Electromagnetic lifting magnets
Electromagnetic lifting magnets are widely used for handling steel in industrial environments, offering strong and adjustable magnetic force. However, they require a continuous power supply, which can pose risks such as load drops during power failure. While effective, they are not always the most efficient solution.
In this guide, we explore their applications, benefits, and key differences compared to electro permanent lifting magnets, a safer and more energy-efficient alternative.
What Are Electromagnetic Lifting Magnets?
Electromagnetic lifting magnets are industrial lifting magnets designed to handle steel plates, sheet metal, and other ferrous materials with precision and efficiency.
These magnetic lifting devices use a continuous power supply to generate a strong magnetic field, allowing them to lift and transport flat materials such as steel sheets, die castings, and machined components in industrial environments.
Benefits of Electromagnetic Lifting Magnets for Heavy Industry
Electromagnetic lifting magnets offer several key advantages for steel mills, fabricating shops, and material handling operations:
- Adjustable Lifting Force: Operators can regulate the magnetic force to suit different lifting capacities and material thicknesses.
- Deep Magnetic Penetration: Suitable for handling scrap, lifting of bundles concrete steel and tubes, packages of steel sheets.
- Continuous Operation: Ideal for scrap yards and steel warehouses, where frequent lifting and repositioning of stock is required.
- Versatile Applications: Designed for coils, castings, forgings, and flat materials, making them ideally suited for various types of industrial operations.
Applications of Electromagnetic Lifting Magnets
Electromagnetic Lifting Magnets for Steel and Sheet Metal
In industrial plants where efficiency is paramount, electromagnetic lifting magnets streamline the handling of steel by offering precise control over lift capacity.
These magnetic lifters provide a secure grip on steel sheets, flat stock, and machined components, ensuring safe and efficient transportation in steel mills, scrap yards, and manufacturing facilities.
- Steel mills – Moving low carbon steel plates, coils, and other flat materials.
- Fabricating shops – Handling thin plates and flat stock during manufacturing.
- Scrap yards – Lifting heavy ferrous materials for processing and recycling.
- Machine shops – Managing machined components with high accuracy.
Use in Construction, Logistics, and Manufacturing
Electromagnetic lifting magnets play a critical role in flat material handling for in-plant logistics, construction sites, and manufacturing centers, ensuring efficient movement of steel sheets, flat plates, and heavy-duty materials. Their high lifting capacity makes them essential for:
- Steel warehouses – Rapid loading and unloading of steel plates and other flat loads.
- Automotive and aerospace manufacturing – Transporting die castings, coils, and machined components.
- Port operations and rail transport – Safe handling of steel loads with quick twist lock adapter connections.
Download our brochure
Differences Between Electromagnetic and Electro Permanent Lifting Magnets
While electromagnetic lifting magnets are widely used in heavy industry, they require a continuous power supply to maintain their magnetic lifting force.
In contrast, electro permanent lifting magnets—which MAGBAT-Europe specializes in—offer greater energy efficiency and safety.
Electromagnetic vs. Electro Permanent Lifting Magnets
| Feature | Electromagnetic Lifting Magnets | Electro Permanent Lifting Magnets |
|---|---|---|
| Power Requirement | Requires continuous powe | Only needs power during magnetization/demagnetization |
| Energy Efficiency | High energy consumption | Energy-saving operation |
| Safety | Load drops during power failure | Holds load even in power failure |
| Applications | Suitable for continuous use in steel processing | Ideal for safe, controlled lifting |
20 years experience
High Quality and Performance check
ISO 9001:2015 TUV CE Certification
Benefits of Electro Permanent Magnets for Continuous Use
At MAGBAT-Europe, we focus on electro permanent magnet solutions due to their low energy consumption, fail-safe operation, and powerful lifting capabilities. Unlike traditional electromagnetic lifting magnets, our electro permanent systems offer:
- Reliable operation even in case of power failure – No risk of dropped loads.
- Low maintenance – No need for fully moisture protected coils or cooling systems.
- High lifting performance – Suitable for heavy-duty applications without excessive energy costs.
Safety and Maintenance of Electromagnetic Lifting Magnets
Essential Safety Guidelines for Electromagnetic Magnets
Proper handling of steel with electromagnetic lifting requires strict adherence to safety protocols:
- Ensure ample thickness of the contact surface to maximize grip.
- Avoid loose parts or rust that could reduce the lifting magnet’s surface area.
- Verify the maximum rated lift capacity before engaging the magnet.
- Conduct regular checks on the power supply and twist lock adapters for secure connections.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Use
For continuous use, electromagnetic lifting magnets require:
- Regular inspection of coils and power supply systems.
- Ensuring moisture protection for electrical components.
- Cleaning the magnet’s lifting surface to prevent slippage.
- Monitoring detailed ratings to match materials with the correct lifting device.
Choosing the Best Magnetic Solution for Your Business
When selecting a lifting magnet for steel plates, coils, and flat materials, it’s crucial to consider efficiency, safety, and long-term operating costs.
While electromagnetic lifting magnets remain common in certain industrial applications, a magnetic lifter with electro permanent technology provides a more advanced, energy-efficient, and reliable alternative.
Electro Permanent Lifting Magnets as a Preferred Alternative
At MAGBAT-Europe, we do not offer traditional electromagnetic lifting magnets, but we do provide cutting-edge electro permanent magnet solutions designed for:
- Heavy-duty material handling with maximum safety.
- Lower operational costs thanks to energy-saving technology.
- Fail-safe lifting that secures the load even during power failure.
While any other self-contained magnet requires a constant power supply, electro permanent magnets retain their magnetic hold without continuous energy input. This makes them a more reliable and cost-effective choice for industrial lifting applications.
Looking for the most powerful magnet solution for industrial lifting? Explore our electro permanent lifting magnets and discover a more efficient, cost-effective, and safe alternative to traditional electromagnetic lifting magnets.
Download our brochure
Gain valuable insights into the benefits, applications, and technical specifications about electro permanent lifting magnets. Fill in the form below to receive the brochure directly to your email.
Gain valuable insights into the benefits, applications, and technical specifications about electro permanent lifting magnets.
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.