Important questions to ask before magnet production

For any successful signage project, communication with clients is critical, and magnets are no different. Though magnets are a low-maintenance signage option, there are still certain considerations to ensure your clients are receiving the best products available. From manufacturing to application, there are elements that can directly affect how the magnet performs in various environments, and they must be identified before you even begin production. (more…)

Question: Justin writes: I was wondering the method or type of tool used to cut .030″ thick magnet sheets? I have an art project and was wondering the best, most clean way to cut the sheet so that it leaves the smoothest edges possible. What do you use for cutting them? Thanks

Answer: Hello Justin. Thank you for the question.  There are a number of ways you can accomplish your goal.  We use special equipment which is designed specifically for use with magnetic sheet.  It is highly automated and developed to handle large volume production runs and may not be a feasible solution for you.  Instead, I think you would be better served by using one of two fairly simple methods. (more…)

We are often asked about shipping magnets by air, and thought we’d take a minute to write about it.  Adams Magnetic Products’ general policy is to ship all magnetized products using ground transportation.  When necessary, we can prepare magnets for air shipment with sufficient shielding to make sure they travel safely.

In order for magnets to be shipped by air: Flux measurements of all packages containing magnets must measure less than 0.00525 gauss 15 feet from the package.  When not packaged properly for air shipment purposes, magnets are considered “dangerous goods” and the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) must be followed.

Packaging magnetic materials for air shipment must be accomplished considering the above. Powerful magnetic components and assemblies need to be shielded so that magnetic fields will meet air shipment criteria.  We recommend that you consult your carrier for more information and guidelines.

An example of how magnetic fields can be contained is illustrated in the images below.

Unshielded Magnet

Shielded Magnet

Important: This post does not fully state the regulations. The information provided herein is intended to inform that FAA and IATA regulations exist and that they should be understood before shipping magnets by air.

pull test equipment in action

Question: “Scott the PAINTER” from California asks: I recently purchased several round base style magnets from the hardware store and they don’t seem to work properly.  I spoke with the folks at the store and they told me there is nothing wrong with them.  They attached them to those orange beams in the store and they worked great.  I am using them on the roof of my car to hold a small sign for my business.  The packaging stated that they would hold 80 pounds.  In the store they felt really strong but when I applied them to the roof of my car it felt like I could pull them off with less then 80 pounds of effort.  Can you explain to me why this is happening?  My car is made of steel.  I have already had one sign blow off and I can’t afford to loose another one, please help.

Answer: Hello Scott,  Thank you for your post.  This is a common issue we have experienced with magnetic assemblies.  When Adams Magnetic Products or any other magnet manufacturer test their assemblies we base the results on a .375″ thick piece of steel (more…)

Our strong selection of overstock magnets could have just what you need for your next project!  We’ve just updated our overstock list, and added images and pricing for all our overstock magnetic assemblies.  Take a look and you may find something you’d like to have around to test in future projects.  If you see anything you want to try, let us know and we’ll send you a sample.  Here’s a link to the full list with images, descriptions and pricing: ADAMS OVERSTOCK.  When you get there, just select what type of magnet you’re looking for from the drop down menu, and press GO!

Everyone knows that magnets are cool, fascinating and important to our every day life, but how much do you really know about them?  We ran accross this fun “Magnetic Attractions” quiz on the Mental Floss blog.  If you have an extra minute you should check it out!

To cut through the clutter on retail shelves, designers, manufacturers and retailers are competing to develop innovative packaging that enhance the consumer’s product experience. Magnetic closures provide unique solutions for creative ingenuity.

Winning designs of the 2008 Flexible Packaging Association’s Packaging Achievement Awards demonstrate a trend toward value-added features such as easy-to-open devices, and strong repeat closure technologies. Responding to this opportunity, Adams’ magnetic closures are available as two-piece magnetic assemblies that are suitable for a variety of surfaces. (more…)

EdgeMAG in use

In case you haven’t tried this already, EdgeMAG holds side-to-side as well as front-to-back, making it a great tool for aligning large graphic panels. It essentially erases any visible seams between graphic panels, which is wonderful for displays, signage, POP promotions and other applications where clean, clear presentation is vital. For face-to-face applications, MatchMAG matched pole strip offers an ideal solution, especially when steel is not part of the overall design. Both products are available in 0.060-inch x 0.50-inch x100-foot long rolls with or without adhesive. MatchMAG also offers 1.00-inch widths. Specify either product as “A/B” for easily mixing and matching the direction of alignment without contending with repelling forces. Like other flexible magnets, EdgeMAG and MatchMAG adheres and remains magnetic at temperatures as low as -40ºF and as high as 160ºF. It can be supplied in rolls uncut, scored or cut and stacked in the final desired size.