Magnets Glossary

2nd March 2020

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	Magnets glossary


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			Air gap
			An air gap is the term used to describe the distance between the two magnetic poles, for example when the magnet has been bent into a horseshoe shape.

			Demagnetisation
			Demagnetisation is the process whereby a magnet loses all of its magnetic properties. A magnet can be demagnetised as a result of: Other magnets High temperatures Electricity Vibration

			For information on how to avoid demagnetisation, see the page: How to avoid demagnetising a magnet

			Electromagnet
			An electromagnet has a magnetic field created by electricity. Electromagnets usually consist of copper wire being wound tightly around a ferromagnetic material, which is then supplied with electricity. One of the defining characteristics of an electromagnet is its ability to be turned off and on again.

			Ferromagnetic materials
			Ferromagnetic materials are those which are attracted by a magnetic force. To be ferromagnetic they must contain a element of iron, nickel, cobalt, or gadolinium. For more information on ferromagnetic materials, see the page: What materials can magnets attract?

			Keeper
			A keeper, also known as a shunt, is a piece of iron that is temporarily added between the north and south poles of a magnet to prevent it from demagnetising during storage.

			Magnetic pull
			The magnetic pull of a magnet is the maximum weight of ferromagnetic material it can hold.

			Maximum operating temperature
			The maximum operating temperature refers to the maximum temperature the magnet may be continuously subjected to without significant loss of its magnetic strength. The maximum operating temperature of a magnet can usually be found in the product specification and should be available for every variety of magnet.

			Permanent magnet
			A permanent magnet is one which emits a magnetic field without the need for any electricity, unlike electromagnets. In other words these magnets cannot be “turned off”.

			Rare earth magnets
			Neodymium and samarium cobalt magnets are rare earth magnets. The name refers to their main component’s position in the periodic table, rather than any rarity they may have.

			Sintering
			Sintering is the term used to describe a metal compound which is heated without melting it into a liquid. This is an important stage of the manufacturing process of magnets.