Pot Magnet: Strong and Versatile Magnetic Solutions
Neodymium pot magnets are versatile, high-strength magnetic solutions used in industrial and consumer applications for holding, lifting, and securing objects.
What is Pot Magnet?
A pot magnet is made of a permanent magnet and ferromagnetic steel pot. By placing the magnet into the steel pot, a different magnetic circuit is formed, which yields a greater holding force than a stand-alone magnet. With the same overall dimension as a single magnet, a pot magnet has a superior holding force and lower cost. Pot magnet is also known as cup magnet or heavy duty magnet. They are used for holding or pulling objects.
How Does A Pot Magnet Work?
Magnetic field lines prefer to travel in materials that have certain magnetic properties. That is to say, it’s possible to guide or redirect the magnetic field lines. However, only ferromagnetic materials (materials that attract to magnets) can redirect magnetic fields, such as iron, steel (which contains iron), cobalt, and nickel. The steel pot has the function of redirecting the magnetic field line in a way that enhance its density and enhances the holding force of the whole magnet system.


Variations and Applications of Pot Magnet
Based on the simple configuration of a magnet and a steel pot, many pot magnet variations have been developed. A pot magnet producer can add internal or external thread on steel pot in order to connect the pot magnet to hook or eyebolt. It’s also common to make a hole on the steel pot and magnet (sometimes countersunk hole) so that the pot magnet can be fixed on another object. Apart from the common round based pot magnet, rectangular pot magnets (channel magnets) are also available. Pot magnets are used in various industries as auxiliary instruments during transport, clamping, mounting, lifting, welding, separation, etc.
Different magnet types of pot magnets
In a flat pot magnet, either ceramic magnet or rare earth magnets (NdFeB or SmCo) is used. Due to its superior magnetic strength, neodymium magnet is the most common magnet base for pot magnets. For pot magnets used in high temperature environment, SmCo magnet is an ideal option. Ceramic magnets are low cost alternative for applications that require a relatively small holding force.
With the recent increase of neodymium magnet price, it’s recommended to redesign your magnetic part by using a neodymium pot magnet configuration. At Tengye Magnetic, we design and manufacture standard as well as custom pot magnets. For custom applications, rapid prototyping of neodymium pot magnets is available.