When shopping for magnets, you may come across arc magnets. Also known as arc segment magnets, they are characterized by a curved shape. Arc magnets still feature two poles, a north pole and a south pole, and they are attracted to ferromagnetic materials. Rather than being flat, however, they are curved.
Overview of Arc Magnets
Arc magnets are curved permanent magnets. They are designed to match the shape of circular components, such as electric motors and generators. While other types of magnets are typically flat, arc magnets feature a curved shape resembling an arc. With their curved shape, they can fit around circular components while providing a constant magnetic field.
What Are Arc Magnets Made Of?
You can find arc magnets in different materials. Some of them are made of rare-earth materials, such as neodymium and samarium-cobalt. Neodymium arc magnets produce the strongest magnetic field but are somewhat sensitive to heat and corrosion. Samarium-cobalt arc magnets are better protected against extreme heat and corrosion but cost more than their neodymium counterparts.
Arc magnets are also available in ferrite materials. They are made of a mixture of iron and ceramics. Ferrite arc magnets are inexpensive and readily available. The downside, though, is that they lack the strength of rare-earth arc magnets, such as neodymium and samarium-cobalt.
How to Choose an Arc Magnet
There are several things you should consider when choosing an arc magnet. As previously mentioned, they are available in different materials. Consider the application for which you intend to use the arc magnet and opt for the most suitable material.
You should consider the gauss when choosing an arc magnet. Gauss, of course, is a unique of magnetic strength. It represents the strength of an object’s magnetic field. The higher an arc magnet’s gauss, the stronger its magnetic field will be.
Something else to consider when choosing an arc magnet is its operating temperature. This is the maximum temperature a magnet can withstand without sustaining a permanent loss of magnetic strength. If an arc magnet has an operating temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit, for instance, you should avoid exposing it to temperatures higher than 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, it may lose some of its original strength.
Don’t forget to consider the arc length and radius. Arc magnets need to fit the parts with which they are used. By taking into account the arc length and radius, you can choose an appropriately sized arc magnet.