What Are Motor Magnetic Tiles?
Motor magnetic tiles are special magnets in permanent magnet motors used to produce a magnetic field by means of magnets. With the shape of curved tiles, they can be easily put into the motor, whether on the rotor (spinning part) or the stator (the stationary part). So, they are the motor’s magnetic engine that provides the invisible force that moves the rotor.
Unlike the electromagnets that must be powered with electricity to work, these tiles of magnets are normally made of materials that can hold a strong magnetic field permanently. The motors thereby become more straightforward, lighter, and more energy-efficient—ideal for applications such as vehicles running on electric power or renewable energy systems.
Types of Motor Magnetic Tiles
Not all magnetic tiles are the same. They’re made from different materials, each with unique strengths suited for specific jobs. Let’s explore the main types:
1.Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB): These are the superstars of magnets, offering the strongest magnetic fields. They’re used in high-performance motors, like those in electric cars, where power and efficiency are critical.
2.Ferrite (Ceramic): Affordable and resistant to corrosion, ferrite tiles are less powerful but widely used in everyday devices like household appliances.
3.Samarium Cobalt (SmCo): These tiles excel in extreme temperatures, making them ideal for aerospace or industrial motors.
4.Alnico (Aluminum-Nickel-Cobalt): Though less common today, alnico tiles are durable and used in specialized motors where stability is key.
How Are Magnetic Tiles Made?
Creating a motor magnetic tile is like crafting a precision tool. The process involves shaping, treating, and “charging” the magnet to make it work. Here’s how it happens:
Forming the Blank: The raw material is melted, molded, and cooled into a rough shape called a blank (an unshaped magnet). This is like forging a metal block before carving it into a sculpture.
Cutting and Shaping: The metal is not only cut but milled into the necessary specific curved shape of the motor. It is quite clear that precision has a big role here.
Surface Treatment: The plate is layered with protective coverings, such as nickel or epoxy, to avoid corroding or attrition. In that way, the magnet will be able to withstand the impact of the environment.
Magnetizing the Tile: At this stage, the tile is just a piece of material with no magnetic power. It’s placed in a magnetizing machine (a device that generates a super-strong magnetic field). The machine sends a powerful electric pulse—sometimes thousands of amps—through a coil, aligning the tile’s internal structure to make it a permanent magnet. Imagine flipping a switch to turn a lump of metal into a magnetic superhero!
Magnetizing: Alone or Together?
There are two ways to magnetize tiles, and each has its purpose:
Individual Magnetization: Tiles are magnetized before being installed in the motor. This is precise but can make assembly tricky, as the magnets attract or repel each other during installation—like trying to stack slippery, super-strong magnets by hand.
Whole-Motor Magnetization: The tiles are placed in the motor first, and then the entire assembly is magnetized. This creates a uniform magnetic field and simplifies assembly. Engineers can even tweak the air gap to shape the magnetic field’s waveform, optimizing the motor’s performance.