Permanent Lifting Magnets – Reliable & Efficient Lifting Solutions
What Are Permanent Lifting Magnets?
Permanent lifting magnets are magnetic lifting devices designed for handling steel plates, flat materials, and other ferrous components without requiring a continuous power supply.
These lifting magnets generate a strong magnetic field using high-energy permanent magnets, allowing them to securely lift, transport, and position heavy loads in industrial settings.
How Do Permanent Lifting Magnets Work?
Unlike electromagnets, permanent lifting magnets do not need an external power supply to maintain their magnetic force.
They use powerful neodymium or ferrite permanent magnets to create a stable lifting capacity, which can be activated or deactivated via a manual lever or a mechanical switch. This makes them a reliable and energy-efficient solution for various lifting operations.
Key Features of Permanent Lifting Magnets
Permanent lifting magnets are widely used in manufacturing, steel processing, warehouses, and workshops due to their efficiency, reliability, and safety.
Some of the key features include:
- No Power Supply Needed – Since these lifting magnets operate without electricity, they eliminate the risk of load drops due to power failure.
- Strong Magnetic Field – The high-intensity permanent magnets generate a stable magnetic force suitable for lifting steel plates, flat stock, and other materials.
- Safety Factor – Equipped with safety locks and high lifting capacity ratings, ensuring secure handling of heavy loads.
- Extremely Compact & Lightweight – These magnets are extremely compact, making them easy to integrate into existing lifting equipment.
- Low Maintenance – No coils, batteries, or electrical components reduce maintenance requirements and operational downtime.
Applications of Permanent Lifting Magnets
Permanent lifting magnets are suitable for a wide range of industrial applications, including:
Steel Processing & Fabrication
Used for lifting and transporting steel plates, beams, and profiles in cutting, welding, and machining processes.
Warehouses & Material Handling
Ideal for flat materials, steel stock, and sheet metal storage, providing quick and efficient lifting operations.
Automotive & Aerospace Industries
Commonly used for handling sensitive components, ensuring damage-free lifting without clamps or slings.
Construction & Shipbuilding
Permanent lifting magnets assist in lifting heavy-duty steel materials for structural assembly and installation.
Limitations of Permanent Lifting Magnets
While permanent lifting magnets are widely used, they do have certain limitations that should be considered when selecting the best solution for lifting operations:
- Limited Lifting Capacity – The maximum load weight is restricted by the strength of the permanent magnets, making them less suitable for very heavy or thick steel plates.
- Flat Surface Requirement – These magnets require full contact with the load, meaning they are not suitable for rough or irregular surfaces.
- No Remote Control Functionality – Since they are manually operated, they are not ideal for automated lifting equipment.
For higher lifting capacities, automation, and enhanced safety, some industries prefer electro-permanent lifting magnets, which combine the best of both technologies.
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Comparison: Permanent Lifting Magnets vs. Electro-Permanent Lifting Magnets
| Feature | Permanent Lifting Magnets | Electro-Permanent Lifting Magnets |
|---|---|---|
| Power Requirement | No power supply needed | Requires power only during activation/deactivation |
| Lifting Capacity | Limited to magnet strength | Higher capacity with controlled magnetic force |
| Safety Factor | Always magnetic but requires manual handling | Safer – holds the load even in case of power failure |
| Surface Contact | Requires full flat contact | More adaptable to various surfaces |
| Automation | Manual operation only | Suitable for automated lifting systems |
| Best Use Cases | Warehouses, workshops, small-scale lifting | Heavy-duty industrial lifting, automation |
While permanent lifting magnets are a cost-effective and compact solution, electro-permanent lifting magnets provide enhanced lifting power, automation compatibility, and safety, making them ideal for demanding industrial applications.
20 years experience
High Quality and Performance check
ISO 9001:2015 TUV CE Certification
Choosing the Right Lifting Magnet for Your Needs
Selecting the best lifting equipment depends on several factors, including:
- Load Weight & Lifting Capacity – Determine whether permanent lifting magnets provide sufficient strength for your operations.
- Safety Requirements – Consider solutions with fail-safe mechanisms to prevent accidental load drops.
- Surface Conditions – Ensure the magnet type is suitable for the material being lifted (e.g., flat steel vs. rough surfaces).
- Automation Needs – If remote control or robotic integration is required, electro-permanent lifting magnets may be a better choice.
