Our extensive range of bar magnets provide a strong performance at each end due to the fact that they are magnetized down their length. Common applications include activating reed switches and more commonly within classrooms where each pole is painted!
Bar magnets look like regular rectangular magnets but they are magnetized in a specific way. To be a ‘bar’ magnet, the magnet must have the north pole on one end and the south pole on the other, magnetized down their length. This means that they are stronger on each end where the pole faces are located. This is different to rectangular magnets which are ordinarily magnetized so that their north and south poles are on the larger, flat faces and magnetized through their thickness.
Bar magnets are used when maximum strength is required from a small pole area. They are also commonly used to activate reed switches in proximity and counting applications. And, of course we must not forget the traditional alnico bar magnets, which are usually painted to identify the north and south poles and have been used in classrooms for decades!
