What Hirst Magnetic Instruments does

Hirst Magnetic Instruments Ltd. is a UK-headquartered (Falmouth, Cornwall) designer and manufacturer of precision magnetic measurement and magnetisation equipment, founded in 1938 and active in magnetics for over 60 years. The company's core offering is its 8th-generation Pulsed Field Magnetometer (PFM08) range, capable of generating pulsed fields up to 10.5 Tesla to characterise the hysteresis loops of high-coercivity permanent magnets including NdFeB, SmCo, Ferrite, and AlNiCo — materials that traditional permeameters cannot measure due to pole-piece saturation. Its patented SDFF™ (Self Demagnetisation Field Function) with O2C™ open-to-closed circuit mapping, the F-2F eddy current correction algorithm, and SDF correction deliver closed-loop measurement accuracy within 1% of permeameter references at class-leading HcJ repeatability of ±0.2%. Hirst also manufactures precision hand-held and benchtop gaussmeters (GM07/GM08/GM09-1/GM09-3/GM93B), fluxmeters, Helmholtz coils, magnet field scanners, and industrial magnetisers/demagnetisers (M1000, M3000, MCSD series) for production-line use in EV rotor manufacturing, aerospace, medical devices, and electronics.

The company operates a primarily direct sales model with custom quotation-based pricing for high-value capital equipment (PFMs and industrial magnetisers), complemented by a dedicated e-commerce storefront at gaussmeter.co.uk for lower-priced gaussmeter products and a recurring annual calibration service. Customers include national metrology institutes (China NIM, UK NPL), EV motor and magnet manufacturers (Magtec), permanent magnet producers, aerospace and defence OEMs, medical device makers, and university research groups. Hirst actively participates in international standards development (IEC 60404-5), sponsors and exhibits at major magnetics conferences (Intermag, Magnetics Show USA/Europe, CWIEME, REPM), and collaborates with NIM Beijing, UK NPL, and the University of Exeter on PFM technology development.

Under CEO Dr James McKenzie (appointed 2022) and CTO Dr Robin Cornelius, Hirst has intensified commercialisation of the PFM08 platform, expanded into clean-energy generator metrology and EV magnet circular-economy projects via Innovate UK-funded consortia, and won industry awards including the IOP Business Innovation Award (2020) and Most Innovative Product at The Magnetics Show USA and Europe (2024).

Name

Hirst Magnetic Instruments

Legal name

Hirst Magnetic Instruments Ltd.

Website

https://hirst-magnetics.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Hirst Magnetic Instruments is a UK-based designer and manufacturer of Pulsed Field Magnetometers, gaussmeters, and industrial magnetisers/demagnetisers. It serves national metrology institutes, EV motor and permanent magnet manufacturers, aerospace/defence, and university research groups globally with patented SDFF™ measurement technology.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Falmouth

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Pulsed Field Magnetometers (PFMs): Sale of high-value scientific instruments for magnetic material characterisation. PFMs are precision laboratory equipment used by magnet manufacturers, research institutions, and national metrology labs for measuring magnetic hysteresis loops of permanent magnets.
2. Gaussmeters and Fluxmeters: Handheld and benchtop magnetic field measurement instruments including precision Gaussmeters (GM07, GM08, GM09 series), Fluxmeters, and Helmholtz coils for measuring magnetic fields.
3. Magnetisers and Demagnetisers: Industrial production magnetisers (M1000, M3000, MCSD series), custom magnetising fixtures, and demagnetising equipment for aerospace, automotive, medical, and electronics industries.
4. Service and Calibration: Annual calibration services for gaussmeters to ensure accurate performance, installation, commissioning, and technical support services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Hirst Magnetic Instruments manufactures precision magnetic measurement and magnetisation equipment for science and industry. Its core offering is the 8th generation Pulsed Field Magnetometer (PFM08) range, which characterises the hysteresis loops of high-coercivity permanent magnets (NdFeB, SmCo, Ferrite, AlNiCo) at fields up to 10.5 Tesla — capabilities traditional permeameters cannot achieve. The PFM platform is complemented by handheld and bench-top gaussmeters, fluxmeters, Helmholtz coils, magnetic field scanners, and 4th-generation industrial magnetisers (M1000, M3000, MCSD100J-T) for production magnetisation of EV rotors and other permanent magnet assemblies.

