In the dynamic landscape of steel manufacturing, alliances and partnerships play a pivotal role in fostering progress and innovation. NASA's commitment to excellence is evident in its strategic decision to collaborate with Magswitch Technologies, a pioneering force in the realm of switchable magnetic technology.
Established in Colorado, Magswitch Technologies has become a global leader in the field since its inception. Specializing in the development, design, and engineering of switchable magnetic solutions, Magswitch has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible. The company's journey, from manufacturing magnetic tools to engineering cutting-edge technology, has left an indelible mark on industries such as welding, fabrication, automation, manufacturing, heavy industry, and shipbuilding.
Magswitch's evolution is a testament to its commitment to innovation. The company has transitioned from producing traditional magnetic tools to pioneering technology that enhances safety, productivity, and speed across various sectors. This evolution aligns seamlessly with NASA's mission to bring the latest advancements to its Member Companies and Operational Suppliers.
The meticulous selection process employed by NASA ensures that Operational Suppliers not only meet the industry's standards but also align with the organization's values. Magswitch Technologies emerged as a natural fit, with products that complement NASA's member companies and Operational Suppliers. This strategic alliance promises to usher in a new era of efficiency and advancement within the steel industry.
Magswitch's switchable magnetic technology brings a myriad of benefits to the table. The increased safety, productivity, and speed offered by their products resonate well with the needs of NASA's diverse membership. As Magswitch integrates seamlessly with steel suppliers and other Operational Suppliers, the collaboration is set to unlock synergies that will benefit the entire steel ecosystem.
Brad Hite, President of Advanced Process Technologies at Magswitch Technologies, expresses enthusiasm about joining NASA as an Operational Supplier. "Magswitch Technologies is excited to become NASA's newest Operational Supplier. Not only are Magswitch products a great fit for many of NASA's Member Companies, but also its steel Suppliers and some of its Operational Suppliers. Consequently, we are thrilled to be a part of the organization and look forward to building many new relationships."
The partnership opens doors to exciting collaboration opportunities. Magswitch and NASA members can explore synergies that enhance steel manufacturing processes. The adaptable nature of Magswitch's technology allows for innovative applications, promising increased efficiency and precision in the production chain.
Magswitch's impact on innovation extends beyond its immediate applications. The switchable magnetic technology contributes to advancements in heavy industry and shipbuilding within the steel sector. This collaboration signals a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in steel manufacturing.
Real-world examples and case studies demonstrate the tangible impact of Magswitch products on productivity. Industries that have embraced Magswitch's innovations report:
Looking ahead, Magswitch Technologies aims to bring further innovation to the North American Steel Alliance. With an eye on the future, the company envisions continuous advancements in switchable magnetic technology that will redefine the way steel moves every step of the way. Magswitch technology is utilized as a key material handling solution at every stage of the Steel Industry including:
Magswitch Technologies is not just a supplier but a partner invested in building lasting relationships within the NASA community. Strategies are in place to foster communication and collaboration, ensuring that the benefits of Magswitch's technology are maximized by NASA's Member Companies and Operational Suppliers.
The partnership between NASA and Magswitch Technologies is a milestone in the journey of both entities. The alignment of values, commitment to innovation, and shared vision for the future promise a collaborative effort that will elevate the steel industry to new heights. As Magswitch Technologies integrates seamlessly into the NASA family, the stage is set for mutual growth and success.
As NASA and Magswitch Technologies embark on this collaborative journey, we encourage NASA's Member Companies and Operational Suppliers to explore the innovative solutions that Magswitch brings to the table. This partnership signifies a commitment to excellence and progress within the steel industry. For inquiries and collaboration opportunities, seize the moment and explore the benefits of Magswitch's cutting-edge technology.
Magswitch's products align with NASA's objectives and the needs of its Member Companies and Operational Suppliers.
Magswitch's switchable magnetic technology enhances safety protocols, reducing the risk of accidents in steel manufacturing.
Yes, Magswitch's technology is adaptable and beneficial across various sectors, including welding, fabrication, automation, and heavy industry.
Magswitch’s cutting-edge technology has disrupted the traditional magnetic tools industry, offering a unique and innovative solution in the market.
Interested companies can reach out to Magswitch directly or through NASA's communication channels to explore potential collaborations.
]]>With over 50 years of experience, UNIVER has established itself as a pioneer in pneumatic automation components, innovative clamping technology, and modular tooling systems, including the patented GR8 solution. Similarly, Magswitch, with its global recognition, specializes in magnetic work holding, heavy lifting solutions, and automation solutions, boasting around 65 patents that have redefined the possibilities of magnetic technology across various industries worldwide.
This strategic collaboration merges UNIVER's expertise in automation with Magswitch's innovative magnetic solutions, aiming to provide customers with unparalleled efficiency, reliability, and versatility in EOAT options and engineering solutions. By leveraging our collective strengths, we are committed to delivering state-of-the-art products tailored to the specific needs of the Automotive Market.
"Our partnership with UNIVER marks a significant milestone in our journey to redefine industry standards," said David Morton, CEO and Founder of Magswitch Technologies. "Together, we envision further disrupting EOAT and automotive clamping solutions, offering customers lighter, lower-cost, and more efficient solutions that drive productivity and performance."
