What are the applications of magnets in industry?

Magnets are presented as an essential component in various industries, as they are capable of facilitating production, transporting heavy loads, generating energy and can even serve for protection in industry or storing information, among other uses.

The best? For the large number of applications it has, it is an economical material.

Do you want to know in which sectors magnets are fundamental? And which are the most used types of magnets? Today in IMA we tell you curiosities and applications of this material that never ceases to surprise us.

In what industries are magnets used?

Magnets, depending on the material and manufacturing process, can come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and strengths.

Thus, at IMA, for example, our R&D team and engineers have developed magnets with applications in the following sectors:

AutomotiveWhat would the motors be without the magnets? In addition to being part of the heart of vehicles, magnets serve to detect if seat belts are in use, among other applications.

The most important component of any electric motor is the magnet, since it is the impeller of the circular and linear movement in the motor.

Ferrite type magnets are most commonly found in these motors, but neodymium magnets are growing in popularity.

• Automotive:

What would the motors be without the magnets? In addition to being part of the heart of vehicles, magnets serve to detect if seat belts are in use, among other applications.

The most important component of any electric motor is the magnet, since it is the impeller of the circular and linear movement in the motor.

Ferrite type magnets are most commonly found in these motors, but neodymium magnets are growing in popularity.

• Construction

Magnets are of great help in the construction industry to, for example, help move heavy loads or build formwork. They function as an element of support and improvement of production methods in the sector.

• Logistics and packaging:

The rise of e-commerce has brought with it a renaissance of logistics and packaging, and with it, the need to optimize logistical processes. Thus, magnets are used in adhesive tapes, magnetic bases and labels that help solve common problems in the industry.

• Recycling:

Is it possible to separate and select materials by magnetism? It’s not science fiction and the real thing. Magnets are essential in the separation process and also detect contamination, impurities and any metal particles, depending on the nature of the material to be treated.

• Food:

When it comes to guaranteeing the purity and safety of the product, magnets are essential. They can detect any impurity before final packaging.

• Maintenance and Robotics:

Sensors. Automatic doors and closures. Radiology and dialysis devices…These are just some of the diverse applications of magnets, which thanks to R&D and innovation, can cover new needs in both industry and society.

• Mining:

Magnetic strips and electromagnets are used to detect and separate contaminating ferrous materials in extraction processes that could cause damage to machinery and tools.

• Plastic:

In addition to protecting production processes by injection moulding, for example, magnets are applied to remove broken mould parts, metal contaminants or metal particles adhered to the infeed conveyor.

What are the most commonly used magnets?

• Ferrite or ceramic magnets: Present a low coercitivity.

• Alnico: They offer good magnetic resistance and withstand high temperatures without losing strength.

• Neodymium: These are the most powerful magnets, but have less resistance to high temperatures compared to ferrite.

• Electromagnets: They can quickly change the magnetic field by controlling the electric current.

As you’ll see, magnets have features and versatility that offer advanced solutions in a variety of industries.

In this sense, at IMA we have more than 25 offering advances and solutions by means of magnets for practically all industries in more than 60 countries.

Applications that are possible thanks to our R&D team, who study each case to offer customized solutions to optimize the production process.

Do you need magnetized devices for your industry? We advise you on which options are best suited to your needs.