Magnetic Assemblies
Magnetic assemblies are tools and systems that use large amounts of magnets to lift, hold and separate metallic materials. Electromagnets, ceramic, alnico and rare earth magnets are all used as the magnetic component. These assemblies are mostly used in the industrial and metal manufacturing industries, and employed to move heavy metal objects. When buying a magnetic assembly, consider the various holding and breakaway force, field strengths, operating temperatures, dimensional constraints, cost and optimal operation environment, as these factors do change in different assemblies. They may be small, hand-held tools or large, mounted CNC controlled machines that are able to handle a great amount of weight.
These systems use magnet alloys and non-magnetic materials together. The non-magnetic materials are often made of steel and compose the housing and magnetic circuit elements. They buffer the magnetic material from mechanical stress, thus increasing magnetic strength. Flux conducting elements, also made of steel, enhance the field and focus it on a specific region of interest. The magnetic components of the assemblies are always permanent, meaning they retain magnetism without the aid of a magnetic field and do not generate any electricity or heat. Different types of magnets are often used in combination with each other, which creates a higher magnet force. They are often alloyed, which is a complex process because even simple features are difficult to incorporate into a magnetic alloy.