Central to this partnership is the establishment of Magswitch Technology Europe GmbH, serving as the single point of contact for Magswitch and UNIVER products in the European Automotive Market.
Located in Ingolstadt, Bavaria and Headquartered at in Russelsheim Germany, our collaborative team is dedicated to providing exceptional technical support and customer service.
"This partnership not only combines our technical expertise but also unites two teams of capable individuals under one roof," added Markus Oerder, CEO of Magswitch Technology Europe GmbH. "We are excited about the opportunities it presents and are committed to delivering innovative solutions that exceed our customers' expectations."
For further information or inquiries about our partnership and products, please contact cs@magswitch.com. We look forward to discussing how our collaboration can address your specific needs and propel your business forward.
Media Contact:
Dawn Gonzalez, Global Marketing Manager
Magswitch Technologies
1000 McCaslin Blvd. Suite 301 Superior, CO 80027
+1 (720) 460-4974
About Magswitch Technologies: Magswitch Technologies is a global leader in magnetic work holding, heavy lifting solutions, and automation solutions, revolutionizing industries with innovative magnetic technology.
About UNIVER: UNIVER is a trusted name in pneumatic automation components, clamping technology, and modular tooling systems, offering cutting-edge solutions for over 50 years.
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Distinguished Career and Strategic Achievements
Brad Hite's career is distinguished by his dynamic leadership and strategic accomplishments, including founding, and successfully exiting a construction product company between 2002 and 2009. He led a remarkable turnaround for a metal company at risk of liquidation, achieving stability and significant sales growth from 2009 to 2014. His strategic acumen also facilitated the successful turnaround and sale of a metals service center from 2014 to 2016, followed by a phase of revitalized revenue growth for various metals companies up to 2021. Prior to his arrival at Magswitch, Brad was on the leadership team of a startup division that rapidly grew to $24 million in just two years.
Forward-Looking Leadership at Magswitch
“I am excited to join The Magswitch Team and keen to work alongside talented people like Stephen Meinhardt, Director of Sales & Engineering - Heavy Lifting Solutions. Growth will come by educating steel distribution, mills, and OEM’s on Magswitch’s transformational products and unique safety features. Magswitch’s smart lifting, robotics, and cobotics solutions eliminate ergonomically and physically challenging work which makes the workplace safer and allows employees to focus on more meaningful tasks. Who wouldn’t be excited about transforming the way we work!” said Brad Hite.
"We are delighted to have Brad Hite join us as President of Advanced Process Technologies," said David Morton, CEO at Magswitch. "His exceptional leadership qualities and strategic insights are crucial for our next phase of growth and innovation. Brad’s experience and vision will undoubtedly propel Magswitch to new levels of success."
#Magswitch #MagneticTechnology #Innovation #Leadership #SafetyFirst #IndustrialAutomation #WelcomeBrad #AdvancedProcessTechnologies #PressRelease
]]>Originally published on The Robot Report.
Robotic end effectors enable a robotic arm to interact with the world around it. As robotic arms are used in more diverse industries, the demand for end effectors that can adapt to multiple use cases has risen.
Magswitch Electric Series (E-Series) intelligent magnetic grippers can be used for a variety of applications, including bin picking, fixture tooling, ergonomic lift assist and machine tending.
Festo, a Magswitch distribution partner since 2019, reports surging interest in the E-Series of magnetic grippers from Magswitch.
Magswitch E-Series intelligent magnetic grippers are not electromagnets nor are they electropermanent magnets (EPMs). Magswitch E-Series units contain proprietary switching technology that enables reduced energy consumption, faster actuation, intelligent magnetic gripping, part correct/part incorrect feedback capabilities and two to three times the holding forces of any similarly sized electromagnet or electropermanent magnet. Pole shoes that shape the magnetic field are offered in standard and custom configurations to ensure the correct grip for the application.
Magswitch E-Series intelligent grippers are smaller than electromagnets, which reduces the size of end of arm tools. With less weight and size, designers are frequently able to use a smaller robot, thus lowering capital cost as well as reducing footprint.
E-Series magnetic grippers are sought after in stamping applications, including progressive dies. In a stamping operation, intelligent variable field output can separate a single blank from a pile and then identify whether the blank is the correct thickness. These units can identify and grip individual blanks down to .6 mm in thickness.
In resistance spot welding applications, E-Series units provide single-sided gripping technology, eliminating the need for clamps. With clamps removed, the spot weld gun is provided simpler access to the product. With a rapid on/off actuation time of 250 milliseconds, the E-Series lowers cycle time compared to clamps.
E-Series intelligent magnetic grippers can be used in many other applications, including automotive assembly, white goods manufacturing, heavy industrial manufacturing, electronic assembly, bin picking, measuring, checking, ergonomic lift-assist and collaborative cells.
“We are just at the beginning of envisioning the range of possibilities for intelligent magnetic gripping,” said Josh Bond, Automotive Industry Segment Specialist, Festo.
