Glossary of Magnetic Terms

Magnet Types

• 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
• Block Magnet: A rectangular prism magnet—similar to bar magnets but often larger and used in industrial fixtures
• Cone Magnet: A tapered magnet with focused field geometry—used in specialty applications requiring directional pull
• Cylinder Magnet: A long, round magnet with poles on flat ends—used in deeper mounting wells and magnetic rods
• Disc Magnet: A flat, cylindrical magnet with poles on the circular faces—common in mounting pads, cable holders, and cup assemblies
• Horseshoe Magnet: A U-shaped magnet with poles on the ends of the arms—designed to concentrate magnetic field strength across a narrow gap
• Ring Magnet: A donut-shaped magnet with a central hole—used in sensors, motors, and axial mounting configurations
• Spherical Magnet: A ball-shaped magnet with uniform field distribution—used in magnetic toys, closures, and low-load applications

Magnetic Properties & Physics

• Air Gap: The space between a magnet and the mounting surface—reduces holding force if not minimized
• 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
• Diamagnetic Material: A material that is repelled by magnetic fields and very difficult to magnetize—includes copper, bismuth, and graphite
• 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
• Field Strength Gradient: The rate at which magnetic field strength changes across space—affects pull force distribution and mounting behavior on uneven surfaces
• Flux Density (Gauss): A measure of magnetic field strength at a specific point—used to evaluate magnet performance
• Hysteresis Loop: A graph showing how a magnetic material responds to magnetizing and demagnetizing forces—used to evaluate material stability
• 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
• 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
• Residual Magnetism: The lingering magnetic field in a surface or material after a magnet is removed—can interfere with sensitive electronics or remounting precision
• Shear Force: The horizontal resistance to sliding—important in vibration-prone or angled installations

Materials & Composition

• Alnico: A magnet alloy made from aluminum, nickel, and cobalt—stable at high temperatures but weaker than neodymium
• Barium Ferrite: A ferrite material used in ceramic magnets—provides corrosion resistance and moderate strength
• Boron (B): A key element in NdFeB magnets—enables the Nd₂Fe₁₄B crystal structure that produces high magnetic strength
• Cobalt (Co): A metal used in SmCo and Alnico magnets—provides high temperature stability and corrosion resistance
• Copper (Cu): A metal used in Alnico alloys and some bonded magnets—improves conductivity and structural stability
• Dysprosium (Dy): A rare-earth element added to NdFeB magnets to improve high-temperature performance
• Iron (Fe): The primary metal in NdFeB and ferrite magnets—provides the magnetic backbone
• Neodymium (Nd): A rare-earth element used in NdFeB magnets—provides extremely high magnetic strength
• Nickel (Ni): A metal used in Alnico magnets and protective coatings—improves corrosion resistance
• Praseodymium (Pr): A rare-earth element often blended with neodymium—slightly reduces strength but improves availability
• Samarium (Sm): A rare-earth element used in SmCo magnets—provides excellent thermal stability
• Samarium Cobalt (SmCo): A rare-earth magnet material with high temperature resistance and corrosion stability—used in harsh environments
• Strontium Ferrite: A ferrite compound used in ceramic magnets—provides low-cost, corrosion-resistant magnetic performance
• Terbium (Tb): A rare-earth element used in high-temperature NdFeB magnets—enhances thermal stability

Manufacturing Orientation & Structure

• Anisotropic Magnet: A magnet with a preferred magnetization direction—offers higher performance but must be aligned correctly during manufacturing
• Isotropic Magnet: A magnet with no preferred magnetization direction—can be magnetized in any orientation but generally weaker than anisotropic types
• Magnetization Direction: The axis along which a magnet is most effectively magnetized—critical for anisotropic magnets and mounting orientation
• Sintered Magnet: A magnet formed by pressing and heating powdered material—used for high-performance rare-earth magnets

Mounting & Application Behavior

• Flexible Magnet: A magnet made from ferrite powder and polymer binder—used in signage and low-strength applications
• 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
• 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
• Pull Force: The vertical force required to detach a magnet from a surface—often listed in pounds (lbs) for specifier clarity
• Repositionable Mount: A magnetic mount that can be relocated without adhesive residue or surface damage—ideal for dynamic layouts
• Rubber-Coated Magnet: A magnet with a protective layer to prevent surface damage and improve grip on uneven or painted panels
• 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