3D Printed Magnets

Magnetic fields are as close to magic as it gets for elementary school science classes.  Not only can they attract metals and attract other magnets at opposite poles, they also are the reason compasses work, help keep refrigerator doors closed tight, and power many consumer electronics.  The applications of magnets are not only fascinating, but also virtually limitless.  Now, thanks to computer science, this capability can be pushed even further.  Scientists have figured out how to use computers to design and 3D print magnets with a pre-designated, permanent magnetic field.

Producing strong magnets has not been a manufacturing problem for many years; however, the new ability to predetermine the shape of their magnetic fields is a breakthrough in magnet manufacturing that will likely have a great effect.  "A magnet can be designed on a computer, adjusting its shape until all requirements for its magnetic field are met," explains Christian Huber, a doctoral student part of the team that developed this technology.

To achieve precise shapes and strengths in magnetic fields, the 3D printer prints the magnet using 90% magnetic material and 10% plastic.  At its first state after printing, it is not yet magnetic.  Shortly after printing, the object is exposed to a strong magnet, which then magnetizes the object and creates your desired magnetic field.  Computer science is the essential backbone that drives the process of 3D printing, which requires precise machinery and printing algorithms.

"Now we will test the limits of how far we can go -- but for now it is certain that 3D printing brings something to magnet design which we could previously only dream of," said Dieter Süss, leader of the team that has developed this 3D printing technique.

References and Pictures:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/10/161025115757.htm