Last Updated on August 13, 2015 by Tim
Ferroflow is a product that Matt Robison has been designing for the last 2 years, and it’s the first fully automatic ferrofluid sculpture. The Ferroflow is a work of art that sits on your desk and contains a magnetic liquid which moves in very interesting and unique ways.
How It Works
Turn the knob on the front of the device to adjust the spike formations manually, or simply touch any metal part of the device (just like a touch lamp) to turn on automatic mode. While in automatic mode turning the knob adjusts the speed of the movements.
Design
Ferroflow embodies a blend of science and art and every inch is handmade using the highest quality materials.
The body of Ferroflow is made from a custom aircraft grade 6063-T8 aluminum alloy with an anodized finish that is highly resistant to fingerprints and also extremely durable.
The glass tube is also custom made from a highly polished laboratory grade glass with thick walls that is extremely durable and not easily broken.
The black magnetic liquid contained in Ferroflow is know as ferrofluid. This substance was created by Steve Papell at NASA in 1963 for use as a rocket fuel, unique because it could be drawn into the engine using magnets in zero gravity. The fluid is composed of nanoscale ferromagnetic particles suspended in a carrier fluid, and is easily magnetized in the presence of a magnetic field.
Ferrofluid is very messy and the problem in the past has been that it is hard to stabilize in another liquid, and when mixed with most liquids it quickly oxidizes into a brown blob and loses its spiking ability. We worked with the experts at CZFerro to develop a proprietary suspension liquid that doesn’t break down the ferrofluid over time so you can be assured that it will stay spiky and beautiful for years to come.
Technology
At its heart is a grade N52 rare earth neodymium magnet. This is the highest grade and most powerful type of magnet made, with over 50 pounds of lifting force. The magnet is raised and lowered by a powerful servo motor which then causes the ferrofluid to react.
The entire top of Ferroflow is connected to a capacitive proximity sensor (except the knob) so that just a simple touch is all that is needed to alternate between manual and automatic modes.
Ferroflow is powered by a standard 5v wall adapter. When viewed from the front however the cord isn’t visible due to the lensing effect of the glass, giving you an unrestricted view of Ferroflow’s amazing displays.
Website: ferroflow.com
