Magnetic Box Closures

It is extremely often today you will find Rare Earth Magnets utilized in the creation of retail packaging. That is frequently paper box construction containing more than one movable flaps. Often affecting top end kids book collections, DVD collections, or such things as Craft type kits found packaged in paperboard. It’s considered an upgraded to the hook and loop type fasteners (i.e. Velcro) seen in older style boxes.

There are 2 configurations which should be considered.

1) Using two rare earth magnets

2) One rare earth magnet, then one part of ferrous metal

Selecting which substitute for choose is dependent upon a several factors:

Gap – what is going to function as total distance between the magnet/metal pair
Feel – how much force are you interested in the final user to put on when opening

Due to the somewhat fragile nature of rare earth magnets, it is almost always recommended that in assembly in the box, that the two parts (two magnets, magnet/metal) stop allowed to appear in direct experience of the other person. This can minimize any chance the magnet could break because of shock if the box is closed.

Two Magnets – This configuration is the most suitable utilized when a stronger bond is necessary, then when the content is thick, creating a larger gap between the two. Magnets could be inserted into paper board which was die-cut, or they may also be surface mounted and laminated over (or a decorative design, sticker or pad of some kind might be placed in the magnet). Alert should be made during assembly to be sure the polarity is in an attracting configuration. Some manufactures offer rare earth magnets that are marked for the North seeking pole to help with assembly. If magnets are improperly mounted in a opposing configuration, they’re going to repel along with the box is not going to close. Magnets wish to attract to one another in a very exact manner, therefore the two magnets will likely need to mate together nearby with the ideal bond to happen.

Magnet & Steel – This configuration is advisable utilized whenever a slightly weaker bond is desired, the content getting used isn’t as heavy, or when overall cost may be the limiting factor. Using steel as the mating piece towards the magnet cuts the overall cost substantially as steel is quite a bit less expensive than the rare earth magnets. Steel discs, washers along with Insert Magnet bring the mating part on the rare earth magnet. Take into consideration helping to make the magnet-steel combination attractive will be the placement of magnet. Alignment on the steel piece isn’t as critical as the magnet will attract well on the steel when it is over-sized or you cannot centered. Lastly there won’t be concerns with polarity with all the magnet-metal configuration, as the magnet attracts to the steel equally on either the North or South seeking poles. Steel pieces are mounted in the similar ways because the magnets and box might be die-cut and the metal inserted, it can be taped in, glued in, plus it might be laminated over for that totally invisible bond.

Both for magnet-magnet and magnet-steel configurations the two main factors which increase the strength of the bond.

1) The diameter on the magnet. Larger diameter (larger surface areas) on the magnets will yield stronger the bonds.
2) The thickness of the magnet. Thinner magnets won’t have just as much holding strength as thicker magnets.

Just experiment. Try various configurations for your box construction. It may are better with one larger pair, or two smaller pairs. When the bond is simply too strong, reduce the magnets diameter, number of magnet pairs, or maybe the thickness from the magnets or steel.

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