Guide To Industrial Demagnetizer: Working Principle and Types

What is a demagnetizer?

A demagnetizer, also called a degausser, is a piece of equipment that changes an object’s magnetic properties. It is a useful tool when there is a need to rip magnetism off a material. Demagnetizers can be a stand-alone machine that only takes away the magnetic field. Yet, they can also possess the function of magnetizing objects at the same time. The functionality varies based on each manufacturer’s design. Resultingly, one can actually refer to such a machine as the demagnetizer, magnetizer, or magnetizer and demagnetizer. Regardless of its name, the goal is to remove and/or grant a workpiece magnetism. Now let’s take a look at how this machine works.

How does it work? 

Whether it is a demagnetizer or a magnetizer, the machine takes advantage of a concept called the magnetic moment to change a workpiece’s magnetic property. The magnetic moment refers to the tendency of an object to align with a presented magnetic field. An object with a larger magnetic moment tends to be more responsive to a magnetic field. When exposed to a magnetic field, the flowing electrons in ferromagnetic materials tend to align with the magnetic field. They are parallel to and oriented in the direction of the magnetic field. The material is therefore magnetized. On the other hand, when exposed to a magnetic field that alternates the polarity and strength, the electrons misalign and are hence demagnetized.

What is inside a demagnetizer? 

We’ve already learned that the demagnetizer and magnetizer remove and add a magnetic field to the material by shifting the electrons with regard to the alignment and orientation. Now let’s take a look at the interior structure and components to see what approaches the device can take to change the magnetic property of a material.

• Permanent magnet

The handheld demagnetizer and magnetizer typically use permanent magnets to exhibit the strong magnetic field required for the magnetization/demagnetization process. The advantage of using the permanent magnet is that it keeps the device simple and compact. The structure of the unit can be as simple as a plastic shell containing two pieces of magnet. The other advantage is that it does not require a power supply and maintenance. However, it is recommended to keep the unit alone for the magnet poses a certain level of interference or damage to the nearby electronics and electrical appliances.

• Electromagnetic coil 

The electromagnetic coil, also called solenoid or electromagnet, is basically a wire coiled into the configuration of a spring. It takes the place of the permanent magnet to present a strong magnetic field. The conductive wire is essentially a copper wire, and there is often an iron core in the coil. This mechanism needs the power supply. When the electrical current runs through the coil, the magnetic field is generated and the coil becomes a magnet.

To generate an irregular magnetic field to demagnetize an object, the machine uses AC (alternating current) power. This way, the orientation and polarity of the magnetic field change as the electrons in the current constantly change their direction. The advantage of applying electromagnetism is that we get to control the magnetic field. We can turn it off when we don’t need it. The demagnetizer and magnetizer using electromagnetism are commonly used for industrial applications.

Types of demagnetizers

The two main demagnetizer types are the surface type and the tunnel type. A surface-type demagnetizer looks like a rectangular worktable or a box. The top surface is where we can place the workpiece. Once we turn on the machine, any magnetic workpiece placed on the surface will be demagnetized. The machine itself is no bigger than a video game console and weighs less than 10 kilograms (22 lbs), which renders extreme ease of installation. It virtually fits any arrangement of the production in your shop.

The tunnel-type demagnetizer has a gateway for the workpiece to pass through. The custom gateway (in terms of the configuration and dimension) is available. The tunnel type is beneficial because it can adapt to production lines to boost productivity because it can easily integrate into a conveyor belt.

If you need more information on our demagnetizer/magnetizer or our product custom service, please contact us right away.