Magnets for Makers & Industry | Neodymium, Ferrite & Electromagnets | Communica SA

Why buy magnets from Communica?

When a project needs holding force, a sensor needs a magnetic field, or a student needs a reliable magnet for a physics practical, the last thing you want is a three-week wait on an international parcel. For nearly five decades, engineers, technicians, educators and makers across Southern Africa have turned to Communica for one simple reason: we hold real stock, in real warehouses, ready to move. That means your magnets ship the same day from Samrand, Centurion, or you can collect from our branches in Pretoria CBD and Cape Town.

Unlike a general hardware store, Communica speaks the language of electronics and engineering. We know the difference between an N35 and an N52 grade neodymium magnet, why a ferrite ring core belongs in a switched-mode power supply, and how to avoid the classic mistake of ordering a magnet that shatters on first contact. Our range spans everything from tiny 3mm disc magnets for prototyping to heavy-lifting pot magnets and electromagnet kits for automation projects.

Stock you can actually get your hands on

Nothing is more frustrating than designing a magnetic latch around a specific pull force, only to discover the part is out of stock everywhere. Communica maintains a deep inventory across multiple magnet families. You can browse the full catalogue at All Products, or jump straight into relevant categories for sensors, power, and electromechanical components.

• Neodymium (NdFeB) magnets: The strongest permanent magnets commonly available. Grades from N35 to N52, in disc, block, ring, and countersunk forms. Ideal for compact holding, magnetic couplings, and miniature speaker assemblies.
• Ferrite (ceramic) magnets: Cost-effective, temperature-resistant, and electrically non-conductive. Perfect for transformer cores, motor magnets, and educational demonstrations.
• Electromagnets & solenoids: Wire-wound coils that produce a controllable magnetic field. Used in door locks, relays, sorting machines, and pick-and-place prototype rigs.
• Magnetic sensors & switches: Hall-effect sensors, reed switches, and magnetic encoders that detect position, proximity, or rotation.
• Pot magnets & hook magnets: Neodymium magnets encased in steel cups to concentrate and redirect the magnetic field, greatly increasing holding force on flat surfaces.

Every product listing includes key specifications such as dimensions, grade, coating, and maximum operating temperature. If you need help matching a magnet to a mechanical design, our technical team is a phone call or email away.

Choosing the right magnet for your application

Neodymium vs ferrite vs electromagnets: a practical comparison

Before you add a magnet to your cart, ask yourself what the application actually demands. The table below compares the three main families we stock, with typical figures that matter in real projects.

For a university robotics project that needs a lightweight gripper, a 20mm x 10mm N42 neodymium disc may be perfect. For a high-temperature motor application, ferrite is often the more reliable choice. And if you need to release a payload remotely, an electromagnet paired with a MOSFET driver is the way to go.

Safe handling and design rules

Neodymium magnets are brittle. They can chip or shatter if allowed to snap together violently. Always slide magnets apart rather than pulling them directly, and wear eye protection when handling large blocks. Keep them away from pacemakers, magnetic stripe cards, and sensitive electronics like CRT monitors. For projects involving children, consider ferrite magnets or encapsulated pot magnets with a protective steel shell.

When designing a magnetic latch, remember that holding force drops rapidly with air gap. A 0.5mm gap can reduce pull force by 30-50%. Pot magnets help by concentrating flux on one face, but the mating surface must be ferromagnetic (steel or iron) for best results.

Accessories, kits, and bundle ideas

Magnets rarely work alone. To get the most from your purchase, consider these complementary items that we stock to support your build.

• Magnetic field viewing film: Instantly visualise pole patterns and field lines. A must-have for teaching and troubleshooting.
• Gaussmeters and Teslameters: Measure magnetic flux density in mT or Gauss. Essential for quality control and sensor calibration.
• Hall-effect sensor ICs: From latching switches to linear sensors, these tiny chips turn magnetic fields into digital or analog signals. Pair with an Arduino or Raspberry Pi for position sensing.
• Reed switches: Sealed glass tubes that close in the presence of a magnet. Ideal for non-contact door/window sensors and low-power applications.
• Magnet wire and coil formers: Wind your own electromagnets for custom pickup coils, inductors, or educational experiments.
• Epoxy and mounting adhesives: Secure magnets into enclosures without compromising their coating.

Many customers bundle a set of neodymium discs with a magnetic viewing film and a Hall-effect sensor for a complete “magnetics 101” kit. If you’re kitting out a school lab or a maker space, ask us about bulk quantities and education pricing.

Why engineers choose Communica for magnets

There are cheaper magnets online. There are also faster ways to waste a week chasing down a part that doesn’t fit. Communica sits in the sweet spot: competitive local pricing, massive depth of stock, and technical staff who understand the difference between a magnet for a door catch and a magnet for a linear actuator. You can view our Shop by Brand page to see the manufacturers we carry, or explore the Collections index for categories like sensors, power, and electromechanical.

Objection handling: what about lead times?

If an item shows in stock, it ships from Samrand the same day for orders placed before our cut-off. Branch collection is available at Pretoria CBD and Cape Town during trading hours-check Branches & Trading Hours for current times. Backorders are clearly indicated, and our team will give you a realistic ETA before you commit. For account customers, we offer quotes and VAT invoices, making procurement simple for schools, universities, and OEMs.

Real support from real people

Need a magnet with a specific pull force? Not sure whether a reed switch will survive your switching current? Call our technical desk. We’ll help you interpret datasheets, suggest alternatives if a part is out of stock, and even walk you through the calculations for holding force versus air gap. That level of pre-sales support is rare in distribution, and it’s why so many SA engineers keep Communica on speed dial.

Whether you’re a Grade 9 student building a magnetic levitation demo, a technician repairing a magnetic door lock, or a procurement officer sourcing 10,000 ferrite cores for a production run, you’ll find the right magnet solution here. Explore the range, compare specs, and place your order with confidence-knowing that your magnets are stocked locally and backed by a team that’s been doing this since 1977.