Custom Magnets Key Terms

Learn the basic terminology in dealing with custom-printed magnets

Custom magnets can make great sales and marketing tools. Many promotional product companies sell magnets in all sizes, colors, shapes and designs. Magnets seem pretty straightforward, but there are a few things to consider when choosing which kinds are right for your use. Custom magnets can be produced quickly, so getting a head start on your research will keep you ahead of the game. Knowing a few key terms associated with magnets before you start shopping for the perfect customized, promotional product can help you in your search.

 

Die-cut

Die-cut refers to the way a magnet is cut into a certain shape. Different magnet shapes from apples to hammers can be formed using a die process that cuts through the metal, forming the shape of the magnet.
Try: Magmate Taiwan LTD offers more information on the die-cut process. 

Bumper-sticker magnet

A bumper-sticker magnet can make a better marketing tool than a normal bumper sticker because it is removable. The magnet is basically made to stick a bumper sticker on and then magnetize it to a vehicle bumper, saving the vehicle from an unwanted sticky mess and enabling the customer to move the sticker.
Try: The bumper sticker magnet is shown and explained at the SupportStore.com.

Full color

When buying any promotional products, including magnets, you pay by the number of ink colors used. A full-color project includes the basic four color hues and will generally cost more than a one-color or two-color print option.
Try: The Fridge Door offers four-color printing and explains its pricing.

Bleed

Bleed refers to the way the printing process prints to the edge of the magnet, or other object. Not all companies offer a bleed, meaning there may be some white space around the edges of the magnet. The bleed options are important to understand when sending artwork and designing your magnet.
Try: Vista Print explains bleed and what you should consider when designing your magnet.

Lenticular

Lenticular magnets are designed to create a 3-D type image. The image is printed in a way that makes it appear to change or move when it is shifted in the light.
Try: Absorbent, Ink sells different styles of lenticular magnets.

Isotropic and anisotropic

The terms isotropic and anisotropic describe how a magnet is attracted to metals. An isotropic magnet doesn't have a preferred direction of attraction so it will attract to either the north or south polarization of a metal object, while an anisotropic magnet has a preference and will only attract to another of the opposite magnetization.
Try: The All Magnetics glossary defines both isotropic and anisotropic magnets in detail.

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