Electromagnets offer a superior level of holding strength compared to traditional permanent magnets. Some of them, in fact, are up to 20 times stronger than their permanent counterparts. This makes electromagnets a popular choice for commercial applications like electric motors and medical imaging and industrial cranes. There are different types of electromagnets, however, including parallel pole.
Overview of Parallel Pole Electromagnets
Parallel pole electromagnets are characterized by the presence of two side-by-side poles in a parallel formation. Regardless of shape or type, all magnets have two poles: north and south. They are found on opposite ends of magnets, and they attract opposite ends (e.g. north poles attract south poles, and south poles attract north poles). Parallel pole electromagnets are no exception. Their poles are simply widely spaced in a parallel formation.
How Parallel Pole Electromagnets Work
Parallel pole magnets work by generating a magnetic field via a conductive coil wrapped around a magnetic core. When activated, an electric current will travel through the coil to amplify the strength of the magnetic core. The core directs the magnetic field toward the parallel-arranged poles.
The parallel formation of the poles spreads the magnetic flux across a broader area. Rather than producing a concentrated magnetic field, electromagnets produce a wider magnetic field. The end result is a more even and uniform pulling force.
Parallel Pole vs Standard Electromagnets
Parallel pole electromagnets differ from standard electromagnets in several ways. They both feature a north and south pole, but parallel pole electromagnets typically have more widely spaced poles. And because their poles are arranged in parallel, parallel pole electromagnets are better suited for irregular surfaces. They produce a very strong magnetic field for a variety of surfaces, including curved or gapped surfaces.
Parallel pole electromagnets support custom pole shoes. Custom pole shoes are removable accessories or attachments that fit over a magnet’s poles. They are designed to shape the magnetic field for a specific application. With custom pole shoes, you can optimize a parallel pole magnet’s magnetic properties for a given object.
Choosing a Parallel Pole Electromagnet
You need to consider the load requirements when choosing a parallel pole electromagnet. Weight, surface area and material type will affect a magnet’s holding power.
Don’t forget to check the voltage when choosing a parallel pole electromagnet. Most are 24-volt DC. You’ll need to connect them to an appropriate power supply. Without a compatible electric current, parallel pole electromagnets won’t produce a magnetic field.
Parallel pole electromagnets are available in different sizes. In many cases, larger electromagnets produce a stronger magnetic field than smaller electromagnets. If a parallel pole electromagnet is too big, though, it may not fit in small spaces.