From prototype to product: magnets in the Brainport region
In the Brainport region around Eindhoven, an idea goes from sketch to product faster than almost anywhere else. This is how schools, startups, designers and engineers work together here, and this is how we help at every step with the right magnet.
Our warehouse is located in Nuenen, in the heart of the Brainport region. That is no coincidence. Nowhere else in the Netherlands are so many people gathered who want to create something: students with an idea, designers with a prototype, startups scaling up, and engineers making it all manufacturable. And in almost every case, a magnet is involved.
A region that works together
The foundation was laid decades ago. At the urging of Philips, the technical university college that we now know as TU/e was founded in 1956. Around this core, a region with major technology companies, an extensive supply chain, and a high concentration of knowledge institutions, such as TU/e, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Design Academy Eindhoven, TNO, and Holst Centre, grew.
What makes Brainport special is the combination of high-tech manufacturing, a strong design sector, and the way companies, education, and government work together. You can see this collaboration in places such as the High Tech Campus, Strijp-S, the Brainport Industries Campus, and the Automotive Campus. And every year in October during Dutch Design Week, when the whole city shows what is being made.
From idea to product: four phases
A product is rarely created all at once. In each phase, a magnet plays a different role, and you ask different questions.
1. Idea and design
It starts here, often with a student, designer, or maker. The question is still simple: can this be done with a magnet? A snap connection, a removable cover, a closure without visible fasteners. In this phase, you mainly want to be able to try things out quickly.
Tip: order a few sizes at once. An assortment or a handful of individual magnets in different thicknesses is cheaper than a second order.
2. Prototype
The first working model, often 3D-printed. Now it becomes clear whether the magnet really holds. Note: the stated holding force applies to thick, flat steel. If there is plastic, paint, or an air gap in between, only a fraction of that will remain. A prototype is exactly the right time to make adjustments.
Tip: test with the magnet you also want to use in production, in the same quality and coating. This will prevent surprises later.
3. Engineering
The design is made manufacturable. The questions become more technical: what temperature must the magnet withstand, is NiCuNi sufficient or are epoxy or rubber better, what tolerances apply, and how do you attach it without damaging the brittle material? A technical information sheet with a dimensional drawing, quality, and holding force is then indispensable. That is why you will find a datasheet to download for our products.
4. Pilot series and production
From ten pieces to hundreds or thousands. Now it is all about reliability: always the same specification, sufficient stock, a fixed delivery time, and ordering the way your purchasing department is used to. If you have a fixed annual volume, we will reserve the stock for you, so you can always draw from stock.
How we help
- Personal advice. We have been working with magnetic applications in machine building, product development, and industry for years. In doubt about a size, quality, or attachment? Feel free to call or email.
- From one piece to thousands. You order a prototype in small quantities and later scale up with the same specification, with volume discounts.
- Technical data for every product. Dimensional drawing, quality, coating, and holding force in a downloadable datasheet.
- Custom-made. Is your size not listed? Through our regular manufacturers, we have magnets made to specification: in the size, quality, and coating you need.
- Stock for your production. Agree on an annual volume, and we will reserve stock for you, so you can draw from it whenever you need it.
- Ordering the way you are used to. Request a quote, or simply send your purchase order by email to info@magnetenspecialist.nl. We will enter it for you, and you pay by invoice.
We also invest in the region ourselves. Every year, we help students and designers during Dutch Design Week with advice and magnets.
Student or startup?
Are you working on a graduation project, a prototype, or the first version of your product? We are happy to help brainstorm and regularly sponsor materials for student projects. Read how it works.
Get started
Do you have an idea, a prototype, or a production run you want to scale up? Contact us via business ordering, call 040 209 4563, or email info@magnetenspecialist.nl. Pickup in Nuenen is available by appointment. Convenient if you happen to be in the region.
Curious about what others have already made? View the applications of our customers.
