet with excellent temperature stability and corrosion resistance—used in harsh environments
- Shear Force: The horizontal resistance to sliding—important in vibration-prone or angled installations
- Sintered Magnet: A magnet formed by pressing and heating powdered material—used for high-performance rare-earth magnets
- Soft Magnetic Material: A metal like pure iron or silicon steel that magnetizes easily but doesn’t retain magnetism—used in shielding and transformer cores
- Temporary Magnet: A material that exhibits magnetism only while exposed to a magnetic field—used in relay cores and electromagnetic devices
- Residual Magnetism: The lingering magnetic field in a surface or material after a magnet is removed—can interfere with sensitive electronics or remounting precision
- Repositionable Mount: A magnetic mount that can be relocated without adhesive residue or surface damage—ideal for dynamic layouts
- Ring Magnet: A donut-shaped magnet with a central hole—used in sensors, motors, and axial mounting configurations
- Rubber-Coated Magnet: A magnet with a protective layer to prevent surface damage and improve grip on uneven or painted panels
- Samarium Cobalt (SmCo): A rare-earth magnet with excellent temperature stability and corrosion resistance—used in harsh environments
- Shear Force: The horizontal resistance to sliding—important in vibration-prone or angled installations
- Shielding (Magnetic Shielding): The use of soft magnetic materials to block or redirect magnetic fields—critical in environments with sensitive electronics or EMI concerns
- Sintered Magnet: A magnet formed by pressing and heating powdered material—used for high-performance rare-earth magnets
- Soft Magnetic Material: A metal like pure iron or silicon steel that magnetizes easily but doesn’t retain magnetism—used in shielding and transformer cores
- Spherical Magnet: A ball-shaped magnet with uniform field distribution—used in magnetic toys, closures, and low-load applications
- Temporary Magnet: A material that exhibits magnetism only while exposed to a magnetic field—used in relay cores and electromagnetic devices
This glossary closes the loop on magnetic terminology, giving you a clear, field-ready reference for smarter selection, safer mounting, and specifier-grade precision.
The information provided in this FAQ is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace official codes, standards, or project specifications. Winnie Industries products must always be installed and used in accordance with our product instruction sheets or designated training. Products should never be applied beyond their intended purpose or in a manner that exceeds specified load ratings. Proper fastening is critical to system integrity and functionality, requiring secure attachment to structurally sound components capable of supporting imposed loads. All installations must comply with governing codes, regulations, and job site requirements. Always consult your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for specific regulatory guidance.