Testing The Breakaway Force of Steel Handling Magnets

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Operators of steel handling magnets need to be aware of the ‘breakaway force’ required to separate a magnet from the workload surface. This ensures that the operator knows just how heavy a load they can lift without running into issues. But how exactly is breakaway force measured and what affects it? The following guide is an overview for the testing process for breakaway force on industrial magnets. 

steel plate lifting device

What Affects Breakaway Force?

There are several factors that affect the breakaway force of steel handling magnets. Things like the shape of the magnet, the materials the magnet is composed of and the configuration of the magnetic poles. Extremely high and low temperatures can weaken a magnet, which in turn reduces the force required to break away. 

Operators need to have a comprehensive understanding of the load they are lifting. A load’s mass, composition, flatness and smoothness all affect the breakaway force. When there is an air gap between the magnet and the load, the magnetic force on the load is weaker and a breakaway is more likely to occur. When testing a steel handling magnets breakaway force, the test must be performed at several different locations to determine strong and weak points in the magnetic attraction. 

The Testing Process

When testing break away force on steel handling magnets, a gauss meter is used in combination with a test plate on the load.  To ensure the measurements are accurate, the tests must be carried out in a facility that is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The surface roughness and flatness of the load will then be tested and measured. All instruments used must be properly calibrated and have the calibration certified before testing. 

Testers will make sure the steel handling magnets surface is in complete contact with the test plate and that the load applied to the magnet is perpendicular to the magnet surface. The flux density on the back surface of the test place will then be recorded before testing. The magnet and load will be gradually pulled apart while the meter records the total force exerted. The load will eventually break away from the test plate surface – the value of force measured at this moment is the breakaway force. The test is conducted multiple times in different locations to determine strength variances. 

industrial magnets for lifting

High Quality Steel Plate Magnets

Do you need to have your magnets tested for their breakaway force? Permadur’s team has expert engineers and operators who can inspect equipment, evaluate its performance, and analyze how to best address any issues that may be revealed. 

From planning how a facility can best be configured, to purchasing the best equipment for your application, to maintaining it & training your employees to use the equipment as effectively as possible, Permadur is committed to maximizing the value and lifespan of your equipment.

Looking for new lifting systems? Our team of engineers can design and install our systems based on the specific needs of your company’s unique application. This process ensures that the product you purchase is designed specifically for your needs and you understand all the characteristics of our lifting equipment before you ever “flip the switch” and that our equipment is properly integrated into your work environment.
We are an American manufacturer of below-the-hook lifting equipment that specializes in permanent lifting magnets. We offer magnets in bipolar, tripolar and five polar orientations enabling us to tailor the design of the magnet system to your specific lifting needs.  We are also here to support your needs year after year with maintenance after installation support. Contact us for more information.