Can Mu-Metal be Used as a Magnet Keeper?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of Mu-Metal as a magnet keeper, exploring its effectiveness in reducing flux loss over time. Participants consider alternative materials such as mild steel or soft iron and discuss the implications of using these materials as keepers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a thick piece of Mu-Metal laid across a magnet would function effectively as a keeper to reduce flux loss.
  • Another participant argues that Mu-Metal is a poor choice for a keeper due to its low saturation point in high magnetic fields, suggesting that soft iron or mild steel would be better alternatives.
  • A participant acknowledges the suggestion to use mild steel or soft iron instead of Mu-Metal.
  • Concerns are raised about whether using mild steel or soft iron as a keeper would lead to these materials generating their own magnetic fields over time.
  • It is noted that rare Earth magnets do not typically require keepers due to their resistance to demagnetization.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that Mu-Metal is not suitable as a keeper, but there is ongoing debate regarding the potential magnetic behavior of mild steel or soft iron when used as keepers. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of using these alternative materials.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specific conditions under which different materials may or may not generate their own magnetic fields when used as keepers. There are also unresolved questions about the adequacy of material thickness in relation to magnet strength.

solar71
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Hey guys.

I was just wondering about Mu-Metal.
I'm sure you guys know what a Magnet "Keeper" is.

If I was to take a thick piece of Mu-Metal and lay it across a magnet from the North to the South pole, would this act as a Keeper?

I'm trying to reduce the amount of flux loss over time, and 'i've heard that a "Keeper" can help a lot with that. I know my magnets are VERY strong, so I will be sure to use a 1/16th inch thick
piece of Mu-Metal to be adequate.

But would this even work? Or would it make the degradation of the flux even worse?
Thanks...
 
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I don't know about your particular magnet and keepers. I can say that mu=metal is a poor choice as a keeper because it saturates at extremely low applied fields. It's intended to shield sensitive instruments operating in small fields and is pretty useless for high ones. Soft iron or mild steel are better materials for use in intense fields. Depending on the strength and size of your magnet, 1/16" may not be adequate.
 
Thanks for the reply.

Ok so Mu Metal is most probably not a good material for acting as a keeper.
Well I work in a machine shop and we have lots of low carbon / mild steel laying around I am sure
I could use instead.

Thanks again!
 
ok I have one more question.

Lets say I use Mild steel or soft iron.
If I use either of these as a keeper, won't they eventually generate there own
magnetic field?

I guess what I'm saying is that I don't want to use a material as a keeper that will itself become
some sort of a magnet. Isn't this what happens with Iron connected directly to a magnet?

Thanks
 
solar71 said:
ok I have one more question.

Lets say I use Mild steel or soft iron.
If I use either of these as a keeper, won't they eventually generate there own
magnetic field?
Yes.

solar71 said:
I guess what I'm saying is that I don't want to use a material as a keeper that will itself become
some sort of a magnet.
Why?

BTW, rare Earth magnets don't really need keepers. They don't spontaneously demagnetize, and are highly resistant to demagnetization even around other magnets.
 

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