This fall, the U.S. National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MagLab), headquartered at Florida State University, pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with a record-breaking achievement in high-field magnet technology.

Using a new experimental electromagnet known as the “Little Big Coil,” scientists generated an astounding 48.7 tesla magnetic field, setting a new world record and surpassing the lab’s own 45.5 tesla milestone, which it held for over two decades. For context, 48.7 tesla is nearly 50 times stronger than a magnet capable of lifting a car.

But beyond breaking records, this innovation opens new possibilities for industries that depend on high-performance magnetic systems, including fusion energy, aviation, medical imaging, and advanced manufacturing. 

 

The Technology Behind the Record

The “Little Big Coil” magnet is a small marvel—just 2 inches tall and about 1.5 inches in diameter—but it packs 720 feet of superconducting wire made from a material called REBCO.

This superconducting material can carry electricity without resistance, allowing it to sustain high currents and generate extremely strong magnetic fields with minimal heat loss.

Researchers achieved this by using a no-insulation winding method, which allows even greater current density and eliminates traditional insulation layers that can limit performance. 

Read the full announcement from Magnetics Magazine here.

The Engineering Challenge

Achieving this milestone was no small feat. Superconducting coils experience immense mechanical and thermal stresses as magnetic fields ramp up. The “Little Big Coil” overcame these limitations through precision winding, improved copper joint design, and collaborative innovation among the MagLab, the U.S. Department of Energy, and private partners such as Japan’s Faraday Factory, which supplied the superconducting wire. 

Creating the superconducting magnet was a result of interdisciplinary collaboration, where material science, engineering, and manufacturing converged to push the boundaries of performance.

What This Means for Businesses That Rely on Magnets

While record-breaking magnets like this one won’t be commercialized immediately, their development influences every level of magnet design and production.

As superconducting and rare earth materials advance, industrial magnets are expected to become:

  • Smaller and stronger, improving performance per unit volume.

  • More energy-efficient, lowering power requirements for heavy equipment.

  • More thermally stable, extending lifespan and reliability in demanding applications.

For businesses in fields such as automation, medical device manufacturing, energy production, or aerospace, staying informed about these technological shifts supports long-term planning and component design.

 

Apex Magnets: Your Partner in Precision Magnetics

At Apex Magnets, we watch these scientific milestones closely—not just for their record-breaking power, but for what they mean to the engineers, manufacturers, and sourcing teams we serve every day.

While laboratories like MagLab push the boundaries of high field magnet technology, Apex provides the practical, reliable solutions that power industry right now—custom permanent magnets, assemblies, and precision components designed for performance, safety, and longevity.

Whether you’re designing new systems or improving existing ones, Apex Magnets can help you select the right materials, coatings, and configurations to meet your performance goals.

Learn more about how Apex Magnets supports innovation and sourcing at ApexMagnets.com/B2B.

 

Magnets can be dangerous. Neodymium magnets, especially, must be handled with care to avoid personal injury and damage to the magnets. Fingers and other body parts can get severely pinched between two attracting magnets. Bones can be broken by larger magnets. 

Visit our Magnet Safety page to learn more.