Bond gave two examples of novel uses of intelligent magnetic gripping. In one unexpected application, an E-Series unit detects the presence of a welded bolt inside an automotive B Pillar and alerts if the bolt is missing. The solution was low cost and saves the manufacturer a considerable amount in rework from the early detection of missing bolts.
E-Series units with non-marring polymer offsets are being used for safe, fast and effective gripping of A-Class surfaces without blemishing those surfaces. The magnet uses a small amount of force to gently attach to, not bump, the surface, thus preserving the integrity of the finish. Once the part is gripped and separated from adjacent parts, the tool automatically switches to full power for maximum performance. With the E-Series proprietary switching reducing magnetism to zero in the off state, ferrous particles fall off the gripper, ensuring a clean surface.
E-Series units feature world-class weight-to-force ratios and deliver breakaway forces from ounces to tons. They operate on 24 volts DC with serial communication protocols. There are options for control via any Ethernet protocol.
]]>In a strategic move set to redefine our presence in the United States, Magswitch Technology Inc. and Magswitch Automation Company are amalgamating their forces, effective January 1st, 2024. This forward merger will see the birth of a unified entity, operating under the name Magswitch Automation Company and doing business as Magswitch Technologies.
This merger brings a wave of change, streamlining our operations in the United States to provide a more cohesive experience. The integration of Magswitch Technology Inc. and Magswitch Automation Company ensures a seamless blend of manual and automation tools under one roof.
The amalgamation offers a unique advantage – the ability to order both Manual Tools and Automation Tools from the same entity. This simplification ensures a streamlined process for our valued customers, without compromising the exceptional quality that defines Magswitch.
Rest assured, amidst the transformation, our commitment to delivering top-notch service remains unwavering. Existing points of contact and locations will remain unchanged, providing stability and consistency for our customers.
As the Magswitch entities merge in the United States, the birth of Magswitch Technologies symbolizes a global powerhouse in magnetic innovation. From industrial automation to manual tools, our unified approach sets the stage for an unparalleled future.
The merger of Magswitch Technology Inc. and Magswitch Automation Company in the United States signifies a transformative step forward. Magswitch Technologies emerges as a beacon of excellence, combining the strengths of both entities to offer unmatched solutions in the realm of magnetic tools and industrial automation. As we navigate this merger, the commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction remains at the core of our mission. Stay tuned for a future where Magswitch Technologies leads the way in redefining possibilities and shaping the magnetic landscape.
]]>As published in Modern Metals, September 2023 Issue.
CoreBrace is an engineering and manufacturing company that fabricates buckling restrained braces (BRBs). These are used to reinforce building structures against earthquakes while significantly reducing the amount of material and cost that would be used without these innovative devices.
One recent CoreBrace project was the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, home of the Los Angeles Chargers and reigning Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams. The stadium is located near the Newport-Inglewood Fault and has the potential to see very high seismic forces.
Over 1,100 CoreBrace BRBs were used in the design of the stadium. The project—which won a 2023 Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural Steel (IDEAS2) Award from the American Institute of Steel Construction— also showcased buckling restrained braces with various connection types including pinned, bolted and welded brace connections.
AISC, in announcing the 2023 IDEAS2 award winners, stated that CoreBrace’s structural steel bracing system “allows a massive new stadium to feel light while allowing movement in the event of seismic activity.”
CoreBrace BRBs are made of a steel core that is specially sized for each project to maximize the safety and efficiency of the structure. The core is surrounded by a steel casing that prevents the core from buckling in an earthquake, allowing the BRB to protect the building and its occupants from large seismic forces.
In recent years, production of BRBs had increased to a point where efficiency was becoming compromised and loading 50-foot-long plates with hooks and chains became inefficient.
Corebrace reached out to Magswitch Technology to help find a better system. Magswitch, based in Superior, Colorado, specializes in switchable magnetic technology in material handling applications.
With 41 issued patents and others pending, Magswitch has evolved from a single innovation in switchable magnets to numerous technologies that cover many methods of gripping industrial raw materials and finished products.
With multiple cutting tables working 24 hours a day, six days a week, efficiency and safety when loading and unloading plate is critical to maintaining the workflow that is necessary to meet the customer demand, according to Enoch Eskelson, operations manager at CoreBrace.
Magswitch’s director of sales and engineering visited CoreBrace’s manufacturing facility in Pocatello, Idaho, to see the existing process of handling metal and what solution might best improve the shop’s productivity. After reviewing CoreBrace’s process and plate profiles, Magswitch’s engineering team determined that a 40-ton lift capacity telescoping system would be able to handle the wide range of plates that CoreBrace is moving from inventory to the cutting tables.
Magswitch’s telescoping system, which extends from 20 to 33 feet and can handle plates ranging from 10 to 50 feet long, uses Magswitch’s Switchable Permanent Magnets (SPM). These magnets are fail-safe: they will not drop the part with loss of power and have low power consumption when compared to electromagnets. After discussions with the Magswitch team, CoreBrace found that a fail-safe system would be ideal for handling 3/16-inch up to 2-inch-thick plate.
