There are many interesting substances in the world that surprise people with their unique properties and unusualness. And since ancient times, the best minds on the planet could not understand how individual stones and metals could attract or repel each other. Now science has stepped far forward, and free access to any information allows you to understand how magnets are made in a couple of minutes.
A little history
Things that are ordinary for a modern person can have a very complex history. And the magnet is no exception. The special field that is created by different materials caused not only delight, but also surprise among the sages of past eras. At the same time, people have encountered this phenomenon for a very long time. But the active development of the science of the magnetic field began relatively recently, and it was used for economic purposes literally a couple of decades ago.
There are a lot of historical facts that highlight the centuries-old history of a specific field with unique attractive or repulsive properties. The first reliable mention goes back to Ancient Greece, where the region of Magnesia once existed. It was in this geographical region that deposits of the substance that formed such a field were found. Soon the rock was called “stone from Magnisia”.
In addition to the real physical ability to attract iron objects, such stones were also endowed with mystical meaning. They were considered a gift from the gods, capable of scaring away evil spirits, healing fatal diseases and bringing good luck to the home. However, people soon managed to invent the first prototype of a compass, giving the object the shape of a needle that always points north.
A large number of references to the miracle field are present in Chinese chronicles. There, miraculous properties were attributed to the stones, and legends were also dedicated to them. For example, there is a legend about a mystical gate through which people with swords could not pass. Leading modern scientists are of the opinion that these gates were created from rock that attracts metal objects.
Absence of any competition
It is also worth noting that this entrepreneurial idea will be successful because there is no competition in this field of activity. The market is not saturated with souvenirs of this kind, and in some cities an entrepreneur is even capable of becoming a monopolist. The not very high cost of all products will allow you to make a profit that will significantly exceed all initial costs. That is why this business is considered highly profitable.
To summarize all of the above, it can be noted that for the first time the entrepreneur will need approximately 50 thousand rubles. But this entire amount will be fully paid off in two months, or even earlier.
Natural and artificial origin
In medieval times and until the end of the 18th century, researchers actively studied the characteristics of rock with a magnetic field. In fact, then people did not know about the existence of other substances that generate this field. But at the beginning of the 18th century, the famous scientist Arago, and soon Ampere and Seturgeon, managed to invent an object with a magnetic field of artificial origin. It was formed as a result of the supply of electric current, which was a real technological breakthrough. Soon the technology began to be improved in every possible way, turning metal products into powerful variable magnets.
Why is the sea blue and what factors influence its color?
Today magnets are classified into the following types:
- Natural or natural.
- Artificial.
Representatives of the first group are deposits of a special rock. The largest natural magnet ever found weighs 13 kilograms and guarantees an adhesive force of up to 40 kg.
As for artificial magnets, they are iron products that create a field when an electric current is applied to the stitching with the core. However, today there is a special type of magnets that is created by man using advanced technologies.
Finding a customer will be easy
Manufacturing magnets as a business has certain requirements. First of all, they relate to the sale of products. But finding customers who can purchase a wholesale batch of magnets is not very difficult. The entire complexity of this process lies in the need to predict this or that corporate event.
Magnets have always been popular at various exhibitions, as they are capable of carrying a certain logo. But even if there is no customer for a wholesale batch, you can always produce single products.
Main types
In addition, the listed types of magnets may differ in the principle of their operation. So, today the following types are distinguished:
- Constant.
- Temporary.
- Electromagnet.
The first two varieties are characterized by different degrees of magnetization and time of retention of the field within themselves. Its intensity and resistance to external influences is determined by the composition of the material. The latter type does not belong to the group of true magnets, because it works due to the effect of electricity created by the magnetic field around the core.
Permanent and temporary magnets are created from different raw materials. in its quality :
- Neodymium.
- Bor.
- Cobalt.
- Alnico.
- Iron.
- Ferrites.
The materials are carefully crushed and then melted and kept in an oven at high temperatures until they acquire the desired properties. Depending on the type and required characteristics, the appropriate composition and proportions of components are set at the production stage.
Using this technology, the following types of magnets can be obtained:
- Pressed.
- Cast.
- Sintered.
How magnets are made in different ways
Pressed magnets are magnets made by mixing a special type of NdFeB powder with polymer binding materials. This mass is then pressed into a mold and heated.
Magnetic products obtained in this way can be of complex shapes and usually do not require additional processing. They have lower product energy than sintered magnets, up to 10 MGse.
Isotropic NdFeB magnetoplasts can be magnetized in any direction.
By using special solenoids, it is possible to obtain multi-pole magnets or magnets with a special shape of the magnetic field.
Of course, such complex solenoids can be very expensive depending on the complexity of the design and the required performance.
Cast magnets - in this method of producing magnets, NdFeB powder is mixed with a polymer material and extruded into a mold. The resulting magnetic products have product energies of up to 5 MGse, but can be made into intricate shapes.
Sintered neomagnets - fine NdFeB powder is pressed into a mold, then sintered and processed to the desired size (ground).
