Industrial Magnetics, Inc. Commissioned to Design Custom Magnetic Lifting Solution
Industrial Magnetics, Inc. was recently commissioned to design a custom magnetic lifting solution for a steel stacking and de-stacking application.
BOYNE CITY, MICH. - NOVEMBER 07, 2017 - Industrial Magnetics Inc. was recently commissioned to design a custom magnetic lifting solution for stacking and de-stacking various sizes of steel plate, ranging from 0.5” to 2” thick, and up to 99” wide by 290” long.
The customer was looking to increase productivity, while ensuring operator safety when handling large, heavy loads.
Based on the application parameters, IMI’s engineering department designed a system with a total lifting capacity of 19,200 pounds, which included 12 Powerlift™ permanent, on/off lift magnets that are controlled by pneumatic actuators. These permanent magnetic lifts were specifically chosen over electromagnets because they positively hold the load in the event of a power loss, while possessing the ability to be switched from an "on" to "off" state.
As operator safety was a top priority, the custom lift solution contains a 2 button, grip-proof-release operation, PLC controlled safety routines that ensure proper magnet grip before lifting, load sensors that lockout release functionality while the lifter is off the ground, automatic compressor control, and an indicating stack light.
The solution is also highly flexible. Depending on the needs of the application, it can accommodate either a 4, 8, or 12 lift magnet configuration.
