Magnetic Shielding FAQs

Magnetic shielding is the process of reducing unwanted magnetic fields by redirecting them through high-permeability materials such as MuMetal®. This creates a controlled, low-field environment for sensitive equipment and applications.

MuMetal® is a high-permeability nickel-iron-molybdenum soft magnetic alloy, typically containing approximately 80% nickel. It is widely used to shield static (DC) and low-frequency magnetic fields by providing a low-reluctance path for magnetic flux.

Magnetic shielding is most effective against low-frequency and static magnetic fields. High-frequency electromagnetic interference (EMI) typically requires alternative shielding methods such as conductive enclosures.

Shielding effectiveness depends on field magnitude, direction and frequency, together with material selection, geometry, openings, processing and the number of shielding layers. Performance should therefore be specified for the particular application rather than as a single universal reduction factor.

We design and manufacture a range of solutions, including:

• Magnetically Shielded Rooms (MSRs / MuRoom®)
• Zero-gauss chambers for sensor calibration and testing
• Custom fabricated MuMetal® enclosures
• Cryogenic magnetic shielding systems

Yes. Most projects are application-specific. We support customers from initial concept through to modelling, prototyping, manufacture, and final validation.

Both. We supply standalone shielding components and complete integrated systems, including magnetically shielded rooms, degaussing systems and active compensation where required.

Our principal custom manufacturing and specialist hydrogen annealing are carried out at our UK facility. Selected standard, prototype and low-volume products may also be manufactured in the United States.

We manufacture everything from small bench-top enclosures to large walk-in shielded rooms.

Magnetic annealing restores the material’s permeability after fabrication. Without this process, shielding performance can be significantly reduced.

No shielding system achieves absolute zero magnetic field. However, extremely low-field environments can be achieved using multilayer designs and careful engineering.

Performance is normally expressed as shielding factor: the ratio between the magnetic field outside the shield and the residual field inside it. The value should be specified for the relevant axis, field magnitude and frequency.

Yes. We can assist with finite-element simulation, including Ansys Maxwell where appropriate, to assess and refine shielding designs before manufacture.

Material selection depends on the applied field and operating temperature. MuMetal® is normally used for high-permeability shielding at ambient temperatures. Supra 50® may be selected where higher saturation induction is required, while CRYOPHY® is recommended for cryogenic shielding below approximately −40 °C.

Magnetic shielding is used across a wide range of industries, including:

• Quantum technologies and advanced physics research
• Medical applications (e.g. OPM MEG systems)
• Semiconductor manufacturing
• Electron microscopy and imaging
• Aerospace and defense

Yes. We provide optimised compact rooms and full-scale installations tailored for OPM and MEG systems.

Yes. Many high-sensitivity sensors require stable, low-field environments to operate accurately and reliably.

Lead times depend on the product type, design complexity, material availability and heat-treatment requirements. Standard or stocked products may be available sooner, while custom shields and magnetically shielded rooms require a project-specific schedule. The confirmed lead time will be stated in our quotation.

Yes. We provide on-site installation, commissioning, and performance validation.

Yes. We regularly support global projects and manage export logistics worldwide.

To provide an accurate quotation, please send: the application and sensitive equipment; required residual field or shielding factor; external magnetic field strength, including whether it is static or time-varying, its frequency and direction; available space and overall dimensions; openings, penetrations, joints and access requirements; operating temperature and environmental conditions; drawings or 3D models where available; quantity and required delivery schedule.

Yes. We offer ongoing support including servicing, upgrades, and performance validation.

A magnetically shielded room is a controlled environment designed to significantly reduce external magnetic interference, enabling high-precision measurements and experiments.

Zero-gauss chambers are used to create extremely low magnetic field environments for calibration, testing, and validation of sensitive sensors and instruments.

Key factors include material properties, geometry, number of shielding layers, manufacturing quality, and magnetic annealing.