Geomag
Geomag is the brand name of a toy construction system created in 1998, consisting primarily of nickel-plated steel balls (spheres) and short connecting sticks with a magnet on each end (rods). With these two basic elements, a huge number of geometric shapes and structures can be built. Adding panels helps to form rigid structures.
Models are constructed by magnetically connecting the rods and spheres together in a lattice formation. Homemade experiments show that each stick can produce up to roughly 4.116N of force when attracting iron. Builders report that construction of ceiling-high pendulums is possible.
Structures can easily be built and taken apart making building complex structures relatively easy. Such exercises teach children important lessons about problem solving, creativity, and physics. Geomag was named the 2005 Toy of the Year by the Toy Industry Association.
They are also a popular office executive toy and increasingly used in more serious mathematical and scientific presentations.
Geomag updated its line by introducing the new Geomag Gift Range in early 2006. This new Premium line comprises special colored rods - and either Makrolon polycarbonate panels from Bayer Material Science AG, or rare Wengé Wood panels.
There are several other toy systems similar to Geomag, many of which seem to be compatible with Geomag but in reality are not totally compatible due to the precise length of bar needed to create true geometric forms which are consistent and stable. For example:
- Madmag
- Magic Joint
- Magmax
- Magnetix
- Magstix
- Magz
- Supermag
- Xmag
Some of the above have added features, such as bars of differing (or even adjustable) length, curved bars, or bars connecting to three or more spheres.
Most magnetic ball and bar systems have a few weaknesses. Any vertex ball with many magnets attached usually needs some of them flipped to balance the North and South forces of the connections for maximum strength. The magnets add a lot of weight to a structure, limiting the maximum size that can be built. The balls allow bars to spin and shift freely, so the structure either needs extra supporting beams or panels to hold its shape.