How to measure the coercivity of a square shaped magnet?

Sep 05, 2025|

Hey there! I'm a supplier of Square Shaped Magnets, and I often get asked about how to measure the coercivity of these magnets. Coercivity is a crucial property that tells us how resistant a magnet is to losing its magnetization. In this blog, I'll walk you through the ins and outs of measuring the coercivity of square-shaped magnets.

What is Coercivity Anyway?

Before we jump into the measurement process, let's quickly go over what coercivity means. Coercivity, denoted as Hc, is the amount of reverse magnetic field that must be applied to a magnet to reduce its magnetization to zero. In simpler terms, it's a measure of how hard it is to demagnetize a magnet. A magnet with high coercivity can withstand stronger external magnetic fields without losing its magnetism, while a magnet with low coercivity can be easily demagnetized.

Why Measuring Coercivity Matters

As a Square Shaped Magnet supplier, I know that coercivity is a key factor in determining the suitability of a magnet for different applications. For example, in applications where the magnet will be exposed to strong external magnetic fields, such as in motors or generators, a magnet with high coercivity is essential to ensure stable performance. On the other hand, in applications where the magnet needs to be easily magnetized and demagnetized, such as in magnetic switches, a magnet with lower coercivity may be more appropriate.

Tools and Equipment Needed

To measure the coercivity of a square-shaped magnet, you'll need the following tools and equipment:

Large Square MagnetsFlat Square Magnets

  1. Magnetic Field Sensor: This is used to measure the magnetic field strength. There are different types of magnetic field sensors available, such as Hall effect sensors and fluxgate sensors.
  2. Power Supply: You'll need a power supply to generate the reverse magnetic field required to demagnetize the magnet.
  3. Sample Holder: A sample holder is used to hold the square-shaped magnet in place during the measurement.
  4. Data Acquisition System: This is used to record the magnetic field strength and other relevant data during the measurement.

The Measurement Process

Now that we have all the necessary tools and equipment, let's go through the step-by-step process of measuring the coercivity of a square-shaped magnet:

  1. Prepare the Magnet: First, make sure the square-shaped magnet is clean and free from any debris or contaminants. Place the magnet in the sample holder, ensuring that it is properly aligned.
  2. Set Up the Equipment: Connect the magnetic field sensor to the data acquisition system and the power supply to the coil or electromagnet that will be used to generate the reverse magnetic field.
  3. Measure the Initial Magnetic Field: Use the magnetic field sensor to measure the initial magnetic field strength of the magnet. This will give you a baseline for comparison.
  4. Apply the Reverse Magnetic Field: Gradually increase the reverse magnetic field strength using the power supply. As you do this, the magnetization of the magnet will start to decrease.
  5. Record the Data: Continuously monitor and record the magnetic field strength and the corresponding magnetization of the magnet using the data acquisition system.
  6. Determine the Coercivity: The coercivity is the value of the reverse magnetic field strength at which the magnetization of the magnet reaches zero. Look for the point on the graph where the magnetization curve crosses the zero line. This value represents the coercivity of the magnet.

Factors Affecting Coercivity Measurement

It's important to note that several factors can affect the accuracy of the coercivity measurement. These include:

  1. Temperature: The coercivity of a magnet can vary with temperature. Therefore, it's important to measure the coercivity at the operating temperature of the magnet.
  2. Magnet Shape and Size: The shape and size of the magnet can also affect the coercivity measurement. Different shapes and sizes may have different magnetic field distributions, which can influence the measurement results.
  3. Measurement Environment: External magnetic fields and other environmental factors can interfere with the coercivity measurement. Make sure to perform the measurement in a shielded environment to minimize these effects.

Different Types of Square Shaped Magnets

As a Square Shaped Magnet supplier, I offer a wide range of square-shaped magnets, including Flat Square Magnets and Large Square Magnets. Each type of magnet has its own unique properties and applications.

  • Flat Square Magnets: These magnets are thin and have a large surface area. They are commonly used in applications where a strong magnetic field is required over a large area, such as in magnetic displays and holding devices.
  • Large Square Magnets: As the name suggests, these magnets are larger in size and have a higher magnetic field strength. They are often used in heavy-duty applications, such as in industrial machinery and magnetic separators.

Conclusion

Measuring the coercivity of a square-shaped magnet is an important step in ensuring its performance and suitability for different applications. By following the steps outlined in this blog and taking into account the factors that can affect the measurement, you can obtain accurate and reliable results.

If you're in the market for high-quality Square Shaped Magnets, look no further! As a trusted supplier, I offer a wide range of square-shaped magnets to meet your specific needs. Whether you need flat square magnets or large square magnets, I've got you covered.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your magnet requirements, feel free to reach out. I'm here to help you find the perfect magnet solution for your application.

References

  • "Magnetism and Magnetic Materials" by David Jiles
  • "Introduction to Magnetic Materials" by Benjamin D. Cullity and C. D. Graham
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