The core characteristic of ordinary permanent magnets is that they are "inherently magnetic and remain online continuously". As long as they are not subjected to destructive treatments such as high temperatures or severe impacts, their magnetism will persist for a long time. Whether you need them to attract iron or not, their magnetic force will not actively disappear. For example, the commonly seen neodymium-iron-boron magnets and bar magnets are all typical ordinary permanent magnets. Electromagnets, on the other hand, are completely opposite. Their magnetism "turns on and off as needed", and the core lies in the power on and off: when powered on, the coil generates a magnetic field and possesses strong magnetic force, comparable to high-magnetic-force neodymium-iron-boron magnets; when powered off, the magnetic field instantly disappears, the magnetic force returns to zero, and the metal being attracted will immediately fall off. This is also the most essential difference between the two.

Once produced and molded, ordinary permanent magnets have fixed magnetic strength and magnetic pole direction, which cannot be adjusted according to demand; even high-magnetic-force neodymium-iron-boron magnets can only maintain a fixed magnetic force. However, electromagnets have more advantages in "controllability". In addition to being able to control the presence or absence of magnetism through power on/off, they can also achieve two advanced functions: first, adjusting strength, by changing the current magnitude, the magnetic force can be flexibly adjusted, which can not only pick up thin and light iron nails but also achieve or even exceed the magnetic force of ordinary neodymium-iron-boron magnets, adapting to different scenarios; second, changing direction, by changing the direction of current, the north and south poles of the electromagnet will switch accordingly, which is completely impossible for ordinary permanent magnets.

Drawing from our years of production experience, the differences in application scenarios between the two are entirely determined by their core characteristics.

Ordinary permanent magnets, with their long-lasting magnetism and strong magnetic force, are suitable for scenarios where frequent switching of magnetic force is not required, such as electronic products, medical devices, permanent magnet motors, and adsorption fixation. They offer high cost-effectiveness and do not require additional power supply.

Electromagnets, due to their controllable magnetism, are more suitable for scenarios that require "flexible switching of magnetic force", such as electromagnetic gates in residential areas, electromagnetic cranes on construction sites, electromagnetic relays for home appliances, and automation equipment. They become magnetic when powered on and demagnetized when powered off, greatly enhancing operational convenience and safety.