Permanent magnets are among the most useful components of our technological age. They provide a constant, reliable source of energy for many magnetic circuits without the need for external electric currents.

Advances in metallurgy and magnetic technology in the last two decades have resulted in the availability of magnetic materials with unprecedented power - most notably the group of "Rare Earth" magnets.

These breakthroughs in magnetic material developments have been virtually unnoticed by the wider public as the general thrust of the use of these new materials was directed towards modification of existing products by replacing magnetic materials with superior rare earth magnets performing the same task only with reduced size.

Radical new products and markets have not emerged because of the major drawback of permanent magnets: Their energy output is fixed and therefore they cannot be employed if a variation in the magnetic field strength is required.

Previous attempts to overcome this shortcoming resulted in bulky, complicated to manufacture or uneconomical designs. The use of switchable permanent magnets was limited to very special applications. They were unsuitable for general purposes and therefore never attracted major public attention.

Until now it was easier and far more economical to control magnetic fields by using electromagnets. The major problem with all electrical systems is the need for a constantly available source of electric power, adding to complexity, plus the intrinsic safety hazards of electricity.

The Magswitch design affords the ability to manufacture a low cost, switchable permanent magnetic device, which provides a useful base component individually, as well as for integration in many applications, hitherto reserved to electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or other means of operation. Due to its unique design the Magswitch can hold in excess of 250 times its own weight. One typical version weighs less than 200 grams but can hold over 50 kilograms. Different sizes and versions are available to suit particular applications.

The intrinsic safety and independence from any external power source of the Magswitch allows in many cases to replace existing electromagnets in accordance with the need to develop ecological sustainability and improved performance.

A myriad of new products and applications will be found in all aspects of civilized life - Magswitch has uses everywhere: from the kitchen to aerospace - the potential is unlimited.