Product overview

Hirst Magnetic Instruments manufactures precision magnetic measurement and magnetisation equipment for science and industry. The product portfolio consists of four main categories: (1) Pulsed Field Magnetometers (PFM08 generation — PFM08-10 AT/HT/MT/AH, PFM08-30, PFM08-30 MT, PFM08-40 HT/MT) for characterising magnetic hysteresis loops and extracting key magnetic parameters for all hard magnetic materials; (2) Gaussmeters (GM07/GM08 handheld, GM09-1 and GM09-3 handheld 3-axis, GM93B bench top 3-axis, and 8-channel rack mounted) for measuring magnetic field strength; (3) Magnetisers/Demagnetisers (M1000, M3000, MCSD100J-T industrial units; custom fixtures; bench-top and workstation demagnetisers; automated handling systems) for magnetising and demagnetising permanent magnets; and (4) Supporting equipment (IFM06 Fluxmeters, Helmholtz coils, Active 3-axis Helmholtz 3m Cubes, magnetic field mapping/scanning systems). The PFM08 series is powered by HirstLab v2.0 software with proprietary SDFF™ O2C mapping algorithm. The Gaussmeter product line is complemented by HirstMagLab v1 software and a range of Hall sensor probes.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HirstLab: Magnetic material characterisation software suite
• SDFF (Self Demagnetisation Field Function)
• F-2F Algorithm
• PFM (Pulsed Field Magnetometer)
• GM Series Gaussmeters
• M Series Magnetisers
• MCSD Series

