What is the Difference Between a Magnetic Rod and a Magnetic Bar?

Magnetic rods and magnetic bars are vital components used in a variety of industrial applications for separating and filtering ferrous materials. But what exactly sets these two types of magnets apart? As a professional magnet rod manufacturer, I set out to uncover the key differences between magnetic rods vs bars so you can determine which is better suited for your needs.

The Function and Structure of Magnetic Rods

A magnetic rod consists of a stainless steel tube packed with powerful neodymium magnets arranged to produce strong magnetic fields along the length of the rod. They are cylindrical in shape and can range in size from just a few millimeters in diameter up to several inches across.

Magnetic rods function as separators, filters, or traps that extract iron contaminants from liquids and dry materials in industrial processes. For instance, a magnetic rod may be installed in a chute, hopper, or conveyor system to capture stray iron fragments before they reach downstream equipment. Their cylindrical shape allows them to be easily incorporated into the material flow path.

The Composition and Applications of Magnetic Bars

In contrast, magnetic bars (also called strip magnets or block magnets) have a flat, rectangular bar shape. While their dimensions can vary substantially, they are relatively thicker and wider than magnetic rods.

Magnetic bars are created from flexible rubber or plastic bonded with ferrite or rare earth magnets. This configuration allows them to be bent into curved shapes in some cases.

These magnet bars can be found in tools like magnetic sweeper bars used for collecting scrap metal. They also have uses in holding applications like magnetic assemblies and mounts as their flat sides provide ample surface contact.

Four Key Differences Between the Two Magnet Types

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s examine four notable ways that magnetic rods and bars differ:

1. Shape and Dimensions

The most outwardly apparent difference is their shape. Magnetic rods have an elongated, cylindrical form factor. Magnetic bars are blockier with a thicker, flatter profile.

2. Magnetic Strength

Magnetic rods house incredibly strong neodymium magnets and consequently produce very powerful, concentrated magnetic fields – easily over 10,000 Gauss. Magnetic bars use cheaper ferrite magnets, resulting in fields of 1,000 Gauss or less.

3. Mounting and Installation

The cylindrical shape of magnetic rods allows them to be inserted into pipes, chutes, and conveyors to filter flowing materials. Magnetic bars work better for scraping, sweeping, or holding static objects. Custom mounts can adapt either magnet for unique uses.

4. Temperature Tolerance

Magnetic rods can withstand temperatures exceeding 140°F thanks to their stainless steel housing. Magnetic bars use rubber or plastic bindings so they should not exceed roughly 80°F temperatures.

Key Differences at a Glance

Here is a summary of the main differences:

So in essence:

• Magnetic rods have a tubular profile housing rare-earth magnets to generate strong axial magnetic fields primarily for separation and filtration roles
• Magnetic bars are ceramic magnets shaped for the specific application, producing fields for holding and lifting metallic objects

Now that you understand the key differences between these two magnet types, let’s examine some example applications where each excels.

Real-World Applications of Magnetic Rods and Bars

Using Magnetic Rods for Liquid Filtration

A common use of magnetic rods is to filter and purify liquids in pharmaceutical, chemical, food and beverage production.

For example, three 150 mm magnetic rods could be incorporated into a pump suction line filtering corn syrup before it reaches downstream processing equipment. Their high 10,800 Gauss strength traps all ferrous contaminants.

Employing Magnetic Bars for Metal Scrap Collection

Magnetic bars fixed to sweeping tools excel at gathering metal debris from floors and work surfaces.

Workers at a metal fabrication facility may utilize a rolling magnetic sweeper outfitted with durable magnetic bars to quickly clean their facility of metallic dust and shards at the end of a shift or between cutting operations.

When to Use Magnetic Rods or Bars

As this breakdown illustrates, magnetic rods shine when it comes to liquid filtration and separation applications where high magnetic strengths are needed. Magnetic bars fit best for scraping, sweeping, lifting, and securing metal objects.

Consider the strengths of each when selecting a magnetic system for your specific industry and needs. Properly implementing either magnet can save thousands in damaged equipment and wasted product over their lifetime.

Final Tips for Utilizing Magnetic Rods and Bars

Hopefully by now you have a solid grasp on how magnetic rods and bars differ and scenarios where each magnet excels. Here are just a couple final pointers to remember:

• When installing magnetic rods, ensure adequate contact time between the magnet and the target materials. Increasing dwell time allows their fields to fully capture fine contaminants.
• Handle magnetic bars carefully as sharp blows can crack their brittle internal magnets. Test pull strength periodically.
• Consider rod and bar combinations – systems employing both magnet types may balance filtration and scraping duties better than a single style alone.

Whether you need to filter fine metal powders from pharmaceutical products or pick up machine shop cuttings, magnetic rods and bars up to the task. Carefully consider their unique strengths and applications outlined here when choosing the right magnetic separator.