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Magswitch Heavy Lifting Solutions Industrial Magnetic Lifting Built for Steel
Electro-permanent magnet systems that replace electromagnetic and vacuum lifters, delivering safer handling, zero power-loss risk, and ROIs as low as 12 months.
The Modern Alternative to Electromagnets and Vacuum Lifters
Combining patented Magswitch lifting magnet technology with plate handling systems, Heavy Lifting Solutions covers all your plate lifter applications, from manual setups to fully integrated robotic systems. Our application engineers analyze your needs and help you find the right magnetic lifter solution.
We replace inefficient, high-maintenance electromagnetic and vacuum lifters, delivering ROIs as low as 12 months, reducing injury risk, and improving capital return on expensive cutting equipment. From small plate applications (4'x8' to 6'x12') to large (8' to 10' x 15' to 60') and thin material as low as 12 gauge, every solution is custom designed.
Ready to Improve Your Lifting Operation?
Our team works with plant managers, engineers, and fabrication teams every day. Whether you need help choosing the right system or want to discuss a custom application, we are here.
- Expert advice on the right HLS configuration for your application
- Volume pricing for high-capacity and multi-system installations
- Custom engineering and ROI analysis at no charge
- Fast response, usually within one business day
Connect with Magswitch
Why Facilities Switch to Magswitch
Electro-permanent magnets outperform traditional electromagnets and vacuum lifters across every operational metric that matters.
The Complete HLS System Range
Six purpose-built lifting platforms covering every application from small sheet metal to massive structural steel, all custom engineered to your plate dimensions, crane capacity, and throughput.
EPM Telescopic Beam
For customers that need to lift various sheet dimensions, this Magswitch Lift System offers adjustability based on the length of the plate being handled. Ideal for steel service centers and plate shops handling multiple sheet sizes daily; one system covers your entire range without reconfiguration.
- Adjustable beam length to match any plate size
- Eliminates the need for multiple fixed systems
- Custom configured to your crane and plate spec
EPM Fixed Spreader Beam
Designed to lift your maximum plate size, the Magswitch SPM Fixed Spreader Beam can be configured with any number of cross members to fit your lifting needs. The reliable workhorse for high-volume, consistent-format operations at steel mills and structural fabricators.
- Configurable cross members for any plate width
- High-volume production optimized design
- Stable, repeatable pick-and-place performance
Cordless Electric System
When drop-down or wall power is unavailable, the cordless electric system is the perfect solution. Battery-powered activation with the full strength of electro-permanent magnets. Compatible with overhead cranes, boom trucks, and forklifts.
- Full EPM holding force, no cables or cords
- Works with overhead cranes, boom trucks, forklifts
- Remote or onboard control panel operation
Parts / Cut-Out Handling
Designed to lift the maximum plate size for loading, then lift your part and cut it out after processing. Purpose-built for plasma cutting tables and laser cutting operations where both parent sheet and cut parts must be handled quickly and safely.
- Load full sheet, then lift cut parts without repositioning
- Reduces manual handling at plasma and laser tables
- Custom designed for your cutting table footprint
Slab / Billet Handling
When lifting profiles, slabs, and bundles, safety and efficiency are paramount. This system is custom designed to your specific load geometry and weight requirements, engineered for steel mills, tube plants, and service centers handling round, square, and irregular profiles.
- Handles round, square, and irregular load profiles
- Custom geometry matched to your material spec
- Safe and efficient bundle and slab movement
Mag-Kit (Retro Fit)
For the customer seeking an economical solution without replacing existing infrastructure. The Mag-Kit allows mounting of Magswitch magnets and controls directly onto an existing spreader beam, bringing all the advantages of EPM technology to your current crane setup at a fraction of the cost of a full system replacement.
- Mounts to your existing spreader beam, no full replacement needed
- All EPM benefits at significantly lower upfront cost
- Fastest path to magnetic lifting for existing operations
Built for Steel at Every Stage
From the blast furnace to the fabrication shop, Magswitch HLS systems handle the toughest magnetic lifting challenges across the entire steel supply chain.
See Magswitch Heavy Lifting Systems Work
Real installations across steel mills, fabrication shops, and service centers. Watch how EPM lifting systems improve throughput, reduce operator fatigue, and eliminate power-loss risk on the floor.
