What are the parts of a flexible magnetic sheet?

2nd March 2020


	What are the parts of a flexible magnetic sheet?


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			Magnetic poles
			The magnetic poles of a flexible magnetic sheet can be magnetised in two ways: diametrically and multi-pole.

			Diametrically magnetised A diametrically magnetised flexible magnetic sheet is magnetised through the diameter of the magnet.

			It can attract ferromagnetic materials from either of the two edges of the flexible magnet. This is particularly useful for graphic displays where the user does not want a visible seam in between each section, as the sides of the magnet are attracted to each other, holding the two edges together.

			Multi-pole A multi-pole flexible magnetic sheet is where only one face of the magnet is magnetised in the form of a multi-pole magnet. Multi-pole magnets are magnetised in a striped pattern of alternating north and south poles e.g. north, south, north, south.

			A multi-pole flexible magnetic sheet can have between 2 to 60 magnetic poles per inch. The more poles per inch a magnet has the greater it’s holding strength, but the reach of the magnetic field is reduced. This creates a strong magnetic field close to the magnet to give it a greater holding power. As thicker flexible magnetic sheets are stronger due to their size, they have fewer poles per inch.

			Magnetic sheets with adhesive or laminates on one magnetic face require multi-pole magnetisation, due to the barrier they create, preventing the magnetic field from escaping through the top of the magnetic sheet.

			It allows the multi-pole magnet to either stick to another multi-pole magnet. This would not be possible if the magnet was magnetised in any other way due to the different alignments of a diametrically magnetised and a multi-pole magnet’s magnetic poles.

			Laminate
			The flexible magnetic sheet can be laminated on its non-magnetic side, whilst the other side is magnetised in a multi-pole formation. The laminate is attached to the flexible magnet with the help of powerful adhesives, this means that the laminate cannot be removed from the magnet without a large amount of force.

			Flexible magnetic sheets is laminated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to give the sheet added strength and stability. PVC is used as the laminate for flexible magnetic sheet as it will not crack when it is flexed.



			Laminating the flexible magnetic sheet also improves the magnet’s visual appearance. A non-laminated flexible magnetic sheet is a dull brown colour, whereas a laminated magnetic sheet can come in a large range of colours. This is particularly useful for arts and crafts projects, such as creating signs.

			The laminate on a flexible magnetic sheet can also be printed upon by a laser jet printer. This allows the flexible magnetic sheet to be used as advertising in the form of fridge magnets or car signs.

			Adhesive
			The adhesives on a flexible magnetic sheet are laminated onto the non-magnetic face of the magnet. This means that the magnetic capabilities of the magnet are not affected and the magnet has a greater power when it comes to non-ferromagnetic materials, such as wooden doors.

			The type of adhesive used on a flexible magnetic sheet is a synthetic adhesive made from acrylic. The acrylic adhesive is high tack which means that it can hold very securely to different surfaces.

			To stop the adhesive from sticking to surfaces when the magnetic tape is not in use, a backing tape is used to protect it.



			Back-coating
			Some flexible magnetic sheets, primarily the ones used for car magnets, have a back-coating, which works as a barrier between the magnet and the ferromagnetic material e.g. the car door. This barrier helps to protect the ferromagnetic material from being damaged by the magnet.