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Lifting and material handling magnets are an important component in many processing facilities, mostly in the metalworking and part fabrication industries. These devices are highly effective at improving safety and efficiency, doing the work of several men. They are also a reliable alternative to mechanical devices, which have a higher fail rate, require more maintenance and are generally less safe to operate. However, magnetic devices need to be regularly inspected to ensure they are operating at peak performance.
What are some of the most common material handling magnets used in processing facilities?
Lifting devices are essential in any facility that works with bulky pieces of metal. They are especially useful at recycling plants, where there are high rates of iron and steel repurposing. They are also ideal for fabrication and welding facilities, where huge pieces of metal need to be moved into place for processing. Without these devices, multiple people have to be tasked to lifting and carrying the metal, and this can result in severe injury.
Manually dealing with stacks of metal sheeting is time consuming and risky. Many facilities use metal sheeting as a raw material in their processes, but it is heavy and difficult to separate. To speed up the process and make it safer, sheet separators are used to fan out the metal for easy pickup. During use, a sheet separator is placed under the corner of the metal stack and activated. Sheet separators use a polarized field to fan the metal sheets out, making it easy to pick one out of the stack.
Material handling magnets are also installed in conveyors to make for efficient metal transport. Belt conveyors are a common option for a variety of products because they are economical and reliable. When integrated with these devices, though, they are even more efficient at transporting iron or steel pieces. Placed beneath the belt, these magnets grab and clamp ferrous material to the belt, preventing them from shaking loose or becoming damaged during transport. This powerful grip allows for an endless range of design styles, including completely vertical conveyors. This design feature is especially helpful in facilities that have little space to spare, or need to transport material to multiple levels.
Beltless conveyors are also available and eliminate the possibility of metal pieces getting trapped inside the conveyor, a risk that belted conveyors pose. In a beltless conveyor, the device is moved from one end of the conveyor to the other. The metal pieces grabbed by the attractive field move with the device and are contained on a trough like platform.
While these devices don’t require much maintenance to stay in operation, regular auditing by a company like Philip Rahm will ensure they maintain peak performance. With proper installation and maintenance, these devices can last many years without requiring major repairs, but there are often complications with device placement and upkeep. Our experts will survey the facility, test all devices for pull strength, verify that they are placed and maintained properly and deliver a detailed report to the facility’s quality assurance team. This is a no cost, simple way to keep facility safety and production at maximum levels.
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