A lifting magnet is a type of permanent magnet capable of producing a stronger magnetic field than the normal magnet. This is because they are made of rare-earth metals and alloys such as ferrite. These lifting magnets find applications in various industries to lift metallic items or heavy objects. Certain electro-permanent magnets can be switched on and off. So, when the object picked by the magnet is transferred to the required place, one can switch off the magnet. If you require to lift items such as metallic plates, tubes, disks, and so on, using a lifting magnet is an extremely efficient and cost-effective solution. This post discusses the working of a lifting magnet and its benefits.
How Lifting Magnets Work
Lifting magnets are the powerful tools designed to handle substantial weight with ease. Made from specific magnetic materials such as iron alloys, they are engineered with precise configurations to achieve optimal performance. A permanent lifting magnet consists of a block with a main body and a rotor, each containing two magnets. When these magnets are aligned in the same direction, they generate magnetic flux that allows them to lift metallic objects. Reversing the direction of the magnet in the rotor releases the load by eliminating the magnetic pull. For effective adhesion, it’s crucial that the objects fit snugly against the magnet without any air gaps.
Permanent lifting magnets differ from electro lifting magnets, which utilize an electric coil to activate the magnet. In these devices, electric current is only needed to switch the magnet on or Off, while the lifting process relies on magnetic energy.
The Science behind Permanent Lifting Magnets
- Magnetism Basics: Understanding the operation of permanent lifting magnets begins with the basics of magnetism. Materials are classified into three categories: ferromagnetic, paramagnetic, and diamagnetic. Ferromagnetic materials, like iron and steel, have the ability to become strongly magnetized when exposed to a magnetic field.
- Domains and Alignment: Within ferromagnetic materials are tiny regions called domains, where groups of atomic magnetic moments align in the same direction. In their natural state, these domains are randomly oriented, resulting in minimal magnetization. However, applying an external magnetic field causes these domains to align and leading to cretae strongg magnetization.
- Maintaining Magnetization: Permanent magnets are made of materials that have a high retentivity – means they can maintain magnetization over time. This ensures that the lifting magnet retains its strength even after the external magnetic field is removed.
- Influencing Factors: Several factors affect the lifting capacity and safety of a permanent lifting magnet including its strength and material of the magnet assembly, the surface area and shape of the load, and the presence of safety mechanisms.
Uses of Lifting Magnets:
- Automotive Manufacturing: Permanent lifting magnets is essential in lifting heavy automotive parts during assembly, reducing manual labor and increasing efficiency.
- Construction and Steel Fabrication: Used to lift and position large steel beams, columns, and plates with precision on construction sites.
- Scrap Yards and Recycling: Enhance the efficiency of lifting and transporting scrap metal in recycling facilities.
- Shipbuilding and Heavy Machinery: Utilized to maneuver large components like engine blocks and hull sections in shipyards and heavy machinery industries.
Steps to Operate a Lifting Magnet
Operating a lifting magnet is straightforward. Here are some of the steps the operator has to carry out:
- Adjust the magnet to the required position and ensure safety by moving away, noting that no magnetic flux is generated at this stage.
- Activate the magnet by pressing the ON button, generating electromagnetic energy that attracts the objects to be lifted.
- Move the load to its destination.
- Press the OFF button to stop the magnetic flux, safely releasing the load in place. Importantly, even if the OFF button is pressed while moving, the load won’t drop immediately due to the applied tension.
Benefits of Permanent Lifting Magnets
Apart from their huge application across industries, these magnets offer the following benefits:
- Durability and Low Maintenance: They rely solely on magnetic energy, resulting in minimal upkeep.
- Cost-Effectiveness: No expensive infrastructure is required for operation.
- Ease of Use: They can be operated manually, eliminating the need for extensive training.
- Safety: When proper steps are followed, these magnets present minimal safety risks.
If you’re considering lifting magnets for your industrial application, ensure you verify the type of magnetic materials used in them and their capacity. Also, it is essential that you source them from an authentic and reliable manufacturer and supplier. Woodward Fab is one of the leading suppliers and manufacturers of high-quality sheet metal fabrication tools and hand tools required in industries. The company also provides industrial lifting magnets in various capacities.