page_title: Geomag
section_title: Invention
hierarchical_section_title: Geomag / Invention
caption_attribution_description: English: An icosahedron, made from Geomag, with the edges colored so that the rotations of the icosahedron, together with the operation of swapping the two balls at the ends of each yellow edge, act on the 12 balls as the permutation group M12
context_page_description: Geomag is a magnetic construction toy. The original toy comprised bars with a magnet on each end all attached by a magnetic plug, and nickel-coated metal spheres. Magnetic forces hold the bars and spheres together, creating the possibility for many constructions. Invented and patented by Claudio Vincetelli in May 1998, production is currently undertaken by Geomagworld SA at the production facilities in Novazzano, Switzerland. Product lines have been added to the original model, growing the Geomag range of construction toys. Since the introduction of the 2009/48/EC law on 20 July 2013 restricted the content of nickel in toys, Geomag has re-modelled the spheres with a bronze alloy coating, in order to comply with the new regulations.
context_section_description: In May 1998, Claudio Vicentelli, experienced in technical applications of permanent magnets and the creator of the first (1st) product deposited for the magnetic circuit, and the brand name "GEOMAG" (which has developed the characters in the logo with chained circles).
  The patent defines a particular circuit obtained by the coupling of bars, of which each consists of two magnets at the ends and are connected with a metal pin and metallic spheres. This structure guarantees high performance using the minimum amount of magnetic material, which is very expensive.
  In August of the same year Vincelli grants the license to market and manufacture the products worldwide to the Sardinian company, Plastwood S.r.l.
  During this time Vicentelli perfected the technology of the construction game, ensuring the constant centesimal tolerances of the magnetic bars.
caption: An icosahedron constructed with Geomag rods and spheres
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