Can you make an electromagnet with a steel core?

Question

I need to make an electromagnet but soft iron rod seems pretty rare. I have steel rod in abundance, so I was just wondering if this would work instead?

Answer 1

That depends on the kind of steel. Stainless steel doesn't work worth beans as a magnetic core, but mild steel should work reasonably well. You must also consider whether the magnet is to run on DC or AC power. If the magnet is to run on AC, and the application is critical, you have some additional things to consider, such as eddy currents, hysteresis losses, and the additional inductive impedance of your magnet.

Answer 2

If you are located in the U.S.A., ( SAE grading codes applied) a grade of steel known as 1018 steel is okay to use for your magnet core. It is probably the least expensive and most common grade available.
It isn't the BEST possible choice, but unless you need to invest in something special, I think you will find its performance acceptable.
For best efficiency, your magnet core must be made of a grade of iron that magnetizes easily, but won't HOLD a magnetic field after the power is removed.
Fortunately, the iron/steel stock that is most readily available from many hardware stores is 1018 steel. Choose your diameter of rod and try it.

Answer 3

In theory it should work; depending on the current used, size of rod and number of turns round the rod the wire is rapped.

Found this link if its any use.

http://www.answers.com/topic/electromagnet?cat=technology

Answer 4

As AC fields pass through a core, eddy currents are created in the material, which creates heat. Transformer cores are made up of many plates with thin insulation between them to help reduce the eddy currents.

Answer 5

Yes

Answer 6

yes, but it wouldnot make so strong a magnet as with iron rod.

Answer 7

Battery operated?? or mains powered etc??
if you want to make one up yourself,

Most electromagnets I have are made from wound copper..