Permanent magnets transfer energy from one form to another with almost no loss. Often companies use these for motors, alternators or generators but the applications of magnets are nearly unlimited. While some companies make pre-made electrical components, others sell the magnets themselves.

With such a wide variety of applications for permanent magnets, it's important to know exactly what you need. The following things are all common uses of permanent magnets:

1. A permanent magnet alternator or generator deals with the harnessing and processing of electrical power.

2. A permanent magnet motor uses the magnetically processed electricity to run non-magnetic equipment.

3. Permanent magnets are often purchased separately for other common applications.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use a permanent magnet generator or alternator to convert mechanical energy into electricity

This use for permanent magnets converts one type of energy into another. This is typically mechanical into electrical such as with a windmill or hydroelectric plant.

I recommend: Many companies specialize in specific applications of alternators, such as Windblue, but these permanent magnet alternators often have much more general purposes. Georator makes brushless permanent magnet generators for many different applications.

Try a permanent magnet DC motor to cut energy costs

Magnetic motors are energy efficient, quiet and small alternatives to combustion engines. These motors range in power from treadmill level to industrial pumps.

I recommend: Permanent magnet motors are available from several manufacturers, but Rotomag and Hansen both carry a wide selection of motors. Both companies have motors for large and small applications. Anaheim Automation offers permanent magnet synchronous motors that run off AC current.

Buy unaltered permanent magnets for all your manufacturing needs

Permanent magnets have such a huge number of uses that there's no way to list them all. Sometimes manufacturers need basic magnets for their own products.

I recommend: AIC Engineering offers a staggering array of magnets in many configurations and made of many different materials. Xiamen One Magnet has a smaller selection but has an online form for quick orders. For a nice selection of magnets along with information on the uses and handling of each type, visit Master Magnetics.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Magnets are difficult to customize so think about standard permanent magnet design. Magnets are brittle, difficult to cut and their dust sticks to everything. Using standardized sizes will often cut the cost of the item using them.