Magnetic Levitation Device

The Magnetic Levitation (MagLev) Device project involved the design, fabrication, and assembly of a system capable of levitating objects using electromagnetic principles. The project combined mechanical fabrication processes — milling, lathe turning, welding, sheet metal forming, and waterjet cutting — with electronics and circuit design. The final assembly demonstrated stable levitation of small metallic objects, validating both the theoretical principles and the practical execution.

Mechanical fabrication — Milling and lathe operations produced precision components for the support frame and electromagnet housing. Welding and sheet metal forming created supporting brackets and enclosures for structural rigidity, and waterjet cutting was used to precisely manufacture sheet metal parts and mounting features for accurate alignment.

Electronics and circuit design — A detailed circuit schematic was studied to understand each component's role in generating and controlling the electromagnetic field, including operational amplifiers, sensors, power regulation, and feedback loops. Components were soldered, wired, and calibrated; the control circuit monitors the position of the levitated object and dynamically adjusts the electromagnet's power to maintain stability.

Assembly and integration — The electromagnet was mounted to the frame, sensors positioned to detect object displacement, and control circuitry connected. Careful alignment was required for correct feedback operation, highlighting the importance of cross-disciplinary knowledge between precise machining and electronic calibration.

Results — The device successfully demonstrated stable levitation of small metallic objects, with the control system balancing gravity and electromagnetic force. Challenges included fine-tuning the control circuit and preventing sensor noise from destabilizing levitation, addressed through iterative testing and minor circuit modifications.