Measuring the load capacity on a magnet

How to measure the load capacity of magnets

Here’s a bit of theory about magnets, and we’ve made an effort to explain it in a way that most people can understand.

The strength of the magnets is measured with advanced and precise equipment. Measurements are taken multiple times, and we choose to provide the smallest value among the conducted measurements. This is your assurance that our magnets can achieve the carrying capacity we specify (in direct pull).

However, the load capacity is a theoretical maximum value that can only be achieved under ideal conditions. The actual force depends on several factors:

Distance between the magnet and the magnetic surface:

If there is no direct contact between the magnet and the magnetic object the magnet is to attract/hang onto, the force quickly diminishes with increasing distance. Even a small gap of half a millimetre can halve the carrying capacity. And a thin layer of paint or wallpaper on a magnetic surface also contributes to a reduction in carrying capacity.

Magnetic attraction - theoretical:

The theoretical attraction force applies when the object of magnetic attraction consists of pure, soft iron. This value is reduced, for example, with structural steel.

Direction of the force:

Part of having ideal conditions is also vertical force; i.e., there is vertical attraction between the magnet and the adjoining magnetic object.

Thickness of the magnetic surface:

The magnetic surface (magnetic board/shelf, etc.) should preferably not be too thin, as "magnetic saturation" quickly occurs, which means that part of the magnetic field (carrying capacity) remains unused.