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Questions and answers about isotropic or anisotropic magnets

All of our neodymium, ferrite and AlNiCo magnets are anisotropic. Some of the magnetic tapes and magnetic sheets are anisotropic, while others are isotropic. You can find the relevant information in the technical data section of the respective product pages. Below, we will answer frequently asked questions regarding isotropic and anisotropic magnets.
Table of Contents

What do the terms 'isotropic' and 'anisotropic' mean?

The characteristics 'anisotropic' or 'isotropic' indicate whether a magnet has a preferred magnetisation direction. In isotropic magnets, the direction of magnetisation is random and, as a result, the adhesive force is lower than in anisotropic magnets. On the other hand, anisotropic magnets are exclusively magnetised in a predetermined direction and thus have a higher adhesive force.

How do isotropic and anisotropic magnets differ?

isotropic = no preferred direction anisotropic = has preferred direction
Magnetisation in any direction Magnetisation exclusively in the specified direction
Lower price Higher price
Lower adhesive force Higher adhesive force

How do I know whether a magnet is isotropic or anisotropic?

You cannot tell whether a magnet is anisotropic or isotropic simply by looking at it. Magnets in the supermagnete assortment that are made of neodymium, ferrite and AlNiCo are all anisotropic. For magnetic tapes and magnetic sheets, you can find the preferred direction of magnetisation in the technical data section of the respective product pages.

How are anisotropic magnets manufactured?

Compared to isotropic magnets (without preferential direction), there is an additional production step for anisotropic magnets. When producing the raw magnet, an electromagnetic field is applied. As a result, the material is optimally aligned. Because of that, anisotropic magnets are stronger than isotropic ones, but they can then only be fully magnetised in the predetermined direction. Due to the additional production step, anisotropic magnets are slightly more expensive than isotropic ones.

Examples of isotropic magnetic products in our shop


Examples of anisotropic magnetic products in our shop