Magnetism and physics are made visible with ferrofluid. Help fund a highly engineered container that showcases this unique material. Read more
Magnetism and physics are made visible with ferrofluid. Help fund a highly engineered container that showcases this unique material.
About this project
The Material
Ferrofluid is an extraordinary material with unique ferromagnetic properties. Although dozens of applications for it have been found - from hard drives to loudspeakers - its most impressive is arguably as an interactive display.
Ferrofluid displays capture the best qualities of ferrofluid, both as a liquid and as a ferromagnetic substance. By applying magnetic fields of different strengths, different shapes and formations begin to appear in this otherworldly black liquid. By suspending it in a clear liquid, even more interactive qualities are exposed.
The Project
The goal for Ferrite is to create the best ferrofluid display possible. Premium materials like anodized aluminum and high-quality materials are being utilized to create a refined and beautiful product. I also am in the process of finalizing a proprietary superhydrophillic coating to prevent staining. With this, I intend to produce a product that is attractive, usable, and that will survive the test of time.
The Design
I have designed two products which I have named Ferrite and Ferro. Both have been created to show off the properties of ferrofluid in a safe, visually compelling way.
Ferrite has been designed with the desktop use in mind. Its design is attractive even when static, and allows for optimal interaction with ferrofluid. The solid aluminum base prevents the display from tipping over, while a matching stylus houses powerful neodymium magnets. A thin layer of rubber on the underside prevents any kind of sliding or slipping while being used. A high-quality enclosure creates a crystal clear view of the fluid, showing off the brilliant and beautiful qualities of ferrofluid.
Ferro has been designed as a smaller, more interactive version of Ferrite. It features a cage to protect the container, as well as a special encased magnet that rests on the top of the vessel. By creating a recessed cavity for the magnet to rest, the ferrofluid is kept consistently in its ferromagnetic state, making it an interesting display piece. Using CNC techniques normally reserved for fine watches, the aluminum cage is a secure and finely crafted piece of hardware.
Funding and Rewards
If successful, funding from this project will go towards finalizing the engineering and chemistry to make this product as safe, reliable, and refined as possible. Due to the use of premium materials and expensive processes, final pricing for this initial run has been set at $100 for Ferro and $150 for Ferrite. These prices will include the display, magnets and accessory magnets, and structural packaging to ensure safe shipping. If funding is successful, I hope to have the final product shipping by mid 2012. Assembly will be completed in the US to ensure a high-quality, defect free product.
Alongside the products, I have also begun work on a series of desktop backgrounds promoting the project. These backgrounds are based on ferrofluid displays and are available in a wide selection of resolutions. These backgrounds are available to all backers who donate $10 or more to the project as a thank you for your support. A example has been included below (Larger version can be viewed at http://davidmark.us/archives/439).
Thank you for your support!
Patent Pending - All content © 2012 by David Markus
Shipping
USA - Please add $10 to your total pledge to cover shipping and packaging
Canada - Please add $25 to your total pledge to cover packaging and courier costs
**Sorry, due to the materials used, this product cannot be shipped internationally. Please note that pledge amounts do not include final shipping charges**
***Ferrofluid and the suspension liquid is not harmful to touch, but should not be handled children under the age of 16. A MSDS on the Ferrofluid used in the project can be viewed at http://www.colorado.edu/MCEN/flowvis/course/Ferrofluidefhmsds.pdf***
More detail images below.
FAQ
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The ferrofluid used in this product is a special formula designed for educational use. It is extremely messy, but will not harm you if you avoid prolonged exposure. The MSDS from the company who creates the ferrofluid used in this project can be viewed below:
http://www.colorado.edu/MCEN/flowvis/course/Ferrofluidefhmsds.pdf
According to the sheet, the fluid has minimal toxicity if ingested but to still seek medical attention. For this reason, I would suggest that the product not be handled by children under 16.
I'll also be including a MSDS as well for the suspension fluid with the final product, as well as a safety booklet with full disclaimers about the nature of the product. Please keep in mind that this product is not intended to be disassembled, and will be sealed to prevent tampering.
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I have spoken to CANUTEC who have informed me that I shouldn't have any issue shipping to Canada using a courier service such as DHL, UPS, or FedEx. I will take orders from Canada, but please keep in mind that additional shipping charges may apply.