Products and services

• PFM08-10 AT (Pulsed Field Magnetometer) Entry-level Pulsed Field Magnetometer for rapid testing of magnetic samples 5-10mm diameter and 5-20mm height; fast test times as short as 2 minutes for production quality control.
• PFM08-10 HT (Pulsed Field Magnetometer) High-temperature Pulsed Field Magnetometer with precision sample temperature control of ±0.2°C; supports measurement from ambient to 200°C for development and quality control applications.
• PFM08-10 MT (Pulsed Field Magnetometer) Medium-temperature Pulsed Field Magnetometer with 9kJ magnetiser/demagnetiser; measures samples up to 10mm diameter over -40°C to +220°C range; optional SC-05 kit for samples as small as 1×1×1mm.
• PFM08-10 AH (Pulsed Field Magnetometer with Automated Sample Handling) Automated Sample Handling version of PFM08-10; automates sample loading, temperature zone management, magnetisation, measurement, and demagnetisation via HirstLab v2 scripting; brings labour-saving automation to 10mm diameter sample PFM.
• PFM08-30 (Pulsed Field Magnetometer) Pulsed Field Magnetometer for larger magnet samples 5-30mm diameter and 5-30mm height; automatic sample loading; 45kJ internal magnetiser/demagnetiser capable of 10.5T peak fields; for EV rotor quality control testing.
• PFM08-30 MT (Pulsed Field Magnetometer) Medium-temperature Pulsed Field Magnetometer capable of testing magnet samples from -50°C to over 200°C with highest repeatability and accuracy in the PFM08 range; first unit installed at the National Institute of Metrology (NIM), Beijing.
• PFM08-40 (Pulsed Field Magnetometer) Pulsed Field Magnetometer for samples from 1×1×1mm to 40mm diameter; up to 20 tests per hour with HcJ repeatability of better than ±0.2%; supports optional SC-05 small sample kit for GBD magnet testing.
• PFM08-40 HT (Pulsed Field Magnetometer) High-temperature Automated Sample Handling PFM for samples up to 40mm; precision temperature control up to +220°C with sample temperature control better than ±0.3°C; fully modular with interchangeable pickup coils (revision 3 hardware).
• PFM08-40 MT (Pulsed Field Magnetometer) Medium-temperature Automated Sample Handling PFM with full -40°C to +220°C temperature test range on magnetic samples up to 40mm in diameter; installed at NPL, Teddington, UK.
• GM09-1 Handheld Gaussmeter Single-axis handheld gaussmeter with touch-screen interface and rechargeable Li-ion battery; compatible with extensive range of Hirst Hall sensor probes; built-in 'App' modes for standard tests; USB mass storage data retrieval.
• GM09-3 Handheld 3-Axis Gaussmeter 3-axis handheld gaussmeter with touch-screen interface and built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery; simultaneous 3-axis magnetic field measurement; high-performance 3-axis probe with sensing element <0.1mm x 0.1mm x 0.1mm; won Most Innovative Product of the Show at The Magnetics Show Europe 2024.
• GM93B Bench Top 3-Axis Gaussmeter 3-axis bench top gaussmeter connecting to Windows PC or battery powered laptop; simultaneously measures three component axes of the magnetic field regardless of probe orientation; comes with HirstMagLab v1 software; optional probe mount available.
• 8 Channel Rack Mounted Gaussmeter 8-channel rack mount gaussmeter using distributed network of Hirst single axis Hall sensor probes; 19" rack control unit; interfaces to PC via USB2.0, RS485, Analogue protocols; for laboratory monitoring of large magnet systems.
• GM07/GM08 Gaussmeters Precision hand-held Gaussmeters for measuring magnetic field strength; part of Hirst's measurement solutions portfolio.
• IFM06 Fluxmeter Precision fluxmeter for measuring magnetic flux; part of Hirst's measurement solutions portfolio.
• Helmholtz Coils for Measurement Precision Helmholtz coils for measuring magnetic moment and calibrating magnets and magnet assemblies.
• Active 3-Axis Helmholtz 3m Cubes Active 3-axis Helmholtz cube system (3m cubes) for sensor calibration and precise 3-axis magnetic field generation and measurement.
• Magnetic Field Mapping / Magnet Scanning Systems Magnetic field scanners for 2D and 3D field measurement for production quality control and magnet assembly verification.
• M1000 Industrial Magnetiser (4th Generation) 4th generation 1000V industrial production magnetiser; fully modular capacitor bank towers; integrated charger circuit and coil current sense system; RISC microcontroller with touch screen UI; designed for integration into semi-automated and fully automated production lines.
• M3000 Industrial Magnetiser (4th Generation) 4th generation 3000V industrial production magnetiser; fully modular; designed for EV rotor production solutions; installed at Magtec UK for magnetising electric vehicle rotors as part of Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) funded project.
• MCSD100J-T Touch Screen Production Magnetiser 4th generation precision microprocessor-controlled capacitor discharge Magnetiser, Charger, Setter, Demagnetiser; full colour touchscreen with automated programs; widely used for setting and calibrating magnets including Alnico; supports custom magnetising fixtures.
• Custom Magnetiser Fixtures Bespoke magnetising and demagnetising fixtures designed and built to customer specifications; J2A fixture widely used for small assemblies in aerospace industry; compatible with MCSD100J and other Hirst magnetisers.
• Demagnetising Equipment Bench-top demagnetisers, workstation demagnetisers and volume production demagnetising systems; capacitive discharge demagnetiser creates decaying oscillating magnetic field; used for removing residual magnetism in machined or worked parts.
• Automated Sample Handling Systems Automated sample loading and handling systems for PFMs; enables fully automated measurement sequences without user intervention; integrates with HirstLab v2 scripting.
• Magnetic Characterisation Service Contract magnetic sample characterisation service using Hirst PFMs for customers who need testing without purchasing equipment.

