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Lifting magnets
Lifting steel products safely with magnetic lifters
Magnetic lifters ensure quick and undamaged moving and positioning of steel workpieces of different shapes and lengths. Magnetic lifting saves valuable storage space and time. It is a safe replacement for slings, chains or clamps.
Whether you work in construction, metalworking, or any other industry where heavy loads need to be moved regularly, our lifting magnets offer the ideal solution. With more than 65 years of experience and innovation, we are your partner for efficient and safe movement of heavy steel products.
Why choose Goudsmit lifting magnets?
At Goudsmit Magnetics, we understand that reliability and safety are crucial. That is why we offer an extensive range of lifting magnets that meet the highest quality standards. Our products are designed to provide maximum performance and durability, even in the most demanding environments.
- Safety and reliability: Our lifting magnets are equipped with advanced safety features to ensure safe operation.
- Efficiency and precision: Our innovative designs allow you to optimise your material handling processes, saving time and costs.
- Versatility: Whether you need to lift steel sheets, tubes, or other metal objects, we have the right solution for you.
Permanent lifting magnets
Our permanent lifting magnets are ideal for handling ferromagnetic materials without the need for an external power source. They are robust, reliable, and easy to operate, perfect for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Applications of lifting magnets
Lifting magnets from Goudsmit Magnetics are used worldwide in various industries. Some of the most common applications include:
- Metalworking: Easy lifting and moving of steel plates and components.
- Construction: Moving heavy structural elements such as steel beams and panels.
- Shipyards: Efficient lifting of steel pipes and plates.
Lifting capacity influencing factors
Not only weight is important when picking up steel objects. The maximum breakaway force is the force to pull the magnet from the product. The values on this site - in the specifications on the product pages - are indications. These are measured on a clean, flat steel sheet of a specific thickness: thick enough to absorb the full magnetic force. In practice, the maximum breakaway force is therefore not always feasible.
All the factors mentioned below collectively reduce the lifting capacity. To calculate the final reduction in lifting capacity, you have to multiply the various factors.
Surface conditions/air gap
Lines of magnetic force pass through steel very easily and through air with difficulty. Anything that creates a space or air gap between a magnet and a load to be lifted reduces the lifting capacity of a magnet. This can be, for example, dirt, paper, moisture, burrs, rust or paint.
Material
Steel with a low carbon content, such as St37, is nearly as good a conductor as iron. Alloys, however, contain non-magnetic materials, which impair magnetic conduction. AISI304, for instance, is a material that conducts magnetic field lines almost as poorly as air.
Heat treatments that affect the structure of the steel can also reduce the lifting capacity. The harder steel is, the poorer the lifting capacity. Hardened steel also often retains residual magnetism.
See below the lifting force for different materials:
| Material | Efficiency |
|---|---|
| Non-alloy low-carbon steel (<0.3% C) such as Fe 360, Fe 510 | 100% |
| Non-alloy carbon steel (0.3 – 0.5% C) such as C15, C45 | 80 – 90% |
| High-carbon (0.5 – 1.8% C) alloy tool steel | 70 – 80% |
| Magnetic stainless steel (ferritic, martensitic) such as AISI430 | 60 - 75% |
| Cast iron (>1.8% C) | 45 – 50% |
| Nickel | 10% |
| Stainless steel AISI304 | 1 - 3% |
| Austenitic stainless steel such as AISI316, brass, aluminium, copper | 0% |
Load thickness
The greater the number of field lines that can ‘flow’ from the magnet through the load, the higher the efficiency of the magnet. If the load is too thin, the material becomes saturated with field lines and not all field lines from the magnet can flow through the material. This reduces the lifting force. Only if the load is sufficiently thick is it possible to utilise the magnet’s full capacity. Once this point is reached, a greater material thickness will not result in any additional lifting capacity.
Magnet contact surface on lifted load
If not the entire magnet surface makes contact with the load during lifting, the lifting capacity will be reduced in direct proportion.
Bending of the lifted load
If a thin sheet is lifted with a single magnet, or if the load is much wider or longer than the contact surface of the magnet, the load will bend and 'peel off' of the magnet. This peeling effect greatly reduces the lifting capacity.
Therefore, lift thin plates with several magnets, evenly distributed over the entire surface. Make sure that the magnet contact surface is always in line with the load to be lifted and not transverse to the load length.
Temperature of the load to be lifted
The higher the temperature, the faster the molecules in the steel move. Rapidly moving molecules are more resistant to an applied magnetic field and therefore result in a lower lifting capacity. The magnets used may be loaded up to a maximum of 80°C, otherwise they will become permanently demagnetized.
Magnets for use in higher temperatures are available on request.
Stacking of the lifted load
A magnet is designed for a certain lifting capacity; this is for a single load to be lifted. A lifting capacity calculated for a single sheet 10 mm thick is not the same as for two sheets that are each 5 mm thick. If you want to lift more than one sheet/profile at a time, you must state this clearly when placing your order. The specialists at Goudsmit will determine how this can be done safely for you.
It is often undesirable that two or three sheets are picked up together when taking them from a stack. The last sheet can come loose during transport. For that reason, there are magnets with a shallow field for picking up thin sheets. If this is not enough, place sheet separators next to the stack of sheets so that they are always picked up one at a time.
Why Goudsmit Magnetics?
- Innovation and Quality: At Goudsmit Magnetics, we continuously invest in research and development to provide the most advanced magnetic solutions.
- Customer Service: Our experts are ready to help you choose the right lifting magnet for your specific needs.
- Sustainability: We are committed to sustainable manufacturing processes and products that last.
Contact us
Do you have any questions or want to know more about our lifting magnets? Contact Goudsmit Magnetics. We are pleased to assist you with advice and support.
Lifting magnets are ideal for handling ferromagnetic materials without the need for an external power source. They are robust, reliable, and easy to operate, perfect for both indoor and outdoor applications.