“We gave some thought to electromagnets but the risk of dropping the plate due to power loss and a 60 percent duty cycle was not appealing,” Eskelson says. “With a 100 percent duty cycle, the Magswitch SPM would be able to keep up with our production rate, and we had no fear of dropping the plate or burning out the magnets, as one does with electromagnets.”
He says the decision was based in part on lower risk and lower maintenance requirements, as well as the high capacity of the new system.
CoreBrace also built a structural bracing system for the Salt Lake City Airport’s earthquake safety project. Completion of the airport’s expansion and rehabilitation will be completed next year.
For most applications, Magswitch SPMs are well suited for handling plates safely and effectively, as with CoreBrace. Given its full line of magnetic grippers, Magswitch also manufactures electromagnets for those specific applications where the customer requires a deep magnetic field to handle multiple plates but where the customer understands the inherent risks with the low duty cycle and the potential of dropping plate with loss of power.
Magswitch has developed and commercialized a range of magnetic grippers that are based on proprietary technology and incorporate Industry 4.0 technology for automation. These grippers reduce overhead costs and deliver faster throughput with a material handling system that is virtually maintenance free.
Green tools like Magswitch’s systems can reduce energy consumption by up to 90 percent. The company cites a major European manufacturer that has achieved savings of up to 40 percent on robot cells designed around the technology. Magswitch began entering the collaborative robot space last year.
The company has a Heavy Lifting Solutions division that offers a full line of lift systems for handling plate, pipe, I-beam, and other shapes. HLS was established to offer safe and efficient solutions to small and large fabricators, and alternative energy manufacturers, as well as military, shipyard and rolling stock applications.
HLS’s product line is designed for small to large plate lift systems reaching up to 150 feet and lifting capacities ranging from 1 ton to 160 tons.
Cordless electric models off er single magnets, up to 4 tons in a single magnet unit; systems are scalable based on customer requirements; and customers can choose from selective destack burn tables.
HLS engineers work closely with customers to specify the best system using finite analysis software systems to build and test units before production to ensure proper ASME lifting standards and magnetic strength testing. It will also build custom solutions. HLS provides RIO reporting, on-site installation, in-field training, recertification and repairs for customers.
]]>The automotive industry is actively forming technical partnerships to reduce costs, enhance productivity, and meet the growing demands for innovation. Automation specialist Magswitch has entered into a partnership with Univer, combining their expertise in single-sided clamping technology and end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), respectively. The collaboration aims to provide comprehensive end-of-arm tooling systems and fixtures to OEM customers, catering to their frequent requests.
Read the full article on automotivemanufacturingsolutions.com.
The partnership between Magswitch and Univer has allowed them to offer a wider range of products and services, supporting the integration of their technologies worldwide. By combining Univer's EOAT with Magswitch's magnetic clamping systems, the joint venture brings a unique approach to the market, making production lines more flexible and efficient. This is particularly relevant as the automotive industry undergoes changes due to the emergence of electric vehicles and the need for new production processes.
Technical partnerships like this one are becoming increasingly important in the automotive sector. As carmakers grow in size, they require suppliers who can provide full-service support globally. Collaborating with partners enables companies like Univer and Magswitch to offer innovative solutions and meet the evolving demands of the industry.
For instance, the Magswitch method focuses on speeding up the clamping and pick-up processes, reducing non-value-added time, and allowing more time for value-added operations like spot welding. By adopting this approach, OEMs can increase process efficiency, reduce equipment requirements, and optimize floor space utilization.
Despite challenges in implementing new technologies, the industry is gradually becoming more receptive to change, especially with the increasing pressure to reduce costs and improve processes. Technical partnerships offer solutions for OEMs to adapt to the market's evolving demands, improve efficiencies, and stay competitive in the fast-changing automotive landscape.
]]>We're excited to introduce our new line of woodworking tools, the Magswitch Savr Feather board and the Savr Push Block. Designed with the needs of woodworkers in mind, these tools have been engineered to make your work safer, more efficient, and enjoyable.
Feather boards are essential woodworking tools for maintaining control and safety in operations involving saws and routers. Their purpose is to keep the wood against the fence and prevent it from moving sideways during a cut. But not all feather boards are created equal.
The Magswitch Savr Featherboard is a game-changer. Unlike other feather boards that mount to the miter slot and require tedious adjustments with knobs, our Savr Featherboard is designed for quick and easy positioning. Perfect for operations that necessitate rapid position changes, the Savr Featherboard eliminates the frustration of constant readjustments.
This feather board for table saw operations locks into position left to right and forward and back with the flip of an arm, saving you time and enhancing safety. Furthermore, a removable spacer bar makes it compatible with both 5/8" and 3/4" tracks, broadening the range of its usability. Whether you're a DIY feather board enthusiast or a seasoned professional, this is a feather board that suits all woodworking needs.
The Savr Push Block, another essential tool for woodworking, is the second product we're introducing in our new line. This table saw push block offers unique features that set it apart from other woodworking push blocks in the market.
The design of our push block for table saw operations features an offset handle for ergonomic comfort. What's more, it can be adjusted to a left-hand configuration, a feature not available in other designs with a fixed offset. For safety, the screws are made of nylon, eliminating concerns about carbide blades hitting steel screws.
