What is the Gauss of Your Magnets?

What is the Gauss of Your Magnets?

The Gauss (G), is an internationally accepted unit of measurement for magnetic induction that belongs to the metric system and was named for Carl Friedrich Gauss.

Gauss measurement is useful when measuring weak magnetic fields such as those created by small permanent magnets and can also serve as an efficient gauge of magnetic field strength.
What is Gauss?

The Gauss unit of measurement for magnetic induction was named for German mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss, who pioneered an apparatus used to monitor magnetic fields.

One gauss is used for measuring magnetic flux density. Under the metric system of measurement, one gauss equals 10-4 Tesla.

When shopping for magnets, you will come across products with a gauss rating printed on their packaging. It is crucial that this piece of information be understood and used to make an informed purchasing decision.

The Gauss value of a magnet depends on many factors, including its material, shape and creation method. The higher its Gauss value is, the stronger its magnetism.
Gauss Meters

A Gauss meter is an electronic instrument designed to measure the strength of magnetic fields. Using Hall effect technology, this instrument works both with DC and AC sources for measuring magnetic fields.

Gauss meters rely heavily on their Hall probe or gauss sensor as its central element, offering flexibility in terms of measuring transverse magnetic fields or measuring areas parallel to its path. A flat or axial probe may be preferred depending on what field needs measuring.

Gauss meters can be an invaluable resource for educators, researchers, electricians and product designers. In particular, these instruments can be invaluable when studying magnetism or creating new projects.
Gauss Ratings

Gauss ratings provide an essential way of comparing magnet strength. You can use them to easily determine which magnet is stronger depending on its maximum energy product value, open circuit or surface gauss value and maximum pull strength.

Digi-Key magnets often boast surface gauss strength ratings calculated using magnetic material properties such as diameter and thickness in round magnets; as well as length width and thickness calculations in square or rectangular magnets.

However, it is important to keep in mind that surface gauss values of magnets don't always correspond with their strength; size and geometry will have an effect on this gauss strength; therefore it would be wiser to use the actual gauss value at your pick up distance when picking up debris.

Neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) permanent magnets are some of the strongest permanent magnets, boasting maximum gauss ratings exceeding 14,000. Additionally, these powerful permanent magnets can also be found in medical magnetotherapy devices used alongside magnetic resonance imaging machines (MRI).
Gauss Strength

Gauss (Gauss), named for Carl Friedrich Gauss, is a unit of magnetic field strength which makes measuring weak magnetic fields such as those present in small permanent magnets easier.

At present, the strongest magnets are made of rare-earth metals like neodymium. Their strengths generally range between 20,000 to 70,000 gauss; more powerful magnets may also be found in medical applications for use with MRI machines.

Your magnet's gauss strength can be measured using a gaussmeter. This instrument measures magnetic flux lines with sensors placed at various distances from its pole.

Gauss strength of magnets is one factor to take into consideration when selecting magnets for product flow contamination removal; however, it should not be the sole determining factor when making your selection.