How is the pull force of a magnet measured?
The pull force of a magnet is a measure of the strength of the magnet's magnetic field and its ability to attract ferromagnetic materials. As the pull force is measured in laboratory conditions, most real world applications will not reach the maximum pull strength listed. There are several methods for measuring the pull force of a magnet, including:
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Force Gauge: A force gauge, also known as a spring scale or spring balance, can be used to measure the pull force of a magnet by suspending the magnet from the scale and measuring the force required to pull the magnet away from a ferromagnetic surface.
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Pull Tester: A pull tester is a specialized device that is used to measure the pull force of a magnet. It consists of a platform that holds the magnet and a load cell that measures the force required to pull the magnet away from the platform.
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Digital Force Gauge: A digital force gauge is a precision instrument that uses a load cell to measure the pull force of a magnet. It typically has a digital display that shows the force in real-time and can be used to measure forces over a wide range of values.
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Magnetic Field Meter: A magnetic field meter is a device that measures the strength of the magnetic field produced by a magnet. It can be used to measure the pull force of a magnet by measuring the strength of the field at a specific distance from the magnet.
The best method for measuring pull force depends on the specific requirements of the application and the precision and accuracy needed. Many factors can impact why the magnet may not be performing at the listed pull strength. Most commonly it is due to gravity. The strength of the magnet drops 65 percent or more when used in a horizontal/lateral application such as on the side of a refrigerator, rather than in a vertical application such as on the underside of a metal beam. Other factors such as the composition and thickness of the ferromagnetic materials being used will also impact performance.