Magnetic Switch
磁性开关
A magnetic switch is a manually actuated magnetic hold/release device — a permanent magnet integrated into a precision-machined housing with a rotatable lever, toggle, or T-handle that shifts an internal magnetic shunt or pole orientation. A quarter-turn (typically 90°) switches the external holding field between fully ON (strong attraction to ferrous workpieces) and fully OFF (negligible residual field), without electrical power.
AIC Engineering designs magnetic switches from the magnetic circuit outward: holding-force target, air gap, workpiece material, and operating environment drive magnet grade (NdFeB / ferrite), shunt geometry, and housing material (aluminium alloy, stainless steel). FEA simulation validates field distribution in both ON and OFF states before tooling — ensuring the OFF state truly releases the workpiece and the ON state meets the holding-force specification.
Available in lever-handle, T-handle toggle, flat-toggle, box, and disk-base form factors — from compact φ40 mm units for light fixtures to heavy-duty rectangular bases for welding tables and CNC workholding. Each configuration is built to order; send your holding-force requirement, mounting envelope, and actuation preference for a tailored design.
Key Features
90° ON / OFF Control
Quarter-turn actuation switches holding field on or off — no power, no wiring, instant response.
True Field Release
Internal shunt or pole-shift design minimizes residual field in OFF state so workpieces release cleanly.
FEA-Validated Design
Magnetic circuit simulated for both states before build — holding force and release verified against spec.
Multiple Form Factors
Lever, T-handle, flat toggle, box, and disk bases — compact to heavy-duty, aluminium or stainless steel.
Configuration Options
Built to order — send holding-force target, mounting envelope, and preferred actuation style.
| Form Factor | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Lever-Handle | Side or top lever on a cylindrical base; 90° rotation. | Welding fixtures, quick workholding, light-duty jigs. |
| T-Handle Toggle | High-visibility T-bar on cylindrical housing; positive ON/OFF detent. | Shop-floor workholding where gloved operation is common. |
| Flat Toggle | Low-profile oblong toggle on compact cylindrical base. | Space-constrained mounting, enclosure panels, small fixtures. |
| Box Housing | Rectangular machined housing with front actuation pin or lever. | Heavy-duty tables, large-plate hold-down, high holding force. |
| Disk Base | Large-diameter circular base with top mounting holes. | CNC vacuum tables, large-surface magnetic chucks, plate hold-down. |
| Custom Actuation | Key, pull-ring, or panel-mount variants on request. | OEM integration, safety interlocks, special enclosures. |
Configurable Parameters
No fixed catalogue grades — each unit is designed to your holding-force and envelope specification.
| Parameter | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Holding Force | 50 – 600 kgf | NdFeB circuit; higher forces with larger magnet volume. |
| Actuation Angle | 90° (standard) | Other angles available on request. |
| Residual Field (OFF) | ≤ 5 % of ON flux | Shunt or pole-shift design; verified by gauss mapping. |
| Magnet Material | Sintered NdFeB / Ferrite | NdFeB for high force; ferrite for cost-sensitive low-force. |
| Housing | Al alloy / Stainless steel | SS316 for corrosive or food-grade environments. |
| Operating Temp. | −20 to 80 °C | SmCo magnet option for elevated temperature. |
Values are typical design ranges — confirmed holding force and dimensions are provided per quotation after magnetic simulation.
Design & Manufacturing
Magnetic circuit simulation first, then precision machining, assembly, magnetizing, and holding-force verification.
- Holding-force & air-gap specification
- FEA simulation — ON and OFF states
- Shunt / pole-shift geometry optimization
- Magnet grade & volume selection
- CNC machining of housing & shunt parts
- Magnet bonding and pole orientation
- Actuation mechanism assembly
- Surface finish & corrosion protection
- Holding-force pull test (ON state)
- Residual field check (OFF state)
- Actuation cycle endurance sampling
- Protective packaging
Typical Applications
Need a Custom Magnetic Switch?
Send your holding-force target, workpiece material, mounting envelope, and preferred actuation style — our engineers will simulate the magnetic circuit and propose a tailored MSW design.
Discuss Custom RequirementsFrequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about our magnets, customisation, ordering and shipping.
- What is a magnetic switch? +
- A magnetic switch is a manually actuated magnetic hold/release device — a permanent magnet in a precision-machined housing with a rotatable lever, toggle, or T-handle that shifts an internal magnetic shunt or pole orientation. A 90° turn switches the external holding field between ON (strong attraction to ferrous workpieces) and OFF (negligible residual field), with no electrical power.
- How does a magnetic switch hold and release workpieces? +
- Rotating the actuator reorients the internal magnetic circuit: in the ON state the flux is directed outward to strongly attract the ferrous workpiece; in the OFF state a shunt redirects the flux internally, leaving only ≤5% residual field so the workpiece releases cleanly — no power, no wiring, instant response.
- What holding force can a magnetic switch provide? +
- AIC magnetic switches cover 50–600 kgf holding force (NdFeB circuit; higher forces with larger magnet volume), with 90° standard actuation, in aluminium-alloy or stainless-steel housings sized from compact φ40 mm units to heavy-duty rectangular bases.
- Where are magnetic switches used? +
- Typical uses are CNC and machine-tool workholding, welding fixtures, quick-change jigs, and steel-plate hold-down — anywhere a fast, power-free, repeatable hold and release of ferrous parts is needed.