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How are the magnets magnetised? Where are the poles?

Table of Contents

Magnet shapes and magnetisation directions

Below you will find a summary of the different magnet shapes and magnetisation directions. For each magnet shape, we show you which magnetisation direction you can find in our online shop and a direct link to the relevant products.
Should you be unable to find a magnet with your specific measurements in our shop, you can request a custom-made product. You can complete and submit the form online and we will contact you with our offer as soon as possible.

Disc magnets

Axial magnetisation
By default, the poles of neodymium discs and ferrite discs are located on the circular surface.
Diametral magnetisation
A few of our neodymium disc magnets have a magnetisation running parallel to the diameter. Follow the link for an overview of all diametrically magnetised disc magnets.

Rod magnets

Axial magnetisation
By default, the poles of our neodymium rod magnets are located on the circular surface.
Diametral magnetisation
A few neodymium rod magnets have a magnetisation running parallel to the diameter. Follow the link for an overview of all diametrically magnetised rod magnets.

Block magnets

Magnetisation parallel to side 1
Only a few of our neodymium block magnets are magnetised in longitudinal direction. We also call this type of magnetisation parallel to side 1. That means, that the north-south axis runs parallel to side 1 of the block magnet. Follow the link for an overview of block magnets with longitudinal magnetisation.
Magnetisation parallel to side 2
We currently do not offer block magnets with a magnetisation direction parallel to side 2. If you are interested in this type of magnet, please complete the custom order form and we will send you an offer.
Magnetisation parallel to side 3
The poles of the neodymium block magnets and ferrite block magnets in our online shop are usually located on the largest surfaces.

Cube magnets

The poles of neodymium cube magnets are located on 2 opposite sides.

Sphere magnets

The neodymium sphere magnets also have 2 opposite poles, much like the globe.

Ring magnets

Axial magnetisation
Our neodymium ring magnets and our ferrite ring magnets are axially magnetised, unless noted otherwise. That means, the direction of the north-south axis runs parallel to the diameter.
Diametral magnetisation
If a ring magnet is diametrically magnetised, it means the direction of the north-south axis runs parallel to the height. Follow the link for an overview of all ring magnets with diametral magnetisation.
Radial magnetisation
We do not offer radially magnetised ring magnets. Producing them is technically challenging, which makes them very expensive. For that reason, hardly any manufacturer is carrying them in their assortment.

Cone magnets

Axial magnetisation
The poles of our neodymium cone magnets are located on the circular surfaces.

Pot magnets

Axial magnetisation
On the inside of pot magnets are axially magnetised magnets made of neodymium or ferrite. The north pole of our pot magnets is always located on the “open” side, the south pole is covered by the steel pot. We do not carry versions with reversed magnetisation. You can find additional information in the FAQ "What are special features of a pot magnet?".

Magnetic tapes and sheets

With magnetic tapes and sheets the direction of magnetisation changes every few millimetres, so the north and south poles are laid out in stripes and alternate in close sequence. This leads to an increased adhesive force at direct contact with ferromagnetic surfaces.
The lamellar magnetisation influences how combinable the magnetic tape is. See the following FAQ: How can you combine two self-adhesive magnetic tapes?

Magnetic tape and sheet made of strontium ferrite

With the magnetic tape made of strontium ferrite, the lamellar magnetisation runs parallel to the tape length. The small flux detector placed on the magnetic sheet or tape makes this phenomenon visible.

Magnetic tape and sheet made of neodymium

Magnetic adhesive tape made of neodymium features a lamellar magnetisation perpendicular to the tape length.