Electromagnets Power Captain America’s Shield

Electromagnets are more than just tools for industrial and technological applications. They’re a source of inspiration for engineers, creators, and innovators everywhere. From precise material handling to imaginative projects like Hacksmith’s recreation of Captain America’s shield, electromagnets showcase the perfect blend of practicality and creativity.

Here’s why electromagnets are indispensable:

1. Precision Control

Electromagnets generate a magnetic field when powered, offering unparalleled control over strength and duration. This makes them perfect for delicate operations or high-force applications, such as lifting heavy materials in industrial settings.

2. Compact Power

Small electromagnets deliver powerful performance in a compact form, making them ideal for devices and systems where space is limited. They’re proof that big things come in small packages.

3. Energy Efficiency

Electromagnets consume energy only when activated, making them cost-effective and energy-efficient. Plus, the magnetic field can be turned off instantly for added safety and functionality.

4. Versatile Across Industries

Electromagnets are used everywhere, including:

• Material Handling – Effortlessly lift, hold, or release items.
• Recycling – Sort ferrous metals from other materials.
• Medical Devices – Enable advanced functionality in precision equipment.

5. Inspiring Innovation

The Hacksmith team brought electromagnets into the spotlight by recreating Captain America’s shield, demonstrating how science transforms imagination into reality. From his ongoing Marvel Comics series to blockbuster movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Captain America is one of the world’s greatest superheroes. Drawing inspiration from Marvel’s Stark Industries, Hacksmith built a fully functional prototype using electromagnets from BuyMagnets instead of fictional tech.

Known for crafting working versions of iconic gadgets from sci-fi and fantasy—like Lightsabers, Wolverine’s claws, and Thor’s hammer—Hacksmith’s innovative use of electromagnets showcases their adaptability, power, and endless possibilities. We sat down with Hacksmith’s engineering team to learn more about their creative uses of magnets.

Question: What is Hacksmith all about?
Hacksmith Team: We make technology entertainment videos, focusing on taking ideas from the worlds of fiction and making real working prototypes. Our audience is anyone who wants to see incredible ideas from movies, TV shows, games, and comics turned into reality. And for anyone who enjoys seeing random, wild experiments — that are science-adjacent, of course. In wider focus, we want to inspire and excite the next generation of engineers and inventors — people early in their pursuit of STEAM careers. 

Q: When did Hacksmith first start using magnets, and why?
HS: Our first popular magnet videos date back almost a decade, to founder James Hobson building electromagnetic mechanisms for a Captain America shield prototype. This remains one of our most viral videos to this day. 

Electromagnets Make Captain America’s Shield Fly

Q: What are some of the challenges of working with magnets?
HS: Electromagnets are great since they can be turned on and off, making them very easy to transport and build around when not active. We prefer these in larger projects, or where very large holding forces are required. Smaller magnets and permanent magnets can be really convenient for small/quick projects, enhancing 3D prints, and building shop equipment. But a lot of small magnets can also be very brittle, so care is required to avoid shattering them. They can also be quite tricky to glue or stick into place, as their surfaces are often very smooth. Countersunk magnets that can have a screw passed through the center to hold them in place are a nice middle ground if you have the space for them in your project. 

Q: Do you have new projects planned that incorporate magnets in the design?
HS: We can’t reveal all our top-secret plans, but there are some very cool gadgets in video games that involve “magically” repelling and attracting objects. We’d like to see how we can use real world tech, like electromagnets and air cannons, to replicate some of these effects in the real world. 

Q: What excites you the most about the future of Hacksmith?
HS: The most exciting thing about the future is seeing what else we can do! We’ll never stop making awesome YouTube videos, but we also plan to: 1. expand our facility to become a creator hotspot where anyone can go to make amazing technology real; 2. host/attend more events internationally, build programs and systems that can benefit people even offline, or those who may never have seen one of our videos. The more people who can be inspired by science and technology, the better!

Explore the latest Hacksmith projects and get inspired. Contact the experts at BuyMagnets and let’s talk about how our electromagnets can help your next big project.