Another distinctive attribute is its storage doc anchored with magnets. Since accessibility for aluminum saws is crucial, we've included an adhesive-backed metal plate for anchoring the doc to an aluminum fence.
Furthermore, the base of the push block is MDF. This means you can cut close to the blade without worrying about damaging the base. Once a base has been sufficiently cut, it can be easily replaced with our pack of three base replacements and extra nylon screws.
If you're looking for the best woodworking tools, whether you're a beginner or an experienced craftsman, the Magswitch Savr line should be on your list. Its featherboards and push blocks are designed to bring efficiency and safety to your woodworking tasks, making them an essential addition to your basic woodworking tools.
Production for these innovative Savr tools is underway, and we'll be ready to ship by the end of July. We hope you find these new Magswitch Savr products compelling and look forward to helping you make your woodworking projects safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable.
]]>On Friday June 21st, 2019 Magswitch Technology was recognized as one of 50 Colorado Companies to Watch. The event, put on by the Bank of America Merill Lynch, continues to recognize Colorado companies which have a strong presence in the market, great potential for growth, a core focus on innovation, and enrich the communities in which they are based. This year, the winners were honored at a masquerade style gala in Denver. Our United States management team donned their masks and accepted the award Friday evening.
Magswitch is proud to have been selected out of 1,000 nominees to receive this award. We are joining the ranks of Colorado Companies to Watch alumni such as PopSockets, Bhakti Chai, and Camp Bow-Wow. We are honored that our efforts have been recognized by the Colorado Companies to Watch board. Magswitch is committed to our customers, our employees, to Colorado, and to overall growth!
]]>In today’s manufacturing world, safety improvements and efficiency gains are key to staying competitive. At Magswitch Technology, we focus on fully automated to semi-automated & ergonomic lifting solutions. What is interesting is the dramatic growth in Industrial Automation across a range of industries. More and more, ergonomics is playing a significant role in the manufacturing world. The jump to fully automated systems does not make sense due to capital costs and low return on investment. Forward thinking businesses are now seeing the value in investing in semi-automated equipment.
Buyer’s Products, based out of Mentor, Ohio, had recently begun looking at ways to improve productivity on their press brake line for bending snow plows. Picking the snow plows from the stack and loading them into the press brake was a slow process that hadn’t changed much overtime. The goal was to reduce the human element as much as possible in the bending process in order to achieve a low complexity semi-automated process. By doing so, quality and safety would be improved. One of the challenges from Buyer’s Products perspective was how were the thin gauge snow plows going to be de-stacked from the pile utilizing magnets, which are much safer and efficient than the vacuum systems. This is where Magswitch has the advantage with our patented shallow field technology that allows us to have greater holding force on thin material without compromising safety.
Understanding the process was crucial to developing a solution. The first order of business with all of Magswitch’s projects is to make a site visit to see the process firsthand. Ben Walters, Regional Sales Manager made several trips to Buyer’s Products to meet with the team, gathering information and to discuss the current challenges that Buyer’s Products faced. This was followed up with multiple design reviews with Magswitch’s engineering team where ideas and concepts were shared and collaborated on. Our main objectives were to improve safety, increase efficiency and ergonomics.
“The easy route with any project like this would be to minimize communication with the customer and design and manufacture a product based on assumptions. Ultimately this would lead to an unhappy customer and a sub-par product at best. Collaborating with the customer for us is what makes these projects enjoyable and produces a product we can be proud of. This starts with design and ends with implementation” says Stephen Meinhardt, Technical Sales and Applications Engineering Manager for Magswitch.
The final result was a lifting frame that utilized Magswitch’s shallow field patented technology to load and unload the snow plows safely and effectively into the press brake.
Speaking to key personnel at Buyer’s Products provides a clear picture into the results that make this project a success. “Conclusion is that we are very happy with the lifting device. Once we had some practice and discovered the easiest way to hook the system up, we have seen significant efficiency gains. It has also proven to be much less strenuous for the operators to complete a complete run of parts. It is also apparent that we increased consistency in our bending since we were able to remove much of the human influence and can raise the plow skin in a more fluid motion,” says Evan Lumby, Continuous Improvement Engineer for Buyer’s Products.
“At Magswitch, our focus is to design and engineer lifting solutions that improves product quality, is more efficient and most importantly, improves safety,” says Stephen Meinhardt, “We are not just about selling a product but creating a one on one relationship with our customer and understanding their specific needs.”
]]>Magswitch is excited to introduce the electrically actuated lifter designed with safety in mind. The ELAY series features smart tool technology that will change the way how lifting steel is done.
Combining the patented Magswitch Technology with plate handling systems, Heavy Lifting Solutions has the answers for all your plate handling applications. From manual systems to fully integrated robotic systems, Magswitch has a full range of lifting technology solutions. The Applications Engineers at Magswitch will analyze your needs and help you find the right heavy lifting solution. From small plate applications (4’x8’, 5’x10’ & 6’x12’) to large (8’ to 10‘ x 15’ to 60’) and to thin material as low as 12 gauge, we will custom design a solution!
