Information
Gauss Strength
Gauss strength is measure of magnetism named after the German
mathematician Karl Friedrich Gauss ( 1777 to 1855 ), who applied
mathematical principles to magnetism.
Gauss rating determines the speed at which a magnet works
The thickness determines the magnet depth of penetration
The gauss rating of a magnet determines the speed in which
it works, and the thickness determines the depth of penetration.
Some magnet companies list their products by internal gauss,
not the external gauss rating. A quick rule of thumb in determining
proper gauss strength is take the external gauss rating and
multiply this number by 3.9. So, a 600 gauss external strength
rated magnet can also be called a 2,340 gauss internal strength
rated magnet. It is important that you are not misled into believing
you're getting a higher strength product, as both are correct
ratings for the same magnet.
Gauss stength can be misleading
Gauss strength can be misleading, as the strength of the
magnetic field falls off very quickly as the distance from the
surface of the magnet increases. In clinical use, depending upon the strength,
size, and distance from the skin, actual gauss strength inside
the human tissue can be much less than the gauss rating of the
magnet. If the magnet is to penetrate deep into the body, it
will need to be stronger. To act one inch deep, it should be
a 700 to 1000 gauss external strength rated magnet. For two
inches deep a 1200 to 2000 gauss external strength rated magnet
is best.
The material of a magnet alone does not determine its strength
It is important to note that the material of a magnet alone
does not determine its strength. It is a combination of material
(strength) and mass (size). To illustrate, lets take one neodymium
magnet (12,000 gauss) and one ceramic magnet (4,000 gauss).
If both magnets are the same size, the neodymium will have the
stronger field, because it has a larger gauss rating.
Now let's assume that the same neodymium magnet has a 1/2"
diameter and 1/8" thickness, and the ceramic magnet a 3/4"
diameter and 1/4" thickness. Even though the neodymium
magnet is rated 12,000 gauss and the ceramic is 4,000 gauss,
the ceramic magnet will have the stronger field. Why? Because,
its greater mass helps to produce a stronger field.
In most clinical studies the best results are achieved with
a magnetic field of 500 to 600 gauss within the tissue, which
often requires a much stronger magnet to deliver that amount
of energy within the body itself. The depth of penetration of
the magnetic field appears to be at least as important as its
strength. This is extremely important. The larger the mass of
the magnet, the stronger and more effective it will be. If the
magnets are too small, the magnetic field will drop below therapeutic
levels before it even reaches the injury site. Magnets made
from Neodymium (a rare earth metal), commonly called
Rare Earth Magnets, are unusually strong in relation to
their size, and therefore believed to have the deepest penetrating
fields. Some people may have a skin reaction to direct exposure
to some Rare Earth Magnets. For this reason, many therapeutic
magnets are plated with gold or other non-reactive metal, or
contained within a wrap or magnetic mattress pad.
Gauss strength is not cumulative
Something else to be aware of is that gauss strength is not
cumulative. In other words if each magnet has a manufacturers
gauss rating of 3,000 and there are 10 magnets in the product,
the strength is still 3,000 gauss, NOT 30,000 gauss. Although,
more magnets in a products means that the magnets are spaced
closer together, creating a more uniform magnetic field. The
number of magnets needed to create a consistent field is also
dependent upon the size of the magnets. As stated previously,
larger magnets will create larger fields. The key is that you
do not want large spaces between the magnets, as large spaces
will create empty gaps in the magnetic field, in which there
is no therapeutic benefit.
Note: If you come across a product that simply states
gauss strength without stating that it is the surface or external
rating, divide the value of the product by 3.9. For example
a 10,500 manufacturers rating for a neodymium magnet,
will measure approximately 2,690 surface gauss using a digital
gauss meter (which is a very accurate instrument).
Choice of Magnet
It is for these reasons that Fastmag in mentioning Gauss levels
realise it can lead to a lot of confusion and incorrect
assumptions as to what makes a good choice of magnet for any purpose. However, we can personally guarantee that we have the best magnet type,
and quantity of magnets for your purpose, and if seeking more information we are here to assist.
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