Home » 10 Tips to Design with Magnets

10 Tips to Design with Magnets

Corrosion, Design for Sustainability, Magnetism, Materials, Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, Prototyping, Sustainability Practices, User-Centered Design

An extensive review of tips and examples to use when designing a new product with magnets and make use of all their properties without their drawbacks. Other alternatives to magnets will also be listed.

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Magnet Design Benefits

example of a speed game

example of steal protection

example of tile opening

Magnet Theory and Selection

No big physics here, but basic facts that should be known when selecting a magnet in a product design

attraction force & distance
shape:
duration:
price
resistance:
- against shock: very brittle
- against corrosion: good if the outer layer is coated and perfectly intact. Can be very poor if the magnet touches another metal (often the case!) and creates some galvanic corrosion with humidity

Magnet Drawbacks

costly if big or if made to order in small volumes
not super eco-friendly (rare metals, mix of metals, hard to separate intact when recycling)
fragile
force decreasing over time (depending on conditions)
heavy (metal on the two sides)

Magnet Alternatives

The “specs” of the magnet function to be replaced:

can attach or fix temporary another part, without any additional tool

(the “through walls” or “from a close distance” is not an option here, which only the magnet permits)

	Pros	Cons
velcro	thin not extreme temperature, but at least the ones of magnet cost-effective, simple, and reliable within its retaining force	no visually a “lean” & modern design… needs large surface
metal clips		hard to design user and visually friendly
plastic clips	cheap (if high volume to amortize the mold invest)	expensive if low production volume more space
latches / strap in		takes space
sticky paste or other temporary glues		would you reliably design with that?

Table of Contents

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Topics covered: magnet design, attraction force, magnet selection, magnet properties, magnet drawbacks, eco-friendly alternatives, magnet durability, corrosion resistance, design tips, product design, temporary attachment, user-friendly design, velcro, metal clips, plastic clips, latches, sticky paste, and standards for magnets..

Rhea

Interesting read! But are magnets really the best design choice, considering the potential electronic interference? Curious to hear thoughts.

Reply
1. Fabrice
  
  Electronic interference? Ever heard of shielding? Magnets are the future, period.
  
  Reply
Fabrice

Indeed, but isnt your computer also made from mined materials? Hypocrisy much?

Reply
Trace

Interesting points on magnet design, but arent there potential health risks with prolonged exposure? Any thoughts on this aspect?

Reply