Category

Teaching resources

28/06/2021
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How are Neodymium magnets made?

Neodymium magnets are technological marvels and the process for creating them is sophisticated and delicate. The main ingredients of a neodymium magnet are neodymium itself, iron, and boron; the chemical compound known as NdFeb. The exact ingredients depend on the grade or strength of magnet being produced. However, the production process for different strength magnets sees the same size different stages required to produce a neodymium magnet. . Step 1 – The Mix Firstly, all the elements to make the chosen grade of magnet are placed into a vacuum induction... Read More

25/06/2021
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How are Sintered Alnico Magnets made?

Alnico magnets have now been manufactured for over 100 years, in which time the process has not drastically changed. Alnico magnets are permanent magnets that are primarily made up of a combination of aluminium, nickel and cobalt but can also include copper, iron and titanium. In this blog we will be explaining the manufacturing process of Sintered Alnico magnets, smaller Alnico magnets, weighing grams rather than kilograms are usually created using the sintering process. Sintering is generally the process used when a high volume of magnets are required. . . Step 1... Read More

02/06/2021
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How is the strength of a magnet measured?

When considering the ‘strength’ of a magnet there are several key measurements that all contribute to a magnet’s strength in different ways, which can be a little confusing. Also, when trying to determine or measure a magnets strength the answer will be dependent on what is meant by strength be it either the pulling force or magnetic field strength, which are both often referred to as strength. So below we will describe each attribute that contributes to a magnets performance and in turn answer the question how is the strength... Read More

19/05/2021
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Make learning fun with Magnets

Magnetics is a part of all children’s education and Alnico magnets are extremely popular in schools due to their easy handling and much safer risk compared to Neodymium magnets. However, outside of the classroom magnets can also be a key part in some children’s toys here at FIRST4MAGNETS we have a range of toys and accessories that are perfectly suitable for children and that is thanks to their magnetic properties. So, we have decided to put a list together of our top child friendly products below. Tangram Magnets The highly... Read More

11/03/2021
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Your Frequently asked questions answered

Our experts receive many questions regarding magnets, from how they work to how they are made – so with this in mind we have broken down the key information to answer the most common questions our experts receive to help you better understand the world of magnets! What is the difference between a permanent magnet and an electromagnet? A permanent magnet is a solid material that produces its own consistent magnetic field as the material is magnetised, however a magnetic field exerted by an electromagnet is produced by the flow... Read More

25/01/2021
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Home schooling with magnets!

We sympathise with all of you who are having to home school during this lockdown! We completely understand certain topics may not be interesting to everyone, but we are a firm believer that magnets are a great teaching aid to allow your children to be interactive. It’s time for you to take charge and dismiss those blank little faces looking back at you. Here are our top magnetic tips and activities to help bring some fun back to home schooling! Make their workspace interactive! Our FerroPaint® magnetic paint allows you... Read More

06/01/2021
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Commemorating Earth Rotation Day

The biggest magnet on the planet is the earth itself. Today marks the celebration of the earth and in particular it remembers when French Physicist, Leon Foucault, revealed the Earth rotates on its axis! To celebrate we have put together some interesting facts to celebrate the Earth. Why does the earth rotate? “The Earth keeps spinning because it was born spinning” – Kevin Luhman, an assistant professor of astronomy at Penn State Rotating is known as the fundamental behaviour of objects in the universe. To help explain this hear is... Read More

09/10/2020
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North & South Good To Knows

Our experts often get questions regarding magnets and how they work. From how North and South work to how that applies to the different ranges. With is in mind, we have broken down all the key bits of information, along with the frequently asked questions our experts get asked, in order to help your understanding on the world of magnets. What are Poles? Every Magnet has at least two magnetic poles, one NORTH and one SOUTH and a magnetic field flows continuously from NORTH to SOUTH. Are there any differences... Read More

10/07/2017
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How Are Magnets Used In Cars?

Magnets are here, there and everywhere and we don’t even realise it. From the device you are reading this article on, to the hidden catches on your gate, magnets are an extremely versatile product with endless possibilities; they are an unsung hero in our opinion! With the British Grand Prix this weekend, support will no doubt be high for Lewis Hamilton! To get you in the mood for all things motor sport, we decided to take a look into how magnets are used within the automotive industry. We’ll be exploring... Read More