What Is a Magnetizer?
A magnetizer is a device that generates a strong magnetic field to perform a process called “magnetization.” Magnetization is the process of imparting magnetic force to a magnetic material and is always necessary when creating permanent magnets. Permanent magnets, in general use, do not have magnetic force at the stage where the material is molded. They become permanent magnets when they are exposed to a strong magnetic field and magnetized. Various materials can be used as magnets, such as iron, nickel, and aluminum, but each has its own limit of magnetism. Magnetizers magnetize materials by applying a magnetic field up to the limit of their magnetism.
Uses of Magnetizers
Magnetizers are mainly used to create permanent magnets. Few natural magnet stones exist, and most industrially used magnets are magnetized using magnetizing equipment. Examples include iron, nickel, and cobalt. These materials can be strongly magnetized and are used where large magnetic forces are required. Other materials have different magnetic limits, so their use depends on the magnetic force they can provide. Industrially, magnetized materials are used in motors and various devices, such as speakers and sensors.
Principles of Magnetizers
To understand the principle of magnetizers, it is important to consider the “air-core coil,” “magnetizing yoke,” and “magnetizing” power source. These components are combined in the structure, and we will introduce the features of each of them.
- Air-Core Coil
This is one of the components used for magnetization. It has the shape of a cylindrical coil without an iron core and generates a strong magnetic field at its center. A magnet can be created by placing a magnetic material inside this coil. It is a basic technology with a simple structure and has been used for a long time, but it can only create a simple magnet with one north (N) pole and one south (S) pole. - Magnetizing Yoke
The magnetizing yoke is another component that is magnetized similarly to an air-core coil. Unlike the air-core coil, the coil is wound around an iron core, which can be made in various shapes. Various types of magnets can be created by changing the shape of the iron core and coil according to the properties of the magnet to be made. Magnets with two or more poles and complex magnetization patterns are possible. - Magnetizing Power Supply
This is the power source required for a magnetizer. The air-core coil and magnetizing yoke are connected to this magnetizing power supply to generate a strong magnetic field. A very large current, often several thousand to several tens of thousands of amperes, is required for magnetization. The magnetizing power supply generates this high current, primarily using a capacitor.