What are the different types of magnetic base?

2nd March 2020


	What are the different types of magnetic base?


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			Magnetic bases can be categorised in two ways: How they’re operated Their design features

			Magnet operation
			Lever switch types Bases with a switch work by turning the lever to the left to switch the magnet on and to the right to switch the magnet off.

			Push button types The push button types work by pushing the depressing and releasing the button to switch the magnet on and off.

			When the button is out of the body, the magnet is in contact with the iron and so the magnetic base is switched on.

			When the button is pressed in, the magnet is out of contact with the iron, so is switched off.

			A view of the back of the magnetic base, showing the button pressed in, which means it’s out at the front. This indicates that the base is on.

			Design features
			Standard magnetic bases These are the most commonly found bases and have a supporting post that is screwed into the base, with an arm to attach the dial indicator to. The arm is attached to the post via a clamp which can be loosened to allow the user to reposition the arm.

			Flexible arm bases This type of magnetic base has a flexible arm fitted.

			This style of arm is a linked system of tubular sections with ball joints, which are held together by steel cable. This gives the arm total flexibility to be bent into any position and secured into place by a small tightening lever at the base. These are suitable for getting into any hard-to-reach areas which may not be accessible with a regular base.

			Hydraulic magnetic bases These are so called as the magnetic base has a hydraulic arm attached to it that pivots on a ball and joint. Unlike bases with a solid supporting post, joint, and arm, when the adjusting screw or tension knob is turned on a hydraulic base it creates a high hydraulic pressure within the joint that fixes the arm rigidly in place.

			The supporting post is mounted to the base on a fully movable pivot, with the arm and post joint hinged to allow the user more flexibility.



			Mini magnetic bases A mini base is a permanent magnet which does not have an on/off function. The base is smaller in size and designed for quick measurements in tight spaces. These are often used with dial indicators.