The production of neodymium magnets is a complex high-tech process that requires compliance with the composition and impurity content. All operations, except for grinding to size, are carried out without oxygen in a vacuum or an atmosphere of inert gases. The direction of magnetization is determined by the texture of the magnetic field during pressing.
Production process
To create an electromagnet, you need to place a wire winding around a metal core. By changing the dimensions of the core and the length of the wire, you can change the intensity of the field, the amount of energy consumed, as well as the dimensions of the product.
Permanent and temporary magnets can have different field strengths and demonstrate different resistance to environmental influences. Before starting the manufacturing process, the customer needs to determine the composition and shape of the future product, taking into account the scope of application and the cost of services. The necessary components are selected with maximum precision, after which the first production stage begins - smelting.
Japan will develop construction robots to work on the planet Mars
During smelting, a specialist immerses all components of the future object into an electric vacuum furnace. After checking the devices for operability, and the composition of the material for compliance with the proportions, the tank can be hermetically sealed. Then, using powerful pumping equipment, air is pumped out of the chamber, which is necessary to prevent oxidation processes and possible loss of field power. The molten mixture is then poured into the mold, and the operator waits for it to cool completely. In this way, a special briquette is created that has certain magnetic properties.
At the next stage, the resulting homogeneous mass is crushed using special crushers. Secondary crushing leads to the formation of a powdery consistency with dimensions of several microns. This requirement is necessary for the correct installation of magnetic fields.
Next, the powdery mass is placed in a special device, where it is exposed to mechanical pressure and a magnetic field. Thus, it is pressed into briquettes with the desired size and shape. When a magnetic field is applied, the magnetized particles receive a one-way direction, which allows the polarity of the future magnet to be equalized. The finished product is packaged in a sealed bag, after which the air is pumped out of it. Such measures are necessary to prevent oxidation processes and deprivation of magnetic properties.
Then the briquette ends up in a special oven, which is also pre-cleaned of air, and they begin to sinter into a single magnet using high-temperature effects. Ultimately, the product becomes very durable, and the intensity of the magnetic field increases.
Types of permanent magnets
Ferrite magnets are the most famous and actively used in everyday life. This black material can be used as fasteners for various items, such as posters, wall boards used in the office or school. They do not lose their attractive properties at temperatures not lower than 250°C.
Alnico is a magnet consisting of an alloy of aluminum, nickel and cobalt. This gave it its name. Very resistant to high temperatures and can be used at 550°C. The material is lightweight, but completely loses its properties when exposed to a stronger magnetic field. Mainly used in the scientific industry.
Samarium magnetic alloys are high performance materials. The reliability of its properties allows the material to be used in military developments. It is resistant to aggressive environments, high temperatures, oxidation and corrosion.
What is a neodymium magnet? It is the most popular alloy of iron, boron and neodymium. It is also called a supermagnet, as it has a powerful magnetic field with high coercive force. By observing certain conditions during operation, a neodymium magnet can retain its properties for 100 years.
We found out what a magnet is. Next, we will consider the use of the most popular and popular alloys.
Types of refrigerator magnets
There are different applications for magnets, but the most popular is the manufacture of refrigerator magnets. This accessory is in particular demand, because it allows you to increase the recognition of the company or serves as a souvenir from another city, country, or interesting place.
Fundamental mistakes of NASA: scientists accused by patent troll
Magnets available on the market come in a wide variety of shapes and materials. They are created on the basis of vinyl with magnetic properties, ceramic materials, glass, polymer blanks, plastic, gypsum, etc.
If we highlight the most famous varieties that are in demand among a wide audience of buyers, then they should be included .
- Flat models. They are created on the basis of magnetic vinyl, on top of which there is a picture with or without a laminated coating. They are famous for their special softness, flexibility and resistance to any impact. This type is ideal for creating promotional products.
- Sunsets. They have a beautiful design and look like an icon. They can have either a rectangular or rounded shape.
- Resin. They are created on the basis of essential resins and are particularly attractive. Soft and hard magnets are sold on the market, which are an excellent addition to a successful business.
What is special about acrylic magnets?
Every day you can increasingly see acrylic magnets on many people's refrigerators. They are quite beautiful and original. Therefore, their popularity is understandable. In addition, making acrylic magnets is not too difficult. They consist of only two parts:
- A body that serves as a blank. The material used is transparent plastic – acrylic.
- Printing insert.
When creating a magnet, the image is simply inserted into a previously made housing and snaps into place. With the help of prefabricated housings already available, the production of acrylic magnets occurs at a rapid pace.
Do-it-yourself subtleties
Having understood the principle of the magnetic field and the basic technological processes for producing magnets, many enthusiasts may want to create such a product at home. Naturally, it will not be possible to create a super-strong magnet from improvised materials, but it is quite possible to make an interesting homemade product that retains the properties of attracting and repelling individual objects. And one such homemade product is a refrigerator magnet.
