Cost effective

Easy to use and process

Durable & shock resistant

Inexpensive tooling

Very thin sheet available where this is a limitation

Steel backed option, Placam, considerably increases holding force

This is produced by heavily loading ferrite powder of barium or strontium base into a synthetic rubber or PVC matrix and either extruding to shape or calendering into thin sheets. In some cases an orientation is introduced mechanically or by external field but the product is always magnetized by a second operation. The first major application appeared in the early 1960's which was the refrigerator door seal and applications now abound, from simple holding and display products, through to technical ones such as permanent magnet motors and sensors.

Available Forms

Most grades are flexible and we produce in sheet, roll and strip as well as parts pressed to end shape. It is also supplied in a range of thicknesses from 0.5mm upwards and as an option - with adhesive backing or colored vinyl which can be printed upon. The material can be pre-slit, scored or cut to length. Alternatively, users can easily cut or stamp as handling presents no risk of demagnetization or other hazard.

Cost Effectiveness

The raw materials are inexpensive and where standards do not exist, most tooling is low cost. Magnetic rubber requires no corrosion protection and is very easy to process, making it's use in low or high volume economical.

Steel Backed Rubber

Most forms are flexible, but to greatly increase the holding power we produce a variant, PLACAM, which has a thin steel backing to concentrate the magnetic flux. This also makes the sheet semi-rigid and it is necessary to use a guillotine or punch for the finished part, although we stock a range of discs and rings.

Design Considerations

The magnetization for holding materials is in narrow parallel poles. In some instances specific patterns are necessary, for example when two pieces need to be held together and in this case, special magnetizing fixtures are designed and built by us. The temperature is limited by the binder to around 70°C, but grades with superior temperature and oil resistance are available to order. When used for toys and games, for safety reasons, Strontium ferrite should be specified.

Please click here for typical properties of flexible magnets