How Magnetic Technology is Transforming Industrial Lifting Solutions

Magnetic technology is redefining industrial lifting by offering safer, more efficient, and flexible solutions for material handling across factories, shipyards, steel mills, and steel service centers. In addition to traditional electromagnetics, companies like Magswitch also offer EPMs (electro permanent magnets), allowing operators to turn the magnetic field on or off as needed, without relying on a constant power source.

Key Advantages of Electro Permanent Lifting Magnets

Enhanced Safety: Lifters are designed to be fail-safe, requiring no external power during a lift. This eliminates the risk of dropping loads due to power failure, increasing workplace safety.

Superior Performance: Delivers maximum holding force even on thin or uneven materials, outperforming traditional electromagnets that struggle with thin steel. Magswitch’s deep and shallow field technologies enable precise handling of both thick and thin materials.

Increased Productivity: EPMs are a great choice for unloading cut parts. Because the magnetic field depth is controllable, the system can knows the difference between the metal parts and the metal table. Parts handling systems that use electro permanent magnets can clear laser and plasma exit tables in minutes instead of hours, dramatically boosting throughput.

Cost Efficiency: With no ongoing energy consumption during lifts and reduced maintenance compared to vacuum or electromagnetic systems, EPMs deliver substantial long-term savings.

Flexibility and Customization: EPMs can be actuated manually, pneumatically, or with a small burst of electric. This means electro permanent magnet technology can be applied to small applications all the way up to a 160-ton heavy-duty magnetic lifting system. The lifting devices can take the form of a simple manual lifter to a fully integrated robotic/autonomous solution.

Applications for Industrial Magnets Across Industries

Manufacturing: Lifting magnets are integrated into production lines, handling everything from small cut parts to large steel plates, optimizing efficiency and reducing downtime.

Steel Mills: Custom magnetic systems safely lift heavy steel plates, coils, slabs, and billets, even in extremely high temperature environments.

Steel Distribution: Magnets are essential for safe, efficient and precise handling, movement, and sorting of steel.

Shipbuilding: Magnets are used for material handling, welding, fitting and even mooring.

Automation: Electro permanent magnets are used in end-of-arm tooling for robots, replacing vacuum cups and clamps, and enabling new automation possibilities like assembly, bin picking, pressure vessel fabrication, fixture tooling, ergonomic lift assist, hot stamping, beam handling, pick & place and press lines/stamping.

How to Choose the Right Magnetic Lifting Device

Selecting the perfect magnetic lifting device is crucial for efficient and safe operations. Here are the key factors to consider:

• Load Characteristics: Assess weight, size, and shape of material to be lifted.
• Material type: Ensure the material is ferromagnetic (contains sufficient iron content)
• Surface Condition: Contact with the magnet should be clean and flat as possible.
• Operational Environment: Temperature of the material to be lifted is critical as is humidity in the space.
• Lifting Frequency and Ergonomics: How many cycles need to be performed per shift, day, week, month and year? Are there obstructions that need to be avoided?
• Safety Features: Look for devices with built-in safety locks and reliable quick-release mechanisms. Electro-permanent magnets are ideal for critical tasks, as they retain magnetism during power failures.

Conclusion

Magnetic technology is reshaping the industrial landscape, offering safer, faster, and more efficient lifting solutions. These innovations, from steel plate lifting magnets to automated material handling systems, enhance productivity while reducing costs and environmental impact. As industries evolve, magnetic lifting systems will remain at the forefront of material handling advancements.

FAQ

Will electro permanent magnets demagnetize without electricity?

No, they maintain magnetization without continuous electricity.

Do electro permanent magnets need backup batteries?

No, they do not require battery backup as they maintain magnetization without power.

What are the main applications of electro permanent magnets?

• Lifting
• End of arm tooling
• Quick change systems for dies and molds
• Chucks

Do electro permanent magnets use a lot of electricity?

No, they are energy efficient and consume 95% less energy than electromagnets.

Are electro permanent magnets safe?

Yes, they provide constant and predictable magnetic force. They also do not require battery backup as they maintain magnetization without power.

How long do electro permanent magnets last?

Electro permanent magnets have a long operational lifespan and are known for their durability, making them well-suited for end-of-arm tooling applications and heavy lifting. Magswitch uses high quality materials like neodymium and samarium cobalt. For example, neodymium magnets lose approximately 5% of their magnetism over 100 years. This translates into an annual degradation rate of .05% per year. If cared for properly, electro permanent magnets systems can last for decades.

Can electro permanent magnets be used for high temperature applications?

Yes. Standard neodymium (NdFeB) magnets maintain their magnetism up to 80°C (176°F). More expensive special grades can operate at:

• "M" grade: up to 100°C (212°F)
• "H" grade: up to 120°C (248°F)
• "SH" grade: up to 150°C (302°F)
• "UH" grade: up to 180°C (356°F)
• "EH" grade: up to 200°C (392°F)
• "TH" grade: up to 220°C (428°F)

Samarium Cobalt (SmCo) magnets can withstand high temperatures up to 350°C (662°F) without significant loss of magnetic properties, making them highly resistant to thermal demagnetization. Alnico Magnets offer the highest temperature resistance for continuous duty applications. Their maximum operating temperature is up to 540°C (1,004°F)

At what temperature do permanent magnets lose their magnetic properties?

Curie Temperature/Point: 700–850°C (1292–1562°F). The term Curie temperature is named after Pierre Curie who showed in 1895 that magnetism was lost at critical temperature.