Every type of magnet has at least one North and South pole pairing. Some rare, specially designed or purpose magnets can have more than one pair of North and South poles and are known as multi-pole magnets. Without the flow of magnetic energy between the North and South poles, the attracting and repelling forces of magnetism would not be possible.
Axial Orientation: Nearly all the Neodymium magnets that Frenergy stocks are axially magnetised. This magnetic orientation is applied during manufacturing. and as a result, these rare earth products have a North and South pole on the opposite surfaces of the magnet. This axial type of orientation means the North to South magnetic flow is travelling through the thickness (height) dimension. In the case of disc-shaped magnets, the two poles will be apparent on the opposing flat, round surfaces. For block magnets, the two poles are found on flat rectangular or square surfaces. Cylinder magnets will also have two poles at the flat surface at each end of the magnet.
Single Side Orientation: Some thin, weaker or flexible magnetic materials can be manufactured with both poles on one surface of the magnet. Some non-flexible hard Ferrite Magnets can also be manufactured with both poles on one side. In these cases, the North and South poles are applied to the magnet in a striped or alternating North and South pole pattern. Products like magnetic tapes, labels and fridge magnets are the best example of this type of magnetic field orientation. Both North and South poles alternate across the back of the magnet so the back of the magnet will bond to the fridge or any other metal surface. The outward face is not magnetic at all. This type of magnetisation is sometimes referred to as single-sided magnetic orientation. It can improve the holding ability of small Ferrite magnets or Flexible Magnets and helps to reduce the gravitational effect of shear forces when a magnet is attached vertically to steel. Some of these flexible magnets have a convenient self-adhesive backing for attaching graphics, signage or advertising.
