How Are Magnets Made?

We talk a lot about magnet tools here. Why not? Magnets are one of the most important industrial tools. They are used for moving and securing work-pieces. Before we delve into the many workings of a magnet tool, let us first talk about how magnets are made. To start with, there are two types of magnets and they are made differently. The first type is the permanent magnet and includes the ones found on refrigerators. There are naturally-occurring magnets such as the lodestone. However, the magnetic field from such magnets is generally too weak for any use outside of classroom lessons. Industrial permanent magnets are made of magnetized ferromagnetic materials such as cobalt, iron, and nickel. The most effective method of magnetizing ferromagnetic materials is heated to a certain temperature to make it lose its permanent magnetic properties. It is then hammered while being allowed to cool in a strong magnetic field to induce magnetism and make it resistant to demagnetization. Demagnetization is a process wherein a magnetic material loses its magnetism. The second type is the electromagnet. It is made by wrapping a coil of wire around are a ferromagnetic material. As electric current is supplied, the coil generates a magnetic field that is further enhanced by the ferromagnetic material. With electromagnets, the magnetic field can be conveniently turned off or on.