What is a lifting magnet?
A lifting magnet is a powerful type of lifting gear that is often used for lifting steel products. Lifting magnets are often used for lifting objects where traditional lifting gear can be easily damaged. The lifting magnet is often used directly between the crane hook and the load being lifted.
What types of lifting magnets are there?
Perma lifting magnet
Perma lifting magnets work without electricity. These lifting magnets are by far the most used type of lifting magnet and are often used in various productions, as well as for handling in e.g. CNC machines and the like. They are easy to connect via the mounted handle.
Electric lifting magnet
Unlike permalift magnets, these magnets work via current that is passed through special coils. This creates the necessary magnetic field. These lifting magnets are often used for very heavy loads and often have a battery as a safety backup - so that the load is not lost in the event of a power failure.
Electric lifting magnet on battery
These lifting magnets offer the same advantages as the electric magnets, but by virtue of their battery they carry the 'current' with them. These lifting magnets often have a perma-backup solution in case the power is failling - so that the load is not lost during lifting.
How much does a lifting magnet cost?
You can easily find a price for a lifting magnet by logging in to our site. Remember that we can also always be helpful with an offer for just the lifting magnet you would like. Our website only shows a sample of our large range of over 10,000 products. Our sales department can always help you find the right solution if you can't find it here on our site. If you have more questions about the products than you can find answers to on this page, you are of course always welcome to call, write or stop by one of our branches. If you have a concrete challenge in your company - then of course it is also possible to get one of our many consultants into your company - so that the question can be addressed in the right context.
You should check this on your lifting magnet before a lift
The first thing you should check before using a lifting magnet for lifting is that it is correctly marked. This must be done so that you are sure that you have the right tool for your lift. According to the Machinery Directive, a lifting magnet must be marked as WLL (lifting capacity), manufacturer, CE and ID number. In addition, you should check that the lifting magnet has been inspected by an expert within the last twelve months* (*depends on country regulations). Here there will typically be a sign or sticker attached indicating when the lifting magnet was last approved. Note that white is a cassation color - if you find white color on the lifting magnet or a white sticker, you should not use it. In addition, you should check that the lifting magnet is not damaged and that the pole shoes of the magnet are intact.
Reduction of WLL (lifting capacity) in relation to material thickness and 'air space' between lifting magnet and load: It doesn't sound exciting, but it is incredibly important that you as a user familiarize yourself with this very thing when you use a lifting magnet. On most lifting magnets, regardless of type, you will find a diagram showing just this. Eg. our WeDoLifting perma magnet with a WLL of 100 kg must use a material thickness of 30 mm to achieve 100% of its lifting capacity. As mentioned, you will find a table/graph with exactly this on the lifting magnet, just as it is also found in the associated user manual. Also remember that a possible bending effect on the subject, e.g. steel plates can be decisive for the lifting capacity of the magnet.
You must be aware of this during your lift
In addition to material thickness and air or space between the lifting magnet and load, you should be aware of the type of steel you are lifting. Eg. our WeDoLifting permamagnet has the following indicative reduction factors: Steel with a high carbon content: 0.80, alloy steel 0.70 and cast iron 0.50 in addition, for example, most types of stainless steel are not magnetic at all. Here you can use other lifting equipment to carry out the lifting with, for example, lifting clamps or vacuum lifters - to name just a few alternatives.
Checklist for lifting with lifting magnets:
Check that the lifting magnet is marked correctly: WLL, manufacturer, CE, ID number and last statutory inspection.
Check that the magnet's lifting capacity matches the load / object, including any 'air gap' between the load / object and the lifting magnet. Note that this can also be made up of any packaging, dirt, paint or any impurities on the load / object.
Do a test lift: When the lifting magnet is connected - please do a test lift of a few centimeters so that you ensure correct load capacity and that the attachment is correct and at the same time you get a taste of whether the weight distribution is completely correct.
Do not leave the load hanging in the air without supervision and do not lift the load over people with a lifting magnet.
When lifting a load - lift only one load at a time even though it may be tempting. The lifting magnet must not be overloaded.
Do not engage the lifting magnet until it is placed in the desired position for the lift and do not disengage the lifting magnet until the load is lowered and in the intended safe position.
How to make your lifting magnet last for many years:
The lifting magnet's magnetism must be switched off during storage when it is not in contact with magnetic material - otherwise this can greatly reduce the life of the magnet. At the same time, it is of course always a good idea to keep the lifting magnet clean and dry. Carrying out the lifting magnet in very harsh environments, it is often recommended by the manufacturer that the statutory service inspection be carried out more frequently than the statutory inspection every 12 months.
Do the inspection rule also apply to lifting magnets?
Depending on country, yes, just like all other lifting gear / lifting equipment - lifting magnets, cf. the Norwegian Working Environment Authority, must have a statutory inspection at least every 12 months by an expert - of course we can help with that here at Fyns Kran Udstyr!
