What Makes a Whiteboard Magnetic?
- 7 Feb 2020
What Makes a Whiteboard Magnetic?
Whiteboards are commonplace in schools, offices and the home but have you ever wondered "What Makes a Whiteboard Magnetic?"
Whilst it's pretty much common knowledge that magnets do not stick to non-metal materials like fabrics, plastic, glass and wood, you could be forgiven to think that whiteboards are also a non-metal material. However, what makes magnets stick to a whiteboard is the steel sheet beneath the top whiteboard surface. The strong magnetic properties of steel is what makes a whiteboard magnetic!
Not all whiteboards are magnetic, some whiteboards, in fact most cheap discounted whiteboards, don't have magnetic properties as they are constructed of melamine or laminate only and do not contain the required steel sheet. These types of non-magnetic whiteboard tend to be a lot lighter in weight than magnetic ones.
Read more: What materials are used to make whiteboards?
Magnets & Metals - The Science Bit!
A steel sheet is used in the construction of a magnetic whiteboard because magnets are attracted to ferromagnetic materials like iron, and steel can contain high levels of iron.
What is a Magnet?
A magnet is a metal object that produces a magnetic field around itself and has the ability to attract other metals like cobalt, iron and nickel. Magnets are also attracted to each other but can repel each other depending on the magnetised poles. (opposite poles attract whilst like poles repel).
How can Glass Whiteboards be Magnetic?
If you're looking for a magnetic glass whiteboard then we have a wide choice of colours and sizes on offer.
It is again the steel sheet used in construction that provides a metal surface that magnets are attracted to. Behind the glass surface is a thin steel sheet. Super strength neodymium magnets are required to use with glass whiteboards because standard magnets do not have the magnetic force, or strong enough magnetic field, to penetrate the glass.
What are Neodymium Magnets?
Neodymium magnets (Also known as NdFeB or Neo Magnets) is the mostly used rare-earth type of magnet. Comprised of neodymium, iron and boron, these magnets carry a far more powerful magnetic field giving them a far superior level of performance than standard magnets.
Looking for whiteboards? Perhaps magnetic ones... We have a wide range of expertise and over 25 years experience, so for further information or to speak with a member of our team about purchasing your perfect whiteboard, please call us on 01234 240 007.
If you enjoyed this blog you may also like:
The Perks of a Magnetic Whiteboard
Shop here:
