Archive: Apr 2021

A Brief Introduction to Electromagnets

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At Stangenes Industries, we are a premier supplier of electromagnetic products for customers across the globe. From our transformers to our pulse modulators to our power supplies, all of our products are well-known for their performance, reliability, and quality. Our commitment to product and service quality is supported by our strict quality control system, which complies with ISO 9001:2015 and MIL-1-45208 standards. For these reasons, our customers know they can rely on us to provide electromagnets suitable for their critical applications.

History of Electromagnets

Initially, scientists did not believe there was a connection between electricity and magnetism. However, in the 19th century, new research demonstrated the relationship between the two forces. Afterward, scientists began looking for ways to test, measure, and recreate electromagnetic fields. Ultimately, this led to the development of electromagnets, which have since become a key component in electronic devices and systems.

What Are Electromagnets?

A Brief Introduction to Electromagnets

An electromagnet is a device that creates a magnetic field when electricity is running through it. Similar to a permanent magnet, it has a north pole and a south pole, both of which repel like poles and attract dissimilar poles. Unlike a permanent magnet, it may or may not demonstrate these magnetic properties depending on whether electric current is flowing. If the current is flowing, the magnetic field exists. If the current is not flowing, the magnetic field does not exist. This characteristic enables users to turn the magnet on and off as needed.

Key Components of Electromagnets

In its most basic form, an electromagnet consists of a single loop of conductive material with a connected power source. The power source applies a current to the loop. As the electrical charges move through the material, it induces a magnetic field.

In practical applications, multiple loops are stacked to increase the strength of the magnetic field. Typically, the loops are formed as a coil, with each loop in the coil increasing the strength of the magnetic field by a specific amount. In these electromagnet setups, the magnetic field exhibits the greatest strength and uniformity within the coil and diminishes in strength and uniformity with greater distance from the coil. The addition of a ferromagnetic core further increases magnetic field strength inside the coil and decreases the magnetic field strength outside the coil.

Applications of Electromagnets

Today, electromagnets find application in a wide range of electronic devices and systems. They are used for small-scale electronic devices, large-scale industrial machinery, and sensitive scientific and medical instruments. Typical uses include:

  • Automobiles
  • Computers
  • Fuel injectors
  • Loudspeakers
  • Maglev trains
  • Magnetic lifters
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines
  • Mass spectrometers
  • Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers
  • Particle accelerators
  • Power transformers
  • Satellites

Turn to the Experts at Stangenes for Your Custom Electromagnet Needs

Need custom electromagnets? The experts at Stangenes have got you covered! We can simulate, design, manufacture, and test an AC, DC, or pulsed electromagnet tailored to your unique application requirements and restrictions. Whether you require high-range precision DC focusing and steering magnets or pulsed coils that operated at 300kA, we can deliver an appropriate solution.

Our electromagnet capabilities include:

  • Wire wound electromagnets. These electromagnets are built from standard materials using standard tooling. They are economical in low quantities, making them an affordable option for prototyping operations. They offer the shortest first-unit delivery time. Options include copper or aluminum windings, square or rectangular wires, and various heat dissipation methods.
  • Foil wound electromagnets. These electromagnets are economical in large quantities. They have the highest field accuracy with the lowest transverse field, the highest fill and packing factor, the most compact weight and space-saving configuration, and the most flexible shape and size configuration. They also offer higher winding precision and better heat dissipation than wire wound electromagnets.
  • Hollow tube electromagnets. These electromagnets are the best for “brute strength” applications that require high power (20kG or more). They also offer high heat dissipation (for maximum heat dissipation) and high malleability (for greater design freedom).

For additional information about our custom electromagnet capabilities, contact us today. To discuss your product requirements with one of our team members, request a quote. To find a distributor in your country, check out our distributor contact page.