Electromagnet
The electromagnet and its magnetic effect is the basis for a variety of commercial applications. It only forms its magnetic field when connected to a power source, which allows for precise use of its magnetic force.
In the Magna-C magnet shop, you will find both holding magnets and classic round electromagnets in many sizes.
We also have permanent magnets electrically switchable in our product range.
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What is an electromagnet?
An “electromagnet” is a magnet that only develops its magnetic field after a current has been applied. Without a power source, it is not magnetic, which fundamentally distinguishes it from a permanent magnet. Because of this property, they are used for applications where a flexible magnetic field is needed.
Typical uses of electromagnets are:
- In data and recording devices
- In sensor technology and hydraulics
- As lifting magnets in scrapyards
- In industrial plants for lifting, separating and transporting
- As a component in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.
How does an electromagnet work?
When an electric current flows through a magnetic conductor, a weak magnetic field is formed around it. The electromagnet makes use of this basic principle and is often demonstrated in schools.
Take a flexible wire and pass an electric current through it – a weak magnetic field will now form around it. If you now wind this wire into a coil, the magnetic field will be concentrated and intensified. If the core of the coil is made of a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, the magnetic force will increase significantly. This type of electromagnet was first invented by William Sturgeon in 1826.
The modern electromagnet consists of a coil wound around a ferromagnetic material. The coil is installed in a steel pot and encapsulated with potting compound. The steel pot is also magnetically permeable and guides the magnetic field lines to the free holding surface.
The strength of the magnetic field and the adhesive force depend on the design of the coil and the strength of the power source.
How are electromagnets constructed?
An electromagnet gets its magnetic force from a coil, which generates a magnetic field when a DC voltage is applied. This magnetic field is only slightly magnetic and the holding force is insufficient for applications in the industrial sector.
For this reason, the coil (consisting of enamelled copper wire) is wound around a ferromagnetic material. This iron material has excellent magnetic conductivity, which is why the field lines can be directed and the holding force is increased.
This combination of coil and rod is also enclosed in a steel pot with potting compound – this is how electromagnets are constructed. This steel pot is also a good magnetic conductor and conducts the magnetic force together with the iron rod to the free holding surface. A pole develops on the ring surface of the steel pot and the central rod.
When the current flows, the electromagnetic field forms in an arc from the pin to the ring surface. The strength of the magnetic field and the holding force depends on the design of the coil.
Buy electromagnets from Magna-C
At Magna-C, you will find electromagnets in many sizes to suit your individual needs. Thanks to our high storage capacity, we guarantee fast delivery times of 1-2 working days. If you have any technical questions about electromagnets, a team of magnet experts and sales engineers is available to advise you.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions!