MAGS, the lifting magnet not scared of air gap

Risks related to traditional lifting magnet

We are used to considering the performance of a magnetic lifter by looking at the maximum capacity stated on the nameplate. The figure is defined as the maximum capacity under theoretically optimal conditions, i.e. when the surface of the load to be lifted is completely smooth, with a solid, clean and grinded surface and the thickness of the material is appropriate to the magnet’s conformation.

Unfortunately, operating reality is far from ideal conditions.

The poor surface quality of the workpiece, the presence of dirt, paint, water or even the morphology itself with holes and recesses severely affect the magnet performance.

Lifting magnets are often used without really knowing how much force they are actually operating with. Therefore, in a condition of uncertainty and potential danger.

Lifting magnets and critical issues in real use

The term ‘air gap’ refers to anything that comes between the magnet and the load (foreign material or just air), i.e. the measure of the contact discontinuity between the magnet and the workpiece. The larger the air gap, the lower the magnetic force with which the workpiece is clamped.

The thickness also affects the actual performance: with a reduced thickness, the magnetic flux tends to overshoot the load, dispersing part of its force into the air.

The characteristics of the material to be handled is another element to be taken into consideration: the maximum performance of a lifting magnet is obtained with so-called common steel, while with alloy steels or cast iron the real performance is reduced by up to 70%.

MAGS, fail-safe lifting magnets

The magnetic configuration with alternating square poles enables maximum magnetic efficiency even with high air gaps.

MAGS is the only lifting magnet that features an automatic load evaluation system: FRS (Force Reading System).
FRS checks the condition and weight of the load, detects the air gap and analyzes the magnetic force developed with precision: only after evaluating all these variables does it authorises the handling or not, guaranteeing total safety.

The operator cannot make a mistake: MAGS warns if the air gap is too big, if the load is not suitable, or if it is simply too heavy.

MAGS, the safest lifting magnet

Besides solving all air gap issues with FRS, MAGS is the safest lifting magnet for many other important reasons:

• The Anti Deactivation System inhibits the accidental demagnetisation and consequent unexpected release of the load during handling.
• For loads up to 6 meters long, MAGS modules can be coupled with a plug’n play connection kit and easily installed on existing cross beams and slingbars.
• It is possible to adjust the force to lift single sheets from a stack from 4 mm thickness, without slings and preserving the load from damage or deformation.
• A single operator can safely work at a distance from the load, thanks to the standard radio remote control.
• MAGS lifting magnets are equipped with Supercap graphene batteries: they do not overheat (avoiding the risk of explosion), are long-lasting and require no maintenance.