Quantifiable outcome

• PFMs deliver closed loop equivalent measurements within 1% of permeameter reference measurements
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Magnetic Systems Technology LtdminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 September 2023Project lead for Innovate UK feasibility study on recovery and reuse of magnets from electric vehicles (Critical Materials for Magnets Competition, CLIMATES programme). Hirst participating as magnet measurement technology partner.
• Greenspur Wind LimitedminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 September 2023Project partner in Innovate UK strand two project 'Scale-up of coil winding and magnet assembly manufacturing processes for a rare earth-free permanent magnet generator'. Focuses on clean energy generator development.
• University of BirminghamminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 September 2023Project partner in Innovate UK strand two project on rare earth-free permanent magnet generator development. University providing research support and technology development.
• B.C. Electrical Techniques LimitedminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 September 2023Project partner in Innovate UK strand two project on rare earth-free permanent magnet generator development. Consortium partner providing technical expertise.
• National Institute of Metrology (NIM), BeijingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing collaboration with China's National Institute of Metrology on PFM development since 2006. HirstLab v2.0 software and SDFF technology implemented at NIM as part of contract for first PFM08-30 MT. NIM serves as key reference customer and development partner for advancing PFM technology and standards.
• University of ExetercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMathematical support and collaboration on SDFF technology development. University researchers provided mathematical foundation for the Self Demagnetisation Field Function algorithms enabling open-to-closed circuit mapping.
• UK National Physical Laboratory (NPL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on PFM development over a number of years. NPL recently installed PFM08-40 MT as replacement for aging PFM15-50, demonstrating ongoing partnership in magnetic measurement standards.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• F.W. Bell (AMETEK): AMETEK's F.W. Bell division produces a wide range of gaussmeters, Hall sensors and magnetic measurement products. A broader test-and-measurement incumbent whose gaussmeter line competes directly with Hirst's GM-series, supported by far larger corporate resources.
• Keysight Technologies: Global test-and-measurement incumbent spanning oscilloscopes, power analysers, and electromedical test systems. Provides the broader category context that capital-equipment buyers evaluate Hirst's gaussmeter and PFM offerings against.
• Oxford Instruments: UK-based scientific instrument company with broad portfolios in magnet technology (superconducting and permanent magnet systems) and materials characterisation. Adjacent overlap with Hirst where national labs and EV OEMs source magnet-related measurement solutions.

Direct peers

• Lake Shore Cryotronics: US-based manufacturer of magnetometers (including vibrating sample and AC/DC susceptometers), Hall effect measurement systems, and precision cryogenic instrumentation. Direct competitor to Hirst in scientific magnetic material characterisation and gaussmeter/teslameter segments serving similar national metrology and university customers.
• Quantum Design: Manufacturer of physical property measurement systems (PPMS, MPMS) incorporating high-precision magnetometers and superconducting magnet technology. Competes head-to-head with Hirst's PFMs for advanced magnetic material characterisation budgets at research institutions and national labs.
• Metrolab Technology SA: Swiss specialist in high-precision gaussmeters, NMR teslameters, and magnetic field measurement instrumentation. Closely comparable to Hirst's GM-series handheld and benchtop gaussmeter range, serving MRI, accelerator and industrial magnet QA applications.
• SENIS Group: Swiss manufacturer of 3D magnetic field sensors, Hall probes, and turnkey magnetic measurement instruments. Direct overlap with Hirst's gaussmeter/3-axis magnetometer product lines and a comparable focus on precision mapping for EV and industrial magnet characterisation.
• Walker Scientific / LDJ Electronics: Historic manufacturers of gaussmeters, electromagnet coils, and magnetic measurement instrumentation serving industrial and laboratory customers. Comparable in scale and product scope to Hirst's measurement business, particularly in the gaussmeter and coil product lines.
• Brockhaus Messtechnik: German manufacturer of measurement equipment for soft and hard magnetic materials, including permeameters and hysteresisgraph systems. Direct European competitor to Hirst's PFMs in industrial magnet characterisation and quality control.

Regional players

• Cryogenic Limited: UK-based specialist in superconducting magnets, cryogenic systems, and associated magnetic field measurement instrumentation. UK/EU regional peer with complementary offerings to Hirst's magnetic measurement solutions for research and metrology customers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCb6BCUU-PghAbN1zLlZzL5Q
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hirst-magnetics
• Xx.com/hirstmagnetics
• Facebookfacebook.com/HirstMagnetics

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hirst Magnetic Instruments