Halbach Arrays — One-Sided Flux, Doubled Field Strength
The Halbach geometry concentrates magnetic flux on one side while canceling it on the other — doubling field strength where you want it and eliminating it where you don't. We design and build complete arrays.
For Procurement
MOQ, lead time, packaging and commercial terms — go straight to a quotation.
Request a Quote →For Engineering
Grades, drawings, process data and design support for your DFM review.
Magnet Design Guide →For Quality / SQE
Certificates, inspection planning, traceability and PPAP / FAI support per project.
Certificates & Documentation →
Why Halbach?
A single magnet has flux on both faces. Rotate successive magnets by 90° and the flux constructively interferes on one side while destructively canceling on the other.
- ✓Doubled field strength — one-sided field is approximately √2× stronger than a conventional two-sided array of the same volume
- ✓Zero flux on the back side — no need for a steel backing plate — lighter and no stray field to interfere with electronics
- ✓Sinusoidal field — linear Halbachs produce a nearly perfect sinusoidal field — ideal for brushless motors and maglev
- ✓Custom geometries — linear, cylindrical (rotating), and 4-sided configurations designed to your spec
Applications
| Application | Typical Spec | Why This Material |
|---|---|---|
| Brushless DC Motors | Cylindrical Halbach rotor | Sinusoidal back-EMF, no cogging, high efficiency |
| Magnetic Levitation | Linear Halbach track | Strong one-sided lift force for maglev systems |
| Particle Accelerators | Hybrid Halbach (NdFeB + SmCo) | Precision field shaping for beam control |
| MRI & NMR | Cylindrical Halbach | Compact, open MRI designs without superconducting magnets |
| Magnetic Refrigeration | Rotating Halbach | Field switching for magnetocaloric cooling |
Halbach Array Configurations
We design the array to your field spec.
| Configuration | Geometry | Field Gain | Typical Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linear Halbach | Straight row, 90° rotation | 1.4× vs flat array | Maglev tracks, separators | Simple assembly, modular |
| Cylindrical Halbach | Ring, continuous k=1 rotation | 2× vs uniform ring | Motor rotors, MRI | Highest center field |
| Dipole (2-sided) | Rectangular yoke-free | High uniformity | Accelerators, sensors | Uniform field region |
| 4-Sided Halbach | Square cross-section | Very high center field | Analytical instruments | Compact flux concentrator |
Design Support
We provide complete Halbach design services:
- ✓FEA simulation — we model your array in 2D/3D FEA software and iterate the geometry to hit your field target
- ✓Segment optimization — we balance segment count (more segments = better field but higher cost) against your budget
- ✓Grade selection — NdFeB N42–N52 for maximum field; SmCo for high-temperature; bonded for complex shapes
Assembly Methods
Halbach arrays are challenging to assemble — the field wants to self-destruct the configuration. We have the fixturing to build them right:
- ✓Precision bonding — segments bonded into non-magnetic (aluminum, G10, PEEK) housings with alignment fixtures
- ✓Mechanical retention — for high-vibration applications: machined pockets with adhesive and mechanical interlock
- ✓Segment marking — every segment is marked with its magnetization direction — your team can service the array without a magnetization map
Application Gallery
Real applications of Halbach Arrays across industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many segments do I need?
More segments create a better approximation of the ideal continuous Halbach. Practical minimum is 4 segments (90° rotation) which captures most of the benefit. 8–16 segments is typical for motor and MRI applications. Beyond 16, assembly cost rises faster than field improvement.
Can a Halbach array hold itself together?
No — the same forces that create the one-sided field try to rotate and eject the segments. Every Halbach needs a housing, adhesive, and/or mechanical retention. We design retention based on your vibration and shock requirements.
Do you offer simulation before manufacturing?
Yes — send your target field strength, geometry envelope, and uniformity requirements. We'll simulate your array, propose a segment design, and provide field plots for your review before cutting any material.
What tolerances matter most in a Halbach?
Segment angular orientation (±1°) and radial position (±0.05mm) dominate field quality. Segment-to-segment gaps also degrade the field — we bond segments with controlled adhesive bondlines to minimize gaps.
Array Assembly & Validation
Segmentation & Bonding
Segments bonded in precision fixtures with structural adhesive; bond lines and gap tolerances controlled to hold the calculated field profile.
Flux Mapping
Hall-probe scanning of the assembled array against FEA prediction — field strength, uniformity and zero-field side verified before shipment.
Encapsulation
Potting or banding for mechanical and environmental protection; arrays can be integrated onto shafts, back-irons or customer structures.
Have an Assembly Drawing or BOM?
Send it to our team — we'll review the design and quote it as a validated, ready-to-install assembly.