Using Steel Balls In Magnetic Art

All sorts of magnets are being used more often nowadays in a creative way as a new means for artistic pursuits. Magnetized objects have the ability to maintain their structure and still be mobile. This form of art gives the artist the chance to make one of a kind and fluid creations that are amazing. It can be as basic as steel balls traveling along a sandy setting to make lovely repeating wave formations, or as elaborate as many tiny mirrors moving electromagnetically to alter their reflection spots and produce brilliant images. No matter what the creator wants to do, the right materials are essential for these creations.

One of the most popular and valuable found elements in magnetic art are the use of steel balls. These balls are often made out of  materials such as stainless, nickel, and chrome types of steel. None of these varieties is magnetic; however, all of them have the ability to become magnetized.  The stainless kind withstands severe conditions; however, it is not rust proof. Another steel that can rust is chrome and so it has to avoid corrosive substances like salt. It must also remain dry, and is not a popular pick for outdoor art creations. Nickel-plated balls are made from steel that has been covered in nickel plating. The largest advantage to using this material is that the balls will not rust, however they have to be protected from salt to avoid pitting and decay that can occur over time.





Chrome steel balls are frequently used for bearing however, in magnetic art sculptures they also serve as seam points as well as flax joints. They come in various sizes and often begin at 1/8 inch and go all the way up to a diameter of 1 inch. Stainless steel balls are generally this size as well. These can sustain more wear and tear and abuse than chrome can and are ideal for long-term use or for highly flexed joints. Additionally they cost more than the chrome steel balls do. The priciest choice of the three types is the nickel-plated kind. They are great for seam points and the joints found in magnetic creations. Nickel plated balls are not recommended for bearing loads, because they are not hard enough. As well, they come in a slightly smaller degree of sizes, although various sizes of any type of balls can be custom made.

Art certainly has no bounds and can be taken anywhere by the vision of the artist and the thoughts of the viewer. A fresh art form has emerged and it takes scientific ideas and basic objects and makes a unique creation that is lovely. Magnetic art in any form has immense beauty just waiting to be discovered.