Electromagnetic Wire - A Quick Guide

Electromagnetic wire, also known as electromagnetic insulated wire or the insulated coil winding is used in many applications including industrial, biomedical and medical device applications. Also called the non-conductor heart, magnetic coil, and non-conductor. Sometimes categorized by the specific nature of its uses, such as magnetic refrigerant resistant wire and self-adhesive electric insulation. Other names for this technology are Magnetic Induction Wire, Magnetic Coil, Magnetic Wires, and Magnetic Bond.

Magnetic wire is a flexible metallic wire which is composed of a core that is made up of one or more of the metals - copper, tin, iron, silver, gold, nickel, and platinum. The end of this core is enclosed in a cover or insulating material like silicon and aluminum oxide. Some forms of magnetic wire are coated with a metal that is inert to the electrical field.  of these metals have their own special properties. The  common metals used are:

Copper is one of the  commonly used metal and is found  everywhere. It can be wound into coils and formed into the shapes required for medical devices or biomedical applications.

Silicon is a strong conductor of electricity, but the  use for it is to make a protective covering for the copper wire. Aluminum oxide is also an effective conductor but is less durable than the other metals. Some manufacturers use nickel as a metal coating to protect copper from the effect of the heat.

There are different types of coil used in wound copper. These are known as magnetic coils. The  popular types are copper coils and nickel coils. Copper coils are the simplest form and are made of a single piece of copper wrapped around a steel rod that has a small magnet mounted on the end of the rod. As time passes, the magnetic energy produced by the magnet changes and creates a current that makes the coil turn in a loop.

Nickel coils are slightly more complex and are formed by the wrapping a nickel piece around a plastic coil. As time passes, this turns the nickel into a solid conductor of electricity. Because of the greater resistance to heat and the greater temperature stability of nickel, it is a popular choice for medical devices.

Magnetic insulation is another type of electromagnetic wire that is designed to keep a heat and moisture away from the electronic components. The insulation consists of a thick layer of a plastic material, usually plastic or silicone rubber, and an inner layer of conductive metal foil.

There are many other types of electrical and electronic connections that are not specifically wired using electrical wires, but use magnetic connections to provide an additional level of safety and security. Examples include:

Magnetic shielding prevents the electronic components from being damaged by the environment or the elements. This can be achieved by covering the electronic component with a magnetic covering.

Magnetic insulation provides a degree of protection for the electronic components from the environment and is generally made from a thick plastic like material. Some people prefer to use an insulating material that consists of the same metal foils and plastic that are used for the electrical wiring. The plastic is not only more durable but is also able to withstand the effects of the heat and moisture.

Electromagnetic insulation is also used for securing medical equipment to prevent the electronic components from getting damaged. If a device is not attached to a computer or battery it can be secured to the patient.

The  common application of an electromagnetic wire is in the form of a magnetic shielding. The use of magnetic insulation is increasing and the manufacturers are constantly coming out with new devices and designs.