The simplest and most primitive way to make such accessories is to use magnetic vinyl. It can be purchased at the appropriate store, paying attention to the model with a thickness of 0.4 mm, as well as a glossy or matte finish for an inkjet printer. Next you need to apply a suitable picture to the source material by printing it on a printer. Despite its simplicity, the method has many disadvantages:
- Buying magnetic vinyl is not a cheap pleasure. At the same time, the small thickness of the product significantly reduces the strength of attraction. Therefore, such magnets are suitable only for private use, because it is unlikely that anyone will want to buy them.
- The quality of the final product is low, and the product itself cannot boast of a long service life. And the cause of such shortcomings may not be the vinyl magnet itself, but the presence of a color print from the printer.
The second production option involves printing photographs or graphic images on high-quality photo paper, followed by gluing a vinyl magnet with an adhesive base. The picture is additionally laminated and then fixed to a magnetic surface.
Both methods are simple enough to implement at home and do not require specific skills. All you may need for the upcoming work is:
Why does it get dark at night and light during the day?
- Personal computer or laptop with a pre-installed graphics editor. It is advisable to use Photoshop.
- Inkjet printer that supports color printing functions. It is advisable to give preference to expensive models, since they work much faster and better.
- Cutting device. Being a soft, rubber-like material, vinyl can be easily cut with regular scissors, but to ensure straight edges and proper cutting, it is better to invest in professional cutters.
Product sales and advertising
The advertising and marketing campaign depends on the type of product being manufactured. In any case, you need to start working in this direction already at the stage of organizing a business.
Permanent magnets
The main consumers of permanent magnets are manufacturers of a wide variety of products, primarily:
- computer equipment;
- furniture and door locks;
- MRI machines;
- electronic cigarettes;
- musical instruments;
- generator engines;
- search devices;
- various sensors (position, movement).
There are also many other companies that require magnets. You need to work directly with all potential buyers, which will allow you to significantly save on advertising. Although expanding sales channels will require the creation of your own website and its active promotion, as well as publications in the media, participation in various specialized events and installation of outdoor advertising media.
Magnetic products
Since the retail markup for all these products is quite high, sellers most often turn to the manufacturers themselves. Therefore, you can save a lot on advertising, but you need to make yourself known. In addition, it makes sense to independently sell your own goods, which will significantly increase the profit of the enterprise.
Online advertising will be the most effective. Here, too, you don’t need a lot of expenses; it’s enough to use very inexpensive tools:
- create an official website and groups on social networks;
- constantly update information about manufactured products;
- publish posts on city forums.
In addition, several advertisements in local print media will be required. Then word of mouth will start working and the product will advertise itself.
You can sell magnets through your website if you make it in the format of an online store. It is also recommended to go around retail outlets and leave information about yourself or immediately conclude cooperation agreements.
Interesting Facts
Despite their physical properties, objects that create a magnetic field have always been considered something mysterious, as if from another planet. It’s no wonder why so many legends and interesting facts were born around them. The most popular historical references include:
- History claims that Queen Cleopatra, considered the most beautiful woman of all time, owned magnetic jewelry in the belief that it could delay aging.
- Most magnets are made from iron and steel, but the most powerful models are made from nickel alloys, copper, aluminum and cobalt.
- When heated, an object loses its magnetic properties.
- Household monitors and cathode ray tube televisions are equipped with an electromagnet to control electrons and send pictures to the screen.
- It is difficult to imagine modern medicine without the use of different types of magnets. With their help, doctors effectively fight the most complex diseases.
- Planet Earth is the largest magnet that causes compass needles to move in the desired direction.
In general, the characteristics of the magnetic field and the objects that create it are a truly fascinating topic. And despite the development of science and technology, many properties and facts about such substances are still poorly understood.
Definition
What is a magnet? This is a material that has a certain degree of magnetization. This ability arises due to the fact that the molecules of a magnet have their own field and do not move chaotically, as in many other substances, but strictly in two directions. This mutual opposition has the properties of attraction and repulsion of metal objects. If you try to connect magnets with the same poles, you may feel rejection. Opposite sides, in turn, will attract each other. This has to do with the direction in which magnetic field waves move. It is worth noting that no piece of magnet can be unipolar. When it is broken, the molecules in each piece again form the north and south poles.
Use of neodymium magnets
It is worth taking a closer look at what a neodymium magnet is? This is a material that is capable of recording the consumption of water, electricity and gas in meters, and not only. This type of magnet belongs to permanent and rare earth materials. It is resistant to the magnetic fields of other alloys and is not subject to demagnetization.
Neodymium products are used in the medical and industrial industries. Also in domestic conditions they are used for attaching curtains, decorative elements, and souvenirs. They are used in search instruments and electronics.
To extend their service life, magnets of this type are coated with zinc or nickel. In the first case, spraying is more reliable, as it is resistant to aggressive agents and can withstand temperatures above 100°C. The strength of a magnet depends on its shape, size and the amount of neodymium included in the alloy.