]]>Upsite Technologies are pioneers in airflow management solutions. They create modular products that is energy and time efficient. It was a natural collaboration between Magswitch and Upsite. We integrated with Upsite Technologies to find a solution of holding the panels up during installation of modular containment doors called the AisleLok. The AisleLok Sliding doors offer data centers aisle-end containment within 3 minutes without any need for labor. Forget drilling holes? Attach vertical poles to the panels with Magjigs and continue installing the doors. MagJigs feature our patented technology that can be turned ON and OFF simply by turning the knob. It stays in place throughout the installation. This saves valuable time and increase safety during installation. Needless to say MagJigs became a simple solution for AisleLok Sliding Doors.
The modular containment solution and line of aisle airflow management products by Upsite are specifically designed to block airflow, ensuring hot and cold aisle separation.
Magswitch MagJigs secure your fixture into place by simple turn off a knob. You can use it in your custom jigs and fixtures, create fences, assembly jigs, cutting fixtures, blade guards, work supports or anything that makes your work faster, safer and easier. Excellent product for woodworking, welding and fabrication and custom integration. It holds on both flat and round surfaces and can be integrated into so much custom projects.
The versatility of Magswitch Technology has opened up so many applications that can be performed significantly faster and much more safely. We provide a whole range of expertise from design engineering, manufacturing and delivery to marketing and customer service. Combining our technology with Magswitch expertise, we can create specialized products that fit your needs and budget. Our Application Engineers will work with you to determine your needs in order to design, deliver and support your solution for years of reliable service.
]]>SprintRay is a technology company that provides 3D printers with an emphasis on digital dentistry. We recently collaborated on a custom Magswitch MagJig 150 that SprintRay uses in their brand new MoonRay 3D Printer which provides a seamless product ecosystem! Our switchable magnet secures the printing platform while the printing process occurs, replacing a manual process that took 3 times the effort.
With the help of our Magjig 150, the MoonRay 3D Printer can easily create dental aligners, surgical dyes, dentures & more. By simply turning the magnet on and off, the 3D printed product can be removed saving SprintRay time and money! This lets them create a compact and seamless product that can be used by the consumer without minimal effort.
MoonRay ushers in a new era of digital dentistry. Its seamless product ecosystem and customer support are the result of their commitment to the dental industry. It is both precise and fast, simple and powerful, technologically advanced and durable.
Magswitch MagJigs secure your fixture into place by simple turn off a knob. You can use it in your custom jigs and fixtures, create fences, assembly jigs, cutting fixtures, blade guards, work supports or anything that makes your work faster, safer and easier. Excellent product for woodworking, welding and fabrication and custom integration. It holds on both flat and round surfaces and can be integrated into so much custom projects.
The versatility of Magswitch Technology has opened up so many applications that can be performed significantly faster and much more safely. We provide a whole range of expertise from design engineering, manufacturing and delivery to marketing and customer service. Combining our technology with Magswitch expertise, we can create specialized products that fit your needs and budget. Our Application Engineers will work with you to determine your needs in order to design, deliver and support your solution for years of reliable service.
]]>Automated Layout Technology is the maker of the first automated marking machine created specifically for the layout of commercial handrails. The Lightning Rail provides a layout in any configuration by transforming your designs to a printed layout on a rigid steel-framed table. This can cut production time by 50% so fabricators can load their drawing to the controller and just press print.
Traditionally, they had to drill the materials to the fabrication table and once the project was completed, remove it and repeat the process. ALT wanted to eliminate this problem to increase efficiency and speed. Enter Magswitch MagSquares! With just a turn of a knob, MagSquares can be used on the fabrication table to hold down materials. Once completed, it is simply turned off and removed from the fabrication table. ALT benefited greatly from MagSquares being integrated into their production line saving them time and increasing their overall productivity.
The Lightning Rail drastically reduces the time it takes to lay out a handrail. In just minutes, the layout is transferred to the fabrication table, ready for materials. Forget about the countless hours spent with tape measures, squares and soapstone.
Hold just about anything, just about anywhere! Our MagSquares provide a new level of fast and easy multi-plane workholding when positioning steel. Machined at 90 degrees, they can be used to grip both flat surfaces and pipe. Magnetic grip on 5 sides –strong on 3 sides. An ideal tool for super fast setups and instant workholding.
The versatility of Magswitch Technology has opened up so many applications that can be performed significantly faster and much more safely. We provide a whole range of expertise from design engineering, manufacturing and delivery to marketing and customer service. Combining our technology with Magswitch expertise, we can create specialized products that fit your needs and budget. Our Application Engineers will work with you to determine your needs in order to design, deliver and support your solution for years of reliable service.
]]>Koike Aronson are leaders in manufacturing high quality metal cutting, welding and positioning equipment. It was an integration that was meant to happen. Magswitch MagWheels are perfect for driving powerful connection on any ferrous surface enabling flat, vertical or inverse travel. About 6 years ago, this integration became a reality. Koike has been using the MagWheels for one of their automated welding systems.
