What properties can magnetic bases offer us?

Magnetic bases can be made of neodymium and ferrite. Unlike conventional magnets, magnetic bases have a metal casing that improves the adhesive strength of the magnets.

What are magnetic bases?

Magnetic bases or also called pot magnets are probably not the first magnets that come to mind. Maybe you have seen them before and wondered about their shape. First, we will clarify what these magnetic bases are, what advantages they have and how they can be used.

As already mentioned, magnetic bases like other magnets can also be made from magnetic materials such as neodymium and ferrite. Therefore, the special feature of a magnetic base is not the material but its shape.

Which material is the magnetic core of a magnetic base?

The adhesive strength of a magnet depends mainly, of course, on the material and the material of the respective magnetic core. A very cheap option, even if it is weaker, is a ferrite magnet. It has the advantages that it is relatively inexpensive and robust and can also be used well outdoors.

Some magnets are considered to be high-energy magnets and the most powerful: neodymium magnets and samarium magnets have a very high magnetic strength. These types of magnets are used where a very high adhesive force is needed for a project with small dimensions and little space. The two mentioned variants of magnets are in each case alloys with rare earth. For example, a samarium-cobalt magnet can be used at very high and very low temperatures and is much more resistant to corrosion than a neodymium magnet. Of course, due to the rarity of its raw materials, it is also more expensive than other magnets.

Another variant is the NdFeB magnet. This magnet consists of an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron and is currently the basis for the strongest adhesion of permanent magnets. This type of magnet is less brittle. The handling of such high-energy magnets requires the observance of certain safety precautions.

The core of a magnetic base is located in a steel or stainless steel housing. Steel causes a higher adhesive force than stainless steel. However, stainless steel is advantageous because the material is rust-free and can therefore be used outdoors. As an accessory for magnetic bases, you can buy rubber or rubber discs and covers. These caps prevent scratches on delicate surfaces.

What is the special feature of magnetic bases?

The special feature of magnetic bases is therefore this metal housing, which is applied to the magnet. Now you are probably wondering why a metal cap increases the magnetic force. The explanation is quite simple:

Through the enclosed metal housing, the adhesive surface of the magnetic core remains free. The magnetic force of the magnet with housing thus acts only on the other side of the magnet. Through this metal housing, a change of the magnetic flux and and thus an increase of the magnetic force occurs.

Why do we also talk about pot magnets?

Because magnetic bases are widely used for industrial applications for the transport of steel and iron parts as holding magnets. For this reason, we speak of magnetic bases or pot magnets. Due to the increased magnetic force, magnetic bases or pot magnets are very good as strong and quickly removable fasteners without the need for holes.

Due to the possibilities of use, we also speak of mounting magnets or holding magnets. Here, the magnetic core is always integrated into a round steel housing and, through the resulting magnetic short-circuit, both the magnetic flux and the magnetic adhesion of the magnet are amplified.

What are magnetic bases used for?

Magnetic bases are used in many ways, both in the private and commercial sectors. The already described advantages of magnetic strength and easy solubility make magnetic bases ideal in many areas.

In particular, exhibition and shopfitting benefit from the properties of pot magnets as a quick and easy accessory. But also as mounting magnets in homes or for hobby applications, this magnet is ideal. These magnets are very light and also attach securely. They are suitable for lifting and gripping, as they form a very good and detachable connection in their construction. The magnetic bases are particularly suitable for attaching objects to metal surfaces.

Various magnetic base mounting options

Pot magnets are available with different magnetic products (neodymium, ferrite, alnico, and samarium). There are different magnetic bases with different types of installation: metric, countersunk, cylindrical, internally or externally threaded.

One way of mounting is, for example, by screwing. In this variant it is located in the middle of a continuous cylinder bore with an internal thread. You can also find variants that have an additional reduction. If available, there is nothing wrong with the use of a suitable countersunk screw.

The magnetic bases, which are equipped with a threaded hole on the back of the magnet, are screwed onto a pin with an external thread. There is also the attachment variant of a magnet with a threaded pin for screwing into a socket.

Some designs have a hook on the non-adhesive side of the magnet and can be mounted in this way, easily on metal substrates.

If none of the attachment options presented here are offered, magnets can also be glued into suitable openings. In doing so, you should pay attention to some tips for gluing magnets. This includes, for example, that hot-melt adhesive should not be used, as the adhesive strength of magnets is not heat-resistant.