How does a magnetizer/demagnetizer work?

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    Magnet Magnetism Work
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the functioning of magnetizers and demagnetizers, particularly focusing on the mechanisms of demagnetization. Participants express interest in both powered and unpowered versions of these devices, exploring their operational principles and the physical phenomena involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the specific workings of the demagnetizer, particularly the appearance of field lines and the purpose of the stair-like structure in the device.
  • Another participant mentions familiarity with powered magnetizers and demagnetizers, specifically referencing "DeGauss Coil" as a search term for powered demagnetizers.
  • A participant describes a method involving sequentially decreasing magnetizing force as a means of demagnetization, suggesting that this is how the device operates.
  • There is a discussion about the existence of a video that purportedly demonstrates the demagnetization process, with multiple participants noting that the video is unavailable.
  • One participant shares their personal experience of building a demagnetizer and theorizes about its operation, mentioning the concept of over-demagnetization and the importance of reversed field strength in the demagnetization process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and theories regarding the operation of demagnetizers, with some agreeing on certain aspects while others present differing viewpoints or experiences. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the effectiveness and mechanisms of both powered and unpowered demagnetizers.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the limitations of available resources, such as the absence of a specific video and the challenges in demonstrating the demagnetization process effectively. There are also mentions of assumptions made about the operation of the devices without direct experience.

greypilgrim
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Hi.
These things can be used to magnetize/demagnetize tools, e.g. screwdrivers:
Magnetizer.jpg


How do they work? I'm particularly interested in the demagnetizer part. How do the field lines look like?
And why is there this stair-like structure in the upper hole?
 
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I know how powered magnetizers and powered demagnitizers work, but I haven't seen effective unpowered versions. Can you provide a link to that product's datasheet or other info?

BTW, the search term for a powered demagnitizer is "DeGauss Coil". I'm assuming you know how a powered magnetizing coil works. :smile:
 
Tom.G said:
By sequentially using steps in the de-magnetize window, the device supplies progressively less magnetizing force when the tool is passed thru.
See this link for details:
https://www.quora.com/How-does-a-tool-demagnetizer-work
This video does not exist
I wasn't able to watch the video, but does it show the tool being turned or in some other way being exposed to a decreasing alternating magnetic field?
 
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yup, same problem as berkeman, video doesn't exist
 
This video does not exist

Hmm, so it doesn't. I didn't even try to watch it.
Here is one that exists, at least at the moment.
 
interesting

would love to know how the demag part works
 
davenn said:
interesting

would love to know how the demag part works
After watching numerous videos of how the demagnetizer apparently doesn't work, I decided to build one last night.
tool.mag.demag.test.setup.2016.08.16.png

Interesting project, and results.
What everyone missed, was that the paperclip/screw/metal thingy became magnetized when touched with a magnetized tool.
So even if they did successfully demagnetize their screwdriver, their metal test object would still be attracted to it.

Without actually having one, I had to guess as to how they work.
Here is my theory:

oms.theory.png

The explanation for example A is self apparent to me.
Example B displays over-demagnetization.
Example C kind of explains the stair-step structure of the demagnetizer: Just the correct reduced magnitude of a reversed field strength will theoretically demagnetize the screwdriver.

ps. I would wordsmith my explanation, but I'm late for an appointment with the coast. Ciao!
 

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