If you need a reliable, high-performance lifting solution, MAGBAT-Europe specialises in electro-permanent lifting magnets, which offer superior efficiency, safety, and lifting power compared to traditional permanent lifting magnets.
Conclusion
Permanent lifting magnets provide a safe, efficient, and cost-effective solution for lifting steel plates, flat materials, and other ferrous components. They are particularly useful for manual lifting applications, where energy efficiency and low maintenance are key considerations.
However, for industries requiring higher lifting capacity, automation, and fail-safe performance, electro-permanent lifting magnets offer a more advanced, reliable, and scalable alternative.
Looking for the right lifting magnet for your application?
Contact MAGBAT-Europe today to explore the best lifting magnet solutions for your business.
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FAQ about industrial lifting magnets
Do you offer custom dimensions and capacities for your lifting magnets?
Yes! We offer custom dimensions and capacities upon request. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.
Can your battery-powered electro permanent lifting magnets be used outdoors?
Our battery-powered electro permanent lifting magnets are designed to be used both indoors and outdoors.
What types of lifting magnets do you offer?
We offer two ranges of electro permanent lifting magnets –battery-powered (DC) and AC-powered. Our series include;
- HM1-Fix Beam for lifting single steel sheets ≥ 5 mm
- HM2-Telescopic Beam for lifting single steel sheets ≥ 5 mm
- HM3 for lifting thin steel sheets ≥ 3 mm
- HM4 for vertical lifting of steel sheets
- HM5 for uncharging cutting machines in one movement
- etc…
What certifications do your products adhere to?
We strictly adhere to the requirements of the quality certification standard ISO 9001:2015.
Difference between electro magnets and electro permanent magnets
Electro magnets require a continuous flow of electricity to maintain their magnetic field, making them less efficient and posing safety risks. If the current fails, the magnetic field also fails, and the workpiece drops down.
Electro permanent magnets, on the other hand only need a current pulse to activate the magnetic field, making them safer, more reliable and 95% more energy efficient.
In addition, electro permanent magnets are lightweight, maintenance-free, and have a perfect balance of magnetic flux, leading to greater stability and reliability. Overall, electro permanent magnets offer a safer, more efficient option for industrial applications.
What are the unique advantages of lifting magnets?
Our lifting magnets are known for their safety, energy efficiency, high efficiency, and environmental friendliness. They are used in various sectors such as steel construction, machine construction, shipbuilding, steel trade, railway and rolling material, injection molding companies and various other industries.
What is the lifting capacity of your electro permanent lifting magnets?
Our lifting magnets have a wide range of lifting capacities, depending on the series and model. Please refer to our product catalog or contact us for more information.
Can your lifting magnets be adapted for use with a forklift?
We offer an option for fork lift adaptation for handling steel plates stored outdoors. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs and requirements.
Achievements
Electro permanent battery-powered lifting beam for Ingalls Shipbuilding (US)
At Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula (USA), MAGBAT-Europe recently delivered an innovative electro permanent battery-powered lifting beam. This system was designed to handle large steel plates safely and efficiently
Lifting road plates without surface damage
Lifting and placing road plates with a strict condition: the underlying surface could not be damaged. Watch our solution.
Efficient Slab Handling with Our Battery-Powered Electro-Permanent Lifting Magnet
At MAGBAT-Europe, we develop solutions that enhance efficiency and safety in port operations. Our latest battery-powered electro-permanent lifting magnet, designed for Bristol Port Company, ensures fast and secure unloading of slabs weighing up to 35 tons.
Sif Netherlands – Offshore wind turbines
We are proud to announce that MAGBAT-Europe has significantly contributed to the success of Sif Netherlands by delivering 11 electro-permanent magnet beams. This collaboration underscores our commitment to innovation and reliability in the metal industry.
Efficient and safe unloading of a vessel with steel sheets.
At Hoffmeier Industrieanlagen GmbH, efficiency and safety are paramount. With our telescopically designed electro permanent magnetic traverse, they have successfully lifted steel plates weighing up to an impressive 24 tons directly from the hold of a ship.
Haizea Wind – Lifting 75 tons of heavy steel plates
We are thrilled to announce our recent partnership with Haizea Wind in Bilbao, where we have delivered 4 Telescopic electro-permanent magnetic Beams. These beams boast a remarkable lifting capacity of 75 tons, specifically engineered for the manipulation of heavy steel plates.