It’s no secret that magnets are found in almost everything we use every day.
But what type of magnets are they? Which type of magnet is best for a specific situation?
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between electromagnets and permanent magnets.
Permanent Magnets
Permanent magnets are made of magnetized materials that generate their own permanent magnetic field.
This type of magnet always has a magnetic field and always exhibits magnetic and attractive behavior.
As the name suggests, permanent magnets are composed of magnetic materials whose atoms have been permanently arranged to produce a long-lasting magnetic field.
Permanent magnets can be made from a variety of materials, including:
·NdFeB magnet
·Iron aluminum silicon magnet
·Ceramic products
It’s worth noting that neodymium and samarium cobalt magnets are also classified as rare earth magnets, which means they have superior holding strength compared to their physical size.
Electromagnet
As their name suggests, electromagnets rely on electricity to operate.
An electromagnet is a magnet whose magnetic field is generated by the flow of electric current.
The magnetic force in an electromagnet is activated when electricity is applied and stops as soon as the current is turned off.
This type of magnet is made of a coil of wire that acts as a magnet when an electric current is passed through it. Typically, the electromagnet is made stronger by wrapping it around a core of material such as steel, thereby enhancing the magnetic field produced by the coil.
Electromagnets have the advantage of controlled holding force, and by applying a controlled direct current, they are able to attract and hold ferrous materials with varying degrees of force.
What is the Difference Between Electromagnets and Permanent Magnets?
The two main differences between electromagnets and permanent magnets are:
1. Property damage
2. Magnetic strength
With rare exceptions (such as exceeding maximum operating temperature), permanent magnets remain magnetized, while electromagnets rely on electrical current to enhance their magnetic properties.
The strength of the magnetic field depends on many factors.
The magnetic strength of a permanent magnet depends on the overall material, size and shape of the magnet itself, but once the magnetization level is determined, it does not change.
Electromagnets, on the other hand, are highly dependent on the current supplied. This means that electromagnets can provide a variety of magnetic field strengths.
Permanent Magnets and Electromagnets: Magnetism
A permanent magnet becomes magnetic when the magnet is (magnetized). Electromagnets only exhibit magnetism when an electric current is applied. This is how to differentiate between the two. The magnets attached to the refrigerator are permanent magnets, and the electromagnets are based on the principle of AC motors.
Permanent Magnets and Electromagnets: Loss of Magnetic Properties
If a permanent magnet loses its magnetic properties, as it does when heated to (maximum) temperature, it becomes useless and its magnetic properties can only be restored by re-magnetization. Instead, an electromagnet loses its magnetism each time current is removed, and becomes magnetic again when an electric field is introduced.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Permanent Magnets and Electromagnets
| Features | Permanent magnets | Electromagnet |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic field stability | Advantages: The magnetic field is stable and not affected by external factors. | Disadvantages: The magnetic field cannot be adjusted and is generated only after power is applied. |
| Controllability | Disadvantages: The magnetic force is not adjustable. | Advantages: The magnetic force can be adjusted by electric current. |
| energy demand | Advantages: No external power supply required. | Disadvantages: Requires external power supply. |
| Maintenance cost | Advantages: Lower maintenance costs. | Disadvantages: Higher energy costs and maintenance costs. |
| Applicable fields | Advantages: Suitable for applications requiring sustained magnetic force, such as speakers. | Disadvantages: Suitable for applications requiring variable magnetism, such as electromagnetic chucks. |
| Precision and control | Advantages: Provides high precision and controllability. | Disadvantages: Sometimes more complex control systems are required. |
| Application examples | - Speakers - Motors - Magnetic clamps - Sensors - Magnetic storage devices | - Electromagnetic chuck - Electromagnet - Electric motor - Generator |
The Uses and Advantages of Using Permanent Magnets
Permanent magnets are particularly effective at attracting other magnetic objects, and many modern appliances need to convert mechanical motion into a force or energy to work. One such appliance is an inductor and generator. They convert motion into energy with the help of permanent magnets. They are also used in televisions, speakers or headphones as they require a magnetic field around them to work.
Permanent magnets are also not that expensive, which is why using them in industrial areas proves to be a good idea. They are portable and take up less space. The best part about permanent magnets is that they do not require a separate wiring system to generate a magnetic field, which is why their manufacturing cost is also quite low compared to electromagnets.
Devices that incorporate permanent magnets into their systems can be used in a variety of ways and multiple times, which is why they are very cost-effective. Since permanent magnets do not require any external power source or force to generate a magnetic field, no changes in magnetic field power are seen in different areas. Using a permanent magnet gives you a uniform magnetic field.
Judgment?
Ultimately, the choice comes down to which magnet you decide to use.
Whether you choose an electromagnet or a permanent magnet for your application, make sure you fully understand the pros and cons of each.
Need more information?
If you need help deciding which magnet is best for you, please contact us. Every expert at XHMAG will be more than happy to help you!
Learn More
Samarium Cobalt Magnets VS Alnico Magnets: How to Choose?
Everything You Should Know About the Four Types of Magnets
