The Electropermanent Magnet, also known as EPM, is a groundbreaking technology in the field of magnetism. It is a type of permanent magnet that can switch its external magnetic field on and off with a pulse of electric current in a wire winding around part of the magnet. This technology has many industrial applications and is becoming popular day by day. In this blog, we will explore the amazing technology behind the EPM, its functioning, and its industrial applications.
The EPM consists of two sections, one of "hard" (high coercivity) magnetic material and one of "soft" (low coercivity) material. The hard material has a permanent magnetic field that is always present, whereas the soft material can be magnetized by using a pulse of current. When the two materials have opposing magnetizations, the magnet produces no net external field across its poles. In contrast, when the magnetization of both materials is aligned, the magnet produces an external magnetic field.
The significance of the EPM is that it combines the functionality of an electromagnet and a permanent magnet. It acts as a permanent magnet when the power is off, and when the power is on, it can function as an electromagnet. The EPM can be used in a wide range of industrial applications, for example, robotics, automation, and transportation.
One of the advantages of EPMs is their high holding force. They can hold their magnetic strength without power, making them ideal for applications that require a strong holding force in the absence of power. EPMs have a wide range of applications in the manufacturing industry. They are used to lift and transport heavy loads. EPMs can hold heavy steel sheets, tools, and other objects with ease, whereas conventional electromagnets require a constant power supply to deal with heavy loads.
EPMs are very energy-efficient. They require only a short pulse of current to magnetize the soft material, and once magnetized, they can hold the magnetic field without any external power. This makes them an energy-efficient alternative to conventional electromagnets. EPMs can be used in various industrial operations, such as metal processing and assembly.
The EPM technology is also being used in the medical field. It can be used to design magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, which are used in diagnosing diseases and injuries. EPMs can provide a strong and stable magnetic field required for the MRI systems. The technology can also be used in creating magnetic drug delivery systems that can target specific cells in the body.
EPMs are also being used in the construction industry, particularly in the field of concrete formwork. Concrete formwork is the process of creating a mold into which concrete is poured and allowed to harden into a specified shape. EPMs can be used in the formwork to hold the mold in place while the concrete dries.
They are perfect for this application because they can hold the magnetic field without any external power while providing a considerable holding force.
In conclusion, the Electropermanent Magnet is an amazing technology that has many industrial applications. The combination of the functionality of an electromagnet and a permanent magnet makes it very useful in a wide variety of applications. It has high holding force, is energy-efficient, and offers many advantages over conventional electromagnets. EPMs are being used in the manufacturing industry, construction, medical, and many other fields. As the technology advances, we can expect to see more applications for the Electropermanent Magnet.