Product Overview

Adams supplies a full selection of magnetic products:

Soft Ferrite Information
Ferrites concentrate electromagnetic fields to transmit electrical signals and power over a wide frequency range. Ferrite cores are the primary products for inductive components, which are used, for example, in switch-mode power supplies for industrial and entertainment electronics as well as for information and communications. Ferrites are also key components of DSL technology for high-speed Internet access. They are taking on new applications in automotive electronics as well.

Adams supports soft ferrite industry as an authorized stocking distributor for several manufacturers, including Ferroxcube (formerly Philips), EPCOS (formerly Siemens), Arnold powder cores and more. We carry all types of ferrite cores and accessories, and offer many value-added services along with our vast product selection.

Permanent Magnet Information
Below are brief descriptions of the types of magnetic materials which Adams specializes in. These descriptions are short and simplified, intended only to give a basic understanding of the materials. Our experienced staff can provide application and engineering assistance, selection suggestions, samples and other services, usually at no charge to our customers.

Flexible Magnets
Flexible magnetic material is by definition a thermoplastic product. It is the only type of magnet which can be bent and flexed without affecting its performance. It can be magnetized using several different methods to fit various applications. Its natural color is dark brown.

Ceramic Magnets
Ceramic ("hard ferrite") is rigid and brittle and provides good magnetic performance. It is a very economical material. Ceramic can only be cut or ground to size using diamond wheels before it is magnetized. Its natural color is black.

Alnico Magnets
This aluminum-nickel-cobalt alloy is more expensive than flexible or ceramic, but is excellent for high temperature use, and is readily available in rods or bars. Close tolerances can be held by grinding to customer specifications. Alnico as cast is gray to dark brown in color, but looks bright metallic when ground.

Rare Earth Magnets: Neodymium-Iron-Boron and Samarium Cobalt
These materials are more costly by weight but deliver "incredible strength in a small package." Some oxidation and high temperature concerns exist. Rare earth materials can be cut and ground to specifications before magnetization. Their natural color is gray, but they are normally supplied with a nickel or other coating.

Magnetic Assemblies
Magnetic assemblies are up to 32 times stronger than magnets by themselves! Our standard assemblies are made with ceramic magnets and steel housings. The key is in the fact that we magnetize the magnet and the metal together, creating a strong magnetic circuit. Assemblies are the only part of our product line that can be rated by their pull strength.