In my job, which involves field diagnostics as well as magnetic assemblies, I have learned about numerous tools that provide help without hassle and are practical.

Especially when discussing tools related to imperceptible magnetic fields, one of the most valuable and central tools we have is the Magnetic View Film, also known as Magnetic Field Viewing Film.

Although this film is cheap and easy, it has saved more projects than I can count in terms of time, scope, mistakes, and quality control.

Classrooms and R&D labs, as well as industrial facilities and quality control environments, all have one aspect in common, which is the utilization of magnetic viewing film.

In this article today, I will explain what magnetic view film is, sketch its modality and functioning, its value in real-world implementation, and how to determine the most suitable film for your situation and use.

Let us start.

1. What is Magnetic View Film?

Magnetic viewing film, also referred to as magnetic field viewing film, is a slim, flexible plastic sheet that is coated with micro-capsules that contain suspended magnetic particulates immersed in oil.

These particulates, which form a local magnetic field, align themselves, making the pattern formed by the field visible.    

Speaking as a working professional, a diagnostic tool like this is supreme to use, because of its user-friendly positions like film on a magnet, and the field configuration appears right away – no formation, no excessive applications, and no electronic devices are there to make its use complicated.  

I often tell newcomers that the magnetized version of a thermal camera for heat is much more basic and direct to use.

2. Applications of Magnetic View Film

As a professional to uses magnetic viewing film routinely through several stages and types of production, I can guide you about the diversity of its application and uses.

Here are the uses for which it has proven itself valuable.

i. Troubleshooting Sensor System

The position and the strength of the magnetic field dictate how Hall-effect sensors, magnetic encoders, or reed switch assemblies work.

Most of the time, I use film to detect the dead zones, division reversals, or the weak fields that could be impacting performance.

ii. Educational Demonstrations and Team trainings

Magnetic viewing film plays a significant role in physical classes in schools and universities. It helps students understand hard concepts by visualizing the magnetic poles and field distribution in real time.

Even for new trainees in engineering, the magnetic fields are a really helpful tool. It gives a really special and immediate understanding of visual behaviors. It is so simple to use, even for those who have no background in the electromagnetics field.

iii. Quality control in Magnetic assemblies

Although you’re creating brushless DC motors, stable magnetic generators, or magnetic links, making sure the correct magnet location and division is inevitable.

A rapid pass of the viewing film lets us visually validate neodymium magnet collections, authorise precise pole space, and identify misalignment.

iv. Magnetic pattern verification

So, certain of our applications include custom magnetization designs, e.g., Multi-pole rings, Halbach arrays, etc.

Magnetic viewing film offers the first streak of check before we transfer to Gauss meters or 3D scanning.

v. Field inspections and service

Speaking about maintenance setups, particularly in isolated sites, I’ve experienced magnetic viewing film as unbelievably useful.

It folds smoothly like a toolkit and can be used on any site to examine motor housings and magnetic seals or even help spot buried magnets in assemblies.

4. Using Magnetic Film as a Magnetic Field Visualizer

Mostly, we do have Gauss meters and flux probes for exact dimensions in the labs available.

But when we are talking about swift visualization, particularly in pre-production or meeting forms, magnetic viewing film is always my go-to.

Here’s its actual performance chart, which will help you to use it:

• i. Single bar magnets: They have vibrant, bright/dark shading at their ends, with a medium display of slight field strength.
• ii. Magnetized sheets or strips: Alternative hoops or dot designs subjected to their encoded poles.
• iii. Rotors and stators: Pole amount, equilibrium, and stability can be confirmed with just a glance.
• iv. Halbach arrays: Non-uniform fields and reversing behavior become visually present.
• v. Magnet leakage: Ranges of stray fields around enclosures, often lost by sensors, are really easy to locate.

The magnetic view film doesn’t give you pitch strength in gauss or tesla, but in many other practical states, it provides you with what you require the most, like form, direction, and delivery of the field.

4.1 How Do You View a Magnetic Field?

To view or analyze a magnetic field, here are a few tools with their advantages and limitations as under;

Tool or Method	Case	Pros	Limitations
Magnetic Viewing Film	Assembly verification, polarity checks, and troubleshooting	Instant, visual, reusable, portable	No numeric data, 2D surface view
Gauss meters	Field strength measurement	Accurate, quantitative	Slower, requires positioning
Iron Filings	Educational or low-cost demos	Cheap, visual	Messy, static, single-use
FEA Simulation Software	Design and testing	Predictive, 3D, adjustable	Requires experience and modeling skills

In our lab, we mostly use viewing film as our first-level problem-solving method, later following up with the others if we need comprehensive outlining or compliance checks.

5. Green magnetic field view film

Mostly, we use the green magnetic field in industry because it is the best choice. It not only enhances the aesthetics but also helps improve the lighting conditions and visibility.

5.1  Key factors to use the green Magnetic field

· Thickness: It has a thickness of typically 100–300 microns, which is thin enough to bend and at the same time thick enough to increase its durability.

· Colour: It has a luminous or semi-opaque green colour.

· Working range: It is really sensitive to fields as low as 15–20 gauss, which is a good contrast up to 5000 gauss.

· Reuse: It is recyclable except when physically damaged. It is important to use it very carefully and store it in a flat and clean spot. Debris or fingers with oil and grease can reduce its visibility over time.

I always manage to store my green magnetic film in a sealed envelope when I am not using it.

6. High-resolution magnetic viewing film

For advanced reliability, particularly in R&D, we always practice high-resolution magnetic viewing film. This form uses minor microcapsules and higher magnetic particles, which subsequently results in sharper details and improved contrast.

6.1 Why choose high-resolution magnetic view film?

• · Its edge poles are spaced closer than 1 mm, which is clearly distinguished.
• · It has good encoder tracks on its magnetic tapes or wheels, which can be verified.
• · If the magnets are low strength, it becomes visible where standard film might not respond.

7. Where Can I Buy Magnetic View Film?

I’ve purchased magnetic viewing films from a few reliable dealers over the years, suitable for my needs and budget.

• · Adams Magnetic Products: If you need industrial-grade options, especially for OEMs, this is your option.
• · Amazon / eBay: It is very convenient to order at your doorstep, though quality varies, so always read reviews before you place an order.
• · Scientific Supply Distributors: This dealer is ideal for educational kits or wholesale classroom orders.
• · Direct from Manufacturers: If you’re purchasing in bulk, producers like Dexter Magnetic Technologies or SDM Magnetics offer custom sizes or formulations.

Keep in mind before ordering the size, capacity, durability, and the most importantly, the resolution requirements.

Subsequently, over a period in this field working as a professional with permanent magnets, motors, sensors, and magnetic systems, I always bring a piece of magnetic viewing film in my toolkit everywhere I go for work.

It helps me analyze the situation and makes it really easy for me to identify the problem and its solution.

Magnetic View Film For Sale

1. Yellow

2. Green

3. Colourful

4. Liquid

FAQs

How to make magnetic viewing film?

A magnetic field viewer could be made by squishing a mix of mineral oil and ferrofluid between two sheets of glass, meticulously pressing out the air bubbles, sealing the edges, and then illuminating it with an LED strip.

Can Magnetic View Film measure magnetic strength?

Yes, Magnetic Viewing Film can provide a qualitative assessment of magnetic strength by changing color in a field; brighter or more intense areas indicate stronger magnetic fields, while darker areas indicate poles.

Is Magnetic View Film reusable?

Yes, current Magnetic View Film is a reusable product with automated recovery; when removed from the magnet, the magnetic field patterns fade as the particles realign, preparing the film for further observation.

Reference: Magnetic field viewing film wiki