China Neodymium And Ferrite Magnets Manufacturer & Supplier 
Axial magnetic fields and radial magnetic fields are the two most common types of magnetization in magnets. An axial magnetic field refers to magnetic field lines distributed along the height (thickness) direction of the magnet, with the magnetic poles located at the two end faces of the cylinder; a radial magnetic field, on the other hand, involves magnetic field lines radiating outward or inward along the radial direction from the center, with the magnetic poles uniformly distributed around the circumference of the magnet. They exhibit significant differences in terms of structure, magnetic field distribution, manufacturing methods, and application areas. The following is a comparative overview.
1. Different magnetization directions
Magnetization direction of the axial magnetic field is along the height of the magnet, i.e., from the top (N pole) to the bottom (S pole) or vice versa. The magnetization direction of the radial magnetic field radiates outward from the center or inward toward the center, i.e., the magnetic lines of force diverge or converge along the radius.
2. Different magnetic field distributions
The magnetic lines of force of an axial magnetic field magnet emerge from one end face and enter the other end face. The magnetic lines of force of a radial magnetic field magnet are distributed along the radius around the entire circumference.
Axial magnetization magnetic field lines (right) and radial magnetization magnetic field lines (left)
3. Differences in application scenarios
Axial magnetic fields concentrate magnetic force on the two end faces (top and bottom) of the magnet, making them suitable for linear adsorption or push-pull actions. Typical applications include adsorption devices, linear drives or sensing structures, electroacoustic equipment, and salvage operations. Radial magnetic fields are suitable for rotating magnetic fields or angle detection, such as motor rotors, magnetic encoders, and Hall sensors.
4. Comparison of price and processing difficulty
Axial magnetic fields are generally inexpensive, easy to process, and can be produced using general-purpose equipment. Radial magnets are difficult to manufacture, expensive, and require customized magnetization fixtures or molds, especially multi-pole radials, which are core components in high-end motors and sensor applications.
Suggestions for selection;
If the magnet is installed on cylindrical/circular rotating parts, radial magnetization should be prioritized. If the magnetic force needs to penetrate a surface in a certain direction (such as being adsorbed on a metal plate), choose the axial direction. If the product involves Hall elements or magnetic induction chips to detect angle and position, radial multipole magnetic fields are preferred. For small batch products with average performance requirements, axial magnetization can be selected to reduce costs. Priority should be given to radial magnetization design for high-performance, high-speed, or high-precision products.
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