Our expertise in magnets: your competitive edge in product development
Magnet Knowledge from BRUGGER – The expertise portal for magnet technology
Over 60 years’ experience in the magnet industry is summarised here for developers, designers and technicians.
Are you looking for in-depth specialist knowledge on magnets, magnetic materials and their applications? On our knowledge platform, we share our comprehensive expertise gained from six decades of magnet development and manufacturing – practical, easy to understand and available at any time. Whether you’re looking up the fundamentals of physics, comparing material properties or seeking information on specific areas of application: you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
Our magnetic knowledge is divided into two sections:
BRUGGERpedia – The digital magnet encyclopaedia
Our A–Z reference work: here you’ll find the physical fundamentals, material properties and technical specifications for all common magnetic materials – from neodymium and ferrite to samarium-cobalt. Ideal for quick research during your product development.
BRUGGERblog – Technical articles from the field
Expand your knowledge with our specialist articles on specific topics: whether it’s bonding magnets securely, magnet recycling, magnetic couplings or demagnetisation; the articles written by our experts explain complex concepts clearly and in a solution-oriented way.
Benefit from our expertise – for your bespoke magnet solution.
At BRUGGER, we combine theoretical expertise with practical implementation skills. As an ISO 9001-certified company with an extensive range of machinery, we support you – even at short notice if required – from the initial idea right through to the finished prototype.
Get in touch! We’d be happy to advise you and work with you to find the ideal solution for your application.
"We are ready to take on any technical challenge – from development right through to production."
From Magnesia to Neodymium – a brief history of magnetism
Magnetism has fascinated humankind for thousands of years – from the earliest discoveries of magnetite to state-of-the-art neodymium magnets, which are revolutionising today’s technology. Whether in industry, medicine, electronics or everyday life: magnetic forces are omnipresent and have become an integral part of our lives.
Long before the discovery of the link between magnetism and electricity, magnetic phenomena could only be observed through natural lodestone. One of the most important early applications was the compass, the principle of which was already known in pre-Christian China and in ancient Greece. Magnetic iron ores were named after the region of Magnesia in Greece, where they were found at an early stage. Magnetic forces were also used in ancient Indian medicine – for example, to remove iron splinters from the body.
In the 13th century, the first records in Europe appeared concerning the magnetisation of compass needles, along with other important discoveries – including the realisation that the Earth itself acts like a giant magnet.
Through systematic experiments in the period that followed, the first ‘artificial’ magnets were produced: the lines of force at the poles of magnetic stones were concentrated using small iron caps, whilst magnetic steel needles were bundled together by tying them. Even in the 18th century, magnetism remained largely unexplained – and that is precisely why it was so fascinating.
The decisive breakthrough came in the 20th century with the discovery of rare-earth magnets. Materials such as AlNiCo, samarium-cobalt (SmCo) and neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) revolutionised magnet technology and today enable high-performance magnets for countless applications.
