Pure Aluminum is not naturally magnetic so that it will not hold a magnet. However, some aluminum alloys with iron, nickel, or cobalt can be magnetized. In addition, the strength of the magnet and the surface condition of the Aluminum a magnetic material, must also be taken into consideration for attraction. The methods of holding a magnet on Aluminum include:
- Using a strong magnet.
- A weak magnet pressed with much force.
- Heating the Aluminum using a weak magnet.
Such knowledge will help you understand how to make a magnet stick onto Aluminum in various other applications, whether Do-it-Yourself or industrial.
3 Basic Principles of Magnetism
1. Magnetic Fields
Magnetism is one of the fundamental forces of nature, by which either attraction or repulsion between two magnetic objects happens. The space surrounding a magnet inside which its force is potential is known as a magnetic field. Magnetic fields are invisible; however, their effects may be known or noticed due to their interaction with magnetic materials.
The strength of the magnetic field is measured in units of tesla (T) or gauss (G). Earth’s magnetic field is about 0.5 gauss, and that of a strong neodymium magnet can reach as much as 1.4 tesla. Magnetic fields are a product of moving electric charges, like electrons.
2. Magnetic Materials
Different behaviors in a magnetic field classify materials as magnetic, paramagnetic, or diamagnetic. Aluminum a magnetic materials are those that get considerably attracted to magnets and may further become magnetized.
Paramagnetic materials like copper and Aluminum will be lightly attracted to magnets. These materials are capable of being made magnetic in a strong magnetic field. Whereas diamagnetic materials are slightly repelled by magnets and show no stickiness or attraction such as powder in concrete, gold and silver.
Also, magnetic properties are hoped to be evident in some purpose alloys, depending on their composition. Stainless steel can either be austenitic or ferritic. Of these, the former is non-magnetic, while the latter is magnetic. Rare Earth metals like Gadolinium and Samarium are some of the strongest magnets.
3. Electromagnetism
Electricity and magnetism are very closely related, and their relationship can be used to make powerful electromagnets and process of aluminum electroplating. An electromagnet is a coil of wire used to produce an electric current that produces a resulting magnetic field. Its intensity can, in turn, be further increased with the current or by adding more turns into the coil.
Other uses of magnetic materials include the production of electromagnets. The magnetically soft materials, like iron, are easily magnetized and demagnetized, while the magnetically hard materials, like neodymium, are difficult to demagnetize.
In short, magnetism is a fascinating and simultaneously complicated field responsible for many things happening around us in our lives. Understanding some of the simplest basics of magnetism will help you appreciate magnetic materials’ role in our world much more.
Interaction of Metal as Aluminum a Magnetic Material
The interaction resulting from the combination of magnets and Aluminum can prove very complex. The content of this section will first explain how magnets work on Aluminum, later discuss the types of Aluminum that exist, and finally, discuss the factors that tinker with the interaction between them.
How Magnets Work on Aluminum?
Magnets create a magnetic field responsible for the attraction to some metals like iron, nickel, and cobalt. However, Aluminum does not fall into this category. Aluminum is a nonferrous metal; it does not have iron inside it and, hence, is not attracted by magnets.
There are ways to get a magnet to stick to Aluminum. One method is to have an extremely strong magnet; a neodymium magnet would do this. Another way is by using a weak magnet and applying pressure. With a weak magnet, you need to heat the Aluminum, and then you can easily attach the magnet.
Types of Aluminum
There are many types of aluminum metal, all varying in their properties. For example, some are stronger than others, while some have relatively lighter mass. Methods used during their production process may also determine their different properties.
One commonly used Aluminum in manufacturing is 6061 aluminums. This kind of metal boasts features associated with strength, durability, and corrosion resistance and is mostly applied in constructing aircraft parts, boat parts, and bicycle frames.
Factors that Affect Sticking
A few factors may alter the sticking between magnets and Aluminum. One of these is the structure of Aluminum. For example, magnetizing an aluminum tube can be a hassle compared to magnetizing an aluminum block.
Another factor would be the presence of other materials. For example, if the Aluminum is surrounded by wood or plastic, it wouldn’t stick that easily to a magnet. Another thing that could affect this would be the magnet’s poles. If the poles are aligned properly in some fashion, then the magnet will likely stick easily or hardly at all.
Finally, another effect of Lenz’s Law can also be on the interaction of magnets and Aluminum. As such, any change in the magnetic field will always induce an electrical current in a conductor that is near it, bringing with itself an opposing magnetic field to face the former. This, too, makes it even harder for magnets to stick with Aluminum.
Applications
A wide variety of everyday uses, from small gadgets to huge buildings, is where Aluminum is applied. Aluminum a magnetic material is such a versatile metal that it finds application in many aspects. Although the magnets don’t stick to Aluminum, there are still many uses for Aluminum in combination with magnets.
In the following section, we shall review some equipment, tools, everyday examples, and industrial applications in which Aluminum and magnets are used together.
Tools and Equipment
All equipment requires a lightweight, durable material; thus, it is often used. Just because magnets will not stick to Aluminum doesn’t mean the metal can’t be combined with magnets for tools and equipment in uses where lightness and magnetism are required, like refrigerators, whose doors are held shut by magnets. The magnets provide a seal that holds cold air inside while aluminum keeps the refrigerator light in weight.
Conclusion
The answer to the question that is aluminum a magnetic material. There are various ways exist to make a magnet stick to Aluminum while Aluminum itself may not be magnetic. Several factors can affect the interaction between a magnet and Aluminum, including the grade of the Aluminum added materials that alter the properties and even Lenz’s Law.