Koike’s machine comes out of the box with brass guide rollers. If you are familiar with how this type of welding tractor works, they use mechanical force to hold the carriage to the work piece. They have 2 guide rollers that will set the distance form the fillett plate. One is set shorter that the other. This causes the machine to drive into the work piece and hold a consistent distance. In turn, the welding head will stay positioned in the exact same spot throughout the weld. It does not matter the length of weld. These machines can run up over 50’ in distance depending on the length of welding cable.
Portable welding machines assist the professional welder in maintaining a safe and high quality weld. Sometimes referred to as semi-automation, the portable welding carriages make welding easier for the welder because the torch is taken out of the welder’s hand and moved along in a controlled manner.
One of the issues they faced with the machine however, is what to do if the fillett plate is convex in nature. A prime example is welding a piece of large diameter pipe to a structure. Since they did not have the ability to track this, they relied on the Magswitch magnetic guide rollers aka MagWheels to attach their machine to the base plate. With the MagWheels, they were able to find a problem to their solution. These products are now sold across the country in the shipbuilding and railcar industry.
MagWheels are a powerful connection for drive units on any ferrous surface enabling flat, vertical or inverse travel. Applications include positioning and guiding, sheet feeding, pipe handling, fitting and fabrication, and numerous OEM automation and fixturing applications. MagWheel results in efficiency, new applications, and productive solutions. Underneath the patented MagWheel design is the highly functional AR Housing. Through clever innovation of the original Magswitch, the MagWheel provides all the features of a standard Magswitch on the move. The magnetic flux path through the wheels means climbing, carrying, and driving anywhere above or below a ferrous surface is now a reliable, fail-safe reality.
The versatility of Magswitch Technology has opened up so many applications that can be performed significantly faster and much more safely. We provide a whole range of expertise from design engineering, manufacturing and delivery to marketing and customer service. Combining our technology with Magswitch expertise, we can create specialized products that fit your needs and budget. Our Application Engineers will work with you to determine your needs in order to design, deliver and support your solution for years of reliable service.
]]>Magswitch collaborated recently with is Carter Products Inc. and created the next generation Carter MAGFENCE® II. This magnetic fence takes quick attachment, release and adjustment to the next level of simplicity. With the addition of simple on-off Magswitch switchable magnets the MAGFENCE® II easily attaches to most ferrous metal tables regardless of size. Magswitch switchable magnets allow instant and powerful magnet force to be applied to hold the fence firmly in place for any cutting, drilling, positioning or alignment need, then just as easily switched off for instant adjustment or removal.
Because there is no direct to table mounting required, the Carter MAGFENCE® II is universal to any size table. The unit is supplied with two switchable Magswitch® 150 magnets that can be moved inward and outward to fit the table size required. This model measures 15″ long and 3″ high. Accessory rigid plastic wear faces are available in both stock 3″ and extended 5″ heights for re-saw application.
Carter products are focused on developing new products such as MagFence and the accessories to make your work safer, faster, quicker, more accurate.
Magswitch MagJigs secure your fixture into place by simple turn off a knob. You can use it in your custom jigs and fixtures, create fences, assembly jigs, cutting fixtures, blade guards, work supports or anything that makes your work faster, safer and easier. Excellent product for woodworking, welding and fabrication and custom integration. It holds on both flat and round surfaces and can be integrated into so much custom projects.
The versatility of Magswitch Technology has opened up so many applications that can be performed significantly faster and much more safely. We provide a whole range of expertise from design engineering, manufacturing and delivery to marketing and customer service. Combining our technology with Magswitch expertise, we can create specialized products that fit your needs and budget. Our Application Engineers will work with you to determine your needs in order to design, deliver and support your solution for years of reliable service.
]]>Magswitch creates products by adapting its switchable magnet technology to each customer’s specific requirements. We either modify our existing product or develop groundbreaking new products in order to adapt to any industry.
Based in Lafayette, Colorado, Magswitch has collaborated with numerous companies, including Lincoln Electric Co., Cleveland. The private-label magnetic welding products with Lincoln Electric have allowed Magswitch technology to expand its reach across the welding industry.
Magswitch strives to make the process collaborative the whole way through, handling everything from engineering to packaging to marketing. Our marketing competencies include designing packaging artwork, promos, flyers and social media exposure.
A recent collaboration with a digital dentistry customer required Magswitch to customize its Magswitch MagJig 150. The custom switchable magnet secures the printing platform while the printing process occurs, replacing a manual process that previously required twice the effort.
Global mineral exploration company Boart Longyear needed a solution that would allow its field workers to lift and transport drill rods, which are used to keep the ground secure while drilling.
Their workers were bending over and lifting each drill rod by hand or using a heavy metal clamp. That resulted in potential pinch points on their hands when lifting, so we developed a magnetic hand lifter specifically for their drill rods and casings. We’re in the last stage of the project and are about to secure the first production order.
It’s been cool to see the product improve through user feedback over several iterations. Now, we have a product that will fit our customer’s needs.
Worker safety is driving many of the inquiries among customers that have reached out to Magswitch. Mobility is a major concern for our customers, and that taps into safety. Companies want safer ways to do things. They want a tool to be lighter and more ergonomic as well.