From the Magswitch Blog
Real-world applications, industry insights, and customer success stories from facilities using Magswitch heavy lifting technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Magswitch electro-permanent magnet technology for heavy industrial lifting applications.
Will electro-permanent magnets demagnetize without electricity?
No. Electro-permanent magnets maintain their magnetization without continuous electricity. Unlike traditional electromagnets that require constant power to hold a load, the magnetic state is locked in place and does not change when power is removed. A load held by a Magswitch EPM system remains secure even during a complete power failure.
Do electro-permanent magnets need backup batteries?
No. Because electro-permanent magnets maintain their magnetization without power, there is no need for battery backup systems. A load held by an EPM will remain secure even in the event of a complete power failure, making them inherently safer than traditional electromagnets for lifting applications.
What are the main applications for Magswitch electro-permanent magnets?
Magswitch EPM systems are purpose-built for demanding industrial environments. Key application areas include:
- Heavy plate lifting: structural steel, sheet, plate, slab, and billet handling
- End of arm tooling: robotic grippers and material transfer in automated cells
- Quick-change systems: rapid die and mold changeover
- Workholding chucks: machining and fabrication fixturing
Do electro-permanent magnets use a lot of electricity?
No. Electro-permanent magnets are highly energy efficient. They consume electricity only during the brief switching pulse, when turning on or off, not while holding a load. This makes them 95% more energy efficient than traditional electromagnets, which draw continuous power throughout every shift to maintain grip.
Are Magswitch lifting systems safe for industrial use?
Yes. Magswitch EPM systems are designed with safety as the primary engineering priority. Key safety features include:
- No power required to maintain hold: loads remain secure during outages
- No battery backup needed: eliminates a potential failure point
- Positive indication of magnetic circuit: operators confirm full attachment before lifting
- Electric, pneumatic, or manual actuation: options to match your operational safety protocols
How long do electro-permanent magnets last?
Electro-permanent magnets have an exceptionally long operational lifespan. Magswitch uses high-quality materials including neodymium and samarium cobalt, both known for extreme durability. Standard neodymium magnets lose approximately 5% of their magnetism over 100 years, translating to just 0.05% annual degradation. Properly maintained EPM systems can last for decades with no significant loss of performance.
Can Magswitch systems be used in high-temperature environments?
Yes. The right magnet material can be selected to match your operating temperature. Magswitch works with steel mills, high-heat plate shops, and environments where standard magnets would fail.
| Material / Grade | Max Operating Temp | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NdFeB Standard | 80°C / 176°F | Standard environments |
| NdFeB "H" grade | 120°C / 248°F | High heat environments |
| NdFeB "SH" grade | 150°C / 302°F | Super high heat |
| NdFeB "UH" grade | 180°C / 356°F | Ultra high heat |
| NdFeB "EH" grade | 200°C / 392°F | Extreme heat grade |
| Samarium Cobalt (SmCo) | 350°C / 662°F | Highly thermal-resistant |
| Alnico | 540°C / 1,004°F | Highest rating, continuous duty |
Contact our engineering team for application-specific material grade guidance.
What is the ROI on replacing an electromagnetic or vacuum lifting system?
ROI depends on your current system's energy consumption, maintenance costs, and production volume, but Magswitch customers commonly achieve ROI in as little as 12 months. The primary savings drivers are:
- Energy reduction: 95% less electricity than traditional electromagnets running continuously
- Maintenance savings: no coil replacement, no compressor maintenance, no hose or cup replacement like vacuum systems
- Throughput gains: 100% duty cycle eliminates waiting and system cooldown
- Injury reduction: fewer hands on heavy lifts reduces workers compensation exposure
Our application engineers perform a full ROI analysis as part of the initial consultation at no charge.
Can Magswitch design a custom lifting system for my facility?
Yes. Custom engineering is a core part of what Magswitch does. Our team handles the full process: initial application review, design engineering including packaging, ROI analysis, product testing, manufacturing, and delivery. Magswitch also offers Finite Element Analysis (MFEA), a magnetic analysis to confirm holding force and validate pole shoe designs before manufacture. Contact our team to start the process.
From First Call to Final Delivery
Every Magswitch HLS system is custom engineered. Here is how we take you from initial inquiry to a working system on your floor.