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.