Magnetic tape with pole reversal

The BIG difference between isotropic and anisotropic magnetic tape

Typically, magnetic tape is isotropic with mixed North and South poles, allowing it to adhere to itself. This feature is quite practical and means you don’t have to think about magnetic alignment like standard magnets. However, anisotropic magnetic tape can also be made, where the poles are aligned in alternating stripes, so you can still get the magnetic tape to attract itself.
Often, we have found that it is easier to illustrate with a drawing:

ENTER PICTURE HERE

1. Isotropic magnetic tape (mixed poles)
2. Anisotropic magnetic tape (aligned poles in alternating stripes)
3. Anisotropic magnetic tape (aligned poles N-side)
4. Anisotropic magnetic tape (aligned poles S-side)

Drawing 3 and 4 represent the same type, as there will always be North and South poles in permanent magnetism. So, you could say that (3) is the front side and (4) is the back side – or however you need to orient it, but they are drawings for the same piece of magnetic tape.

With this anisotropic magnetic tape, you need to consider whether you are attaching a North pole side or a South pole side. Note: Only magnets with an opposite pole will be able to adhere to the tape. This is because the magnetic particles have been oriented in a specific direction during production, allowing for a pure North side and a pure South side.

This is useful, as an example, if you have a door or gate that should not be closed completely. You can place two identical poles opposite each other, this is cause the door or gate to repel one another and never closing. This is not possible with regular magnetic tape, which attracts regardless of orientation.

So, this magnetic tape is yet another useful tool in our magnetic toolbox. It cannot, and will not, replace other magnetic tapes with mixed poles, but it is a great supplement that offers new possibilities.
What is anisotropic magnetic tape?

Anisotropic magnetic tape is produced through a manufacturing process where magnetic particles are oriented in a specific direction during production. This orientation enhances the magnetic properties, resulting in a tape with stronger and more concentrated magnetic force.

Advantages of anisotropic magnetic tape

Anisotropic magnetic tape offers several advantages, making it particularly useful in technical and industrial contexts, for example:

Greater magnetic strength
The pole structure in anisotropic magnetic tape allows for a higher magnetic flux density, which is important for applications requiring strong and precise magnetic performance.

High efficiency
Magnetic tape with anisotropic magnetism has higher performance compared to isotropic alternatives. Anisotropic magnetic tape provides more efficiency in compact designs, which is often crucial in productions where magnetism is needed.

Suitable for precision work
The uniform magnetic force makes anisotropic magnetic tape ideal for use in precision-oriented situations, such as sensors or for controlling robotic vacuum cleaners and similar applications.

Conclusion

Anisotropic magnetic tape has superior properties compared to isotropic magnetic tape. It costs more to produce than isotropic magnetic tape, but you can accomplish so much more with anisotropic magnetism, and it is still much cheaper to buy magnetic tape than permanent raw magnets. Therefore, its strength, efficiency, and precision make it an indispensable component in many businesses and industrial contexts. It’s hard to ‘choose wrong’ when you opt to buy anisotropic magnetic tape.

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help with your magnet project.