An example is a tool that we developed for a company that cleans and maintains grease traps. The tool is called the MagDolly, which is essentially a dolly equipped with a standard heavy lifting magnet.
This company had a specific weight requirement since the dolly would be unloaded from a truck multiple times a day. So, we provided them with a tool weighing less than 30 lbs. that provides an ergonomic and safe solution. The end users are no longer bending over at odd angles and hurting their backs to remove lids multiple times a day.
Magnets are being used in ways not typically considered. End users can complete simple motions, such as lifting or mounting, or sealing two objects together. What better way to reliably seal two large, heavy, ferrous objects than by holding them together using powerful magnets instead of welding or bolting?
As alloys evolve, so must switchable magnet technology. We are constantly adapting and launching products that focus on thinner and higher strength steel. Alloys like boron are being used to strengthen steel used in automotive parts, requiring stronger holding forces on thin, alloyed steel.
The auto industry in general is moving towards thinner metals, and our research and development team is continually working on optimizing our holding force beyond that of a traditional magnetic gripper.
Painted surfaces and other coatings must remain aesthetically clean. Surfaces damaged by hoisting up metal using magnets become a problem.
Customers are also working with materials underwater, requiring high levels of ingress protection. Our research and development teams are busy working out new ways to apply our technology to a wide range of scenarios and workplaces.
We’ve adapted by expanding our focus beyond our original patented core technology. By taking that approach, we’ve opened new opportunities for technology that can be applied to custom products. If a customer needs a solution for thin-gauge material or painted steel, we can provide a much more compact solution compared to what we could just two years ago.
]]>Magswitch Technology has introduced an improved product line of magnetic ground clamps.
The second generation of the Magswitch Ground Clamp Series has a new fin design with increased surface area that lowers temperature by almost 27%. This generation offers higher amperage clamp including 300 AMP, 600 AMP and 800 AMP. These clamps all have a stronger hold in the shear or vertical position.
The improved ground clamps let welders quickly set up, weld and move on to the next job. "Simply place the clamp on a clean surface, turn it on and instantly ground on flat or round surfaces," said a company spokesperson. "These clamps have the ability to attach to surfaces where traditional clamps cannot. This provides instantaneous grounding once turned on, increasing welding efficiency by eliminating the need for welding tabs. Magswitch Technology's complete ON/OFF technology allows the grounding clamp to stay clean."
Using thermal analysis, Magswitch engineers found ways to improve upon the design. The fin design on the new ground clamps reduces the size of high temperature zones around the magnets. The reduction in temperature reduces the amount of heat that the magnet is subjected to and extends the life of the tool. With the new model, the fins reduce the temperature through the unit, resulting in a significantly cooler handle temperature.
]]>The Magswitch Integrated Solutions (MIS) division is introducing new end of arm tool (EOAT) degaussing technology for magnetic material handling in industrial automation. This reportedly allows for a whole new range of material handling applications.
When some steel parts are handled by a magnetic gripper, they can become slightly magnetized; this is called residual magnetism. This has historically restricted the use of magnetic grippers in a range of applications including those with high tensile steel products, bearings, drive train and engine components. High levels of residual magnetism can be detrimental to the operation of precision mechanical systems or their manufacturing processes by attracting unwanted metal particles to the components, both in assembly and intended operation. Factors which affect the amount of residual magnetism imparted start with the type of magnet technology used. MIS’s patented shallow field technology already minimizes the residual magnetic footprint. Other factors include material composition, treatments and geometry of the part.
The new technology returns the residual magnetic footprint left by the Magswitch tool to an acceptable level. This is ideal for handling powertrain and hardened steel components as well as for manufacturing processes downstream from a degaussing cell.
The degauss technology is an add-on to the new integrated Magswitch Smart Technology. The new Smart Technology eliminates the need for additional sensors, giving sensor feedback in real time based on the state of the tool, providing magnet ON/OFF, North pole ON/OFF target, South pole ON/OFF target, part presence, double blank detection and an over temperature flag. The tool can be calibrated to handle any part through varying sensitivity levels.
]]>Magswitch Technology and Euroboor have partnered to create the next generation of drilling technology. "This MagDrill series will offer enhanced performance on round and thin material, changing the way pipe drilling and hole cutting is done," said a company spokesperson.
The first of the series, the MagDrill Disrupter 30, utilizes Magswitch patented technology with added patent-pending pipe conformability. Magnets in the base pivot to accommodate flat and curved surfaces without the need for special attachments.
The drill tip is located inside the magnetic base allowing for higher tip pressure in a compact tool. The powerful four-pole motor from Euroboor combines high torque functionality with temperature protection and low noise. The drill panel is easy to operate with a simple switch to turn the drill on or off.
The locking feature of the base prevents magnet arrays from deactivating during use to ensure safer operation of the tool.
"Compared to competitor drill bases, the MagDrill Disrupter 30 delivers better results on thinner steel. Additionally, the progressive actuation of the magnetic force provides precise positioning before applying the full magnet hold. The magnet turns 100% off and does not accumulate magnetic material from the drill site," said the spokesperson.
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