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Containing ferrofluid like this is a tricky matter. A fine chemical balance must be established to ensure that no staining occurs on the glass and that the properties of the fluid is kept intact. Ferrofluid itself is also a somewhat delicate liquid. It's made of tiny particles of iron, around 10 microns in size that have been coated with a special agent to prevent clumping. Otherwise, every time you applied a magnetic field to it, the particles would stick together and form unsightly lumps.
Because of this delicate balance, the displays must not be mistreated. Playing with it in an agressive fashion may cause damage to the performance of the fluid. As well, leaving the magnet on the glass for an extended period of time may cause damage to the container in the form of staining. I have gone to great lengths to create a very stable environment, but unfortunately there is no way to predict how it will stand up over a period of many years.
I plan to produce a set of replacement glass vessels that would be able to be purchased and inserted into the existing base or cage in case of any damage.
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Generally speaking, no. Due to the presence of powerful magnets, glass, and the potentially delicate nature of ferrofluid, I would recommend that children not use this product.
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Currently the larger vessel Ferrite stands 8.5" tall with a 5" diameter base. The smaller vessel Ferro is 4.25" tall and 2" in diameter. Final dimensions may vary slightly.
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Due to the substances in the suspension fluid, I cannot ship overseas.
Rewards
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Pledge $10 or more
20 backers
A free download of the high-resolution Ferrite backgrounds specially created by the designer. Also receive updates and info about the project including tips about creating your own ferrofluid display!
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $75 or more
24 backers All gone!
*EARLY BACKER DISCOUNT* One Ferro miniature ferrofluid vessel. Includes one large encased neodymium magnet and one small accessory magnet, shipped in a specially designed protective package. Due to the potentially delicate nature of this product, increased packaging and shipping charges may apply.
**Sorry, this product cannot be shipped internationally.**Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $100 or more
64 backers
One Ferro miniature ferrofluid vessel. Includes one large encased neodymium magnet and one small accessory magnet, shipped in a specially designed protective package. Due to the potentially delicate nature of this product, additional packaging and shipping charges may apply.
**Sorry, this product cannot be shipped internationally.**
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $125 or more
25 backers All gone!
*EARLY BACKER DISCOUNT* One (large) Ferrite ferrofluid vessel. Includes two aluminum magnetic styli and two accessory magnets, shipped in a specially designed protective package. Due to the potentially delicate nature of this product, increased packaging and shipping charges may apply.
**Sorry, this product cannot be shipped internationally.**
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $150 or more
83 backers
One (large) Ferrite ferrofluid vessel. Includes two aluminum magnetic styli and two accessory magnets, shipped in a specially designed protective package. Due to the potentially delicate nature of this product, additional packaging and shipping charges may apply.
**Sorry, this product cannot be shipped internationally.**
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $175 or more
11 backers All gone!
*BEST EARLY BACKER DISCOUNT* Ferro and Ferrite combo pack! Early backers get both at a discounted price! Includes the standard sets listed in the basic reward levels.
**Sorry, this product cannot be shipped internationally.**
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $200 or more
79 backers All gone!
Ferro and Ferrite combo pack! Includes the standard sets listed in the basic reward levels. Due to the potentially delicate nature of this product, additional packaging and shipping charges may apply. **Sorry, this product cannot be shipped internationally.**
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $250 or more
5 backers
Ferro and Ferrite Standard pack. Includes the standard sets listed in the basic reward levels. Due to the potentially delicate nature of this product, additional packaging and shipping charges may apply. **Sorry, this product cannot be shipped internationally.**
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $300 or more
10 backers All gone!
Includes the combo pack of both Ferro and Ferrite that have been hand signed by the designer, as well as a poster-sized print of an originally ferrite rendering, printed and signed by the artist. Also includes extra magnets and a specially designed stylus.
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $5,000 or more
0 backers Limited (2 left of 2)
The Executive Pack - A set of gold-plated Ferro and Ferrite vessels, sent in a handcrafted display-quality lined case. Includes options for custom engraving. Also includes signed prints, special edition styli, accessory magnets, and certification of authenticity. **Sorry, this product cannot be shipped internationally.**
Estimated delivery:
Funding period
- (60 days)
