A permanent lifting magnet is used in many different applications. It’s a lifting device designed to safely move and transport heavy objects, such as die castings and steel plates. Regarding plate lifting magnets, there are two popular magnets types to choose from.
Alnico
Alnico magnets have high magnetic strength, so they’re an excellent choice for high-capacity loads. These magnets are popular in lifting devices because they have a low resistance to being re-magnetized and demagnetized. They are more cost-effective than other options. Alnico magnets are incredibly durable as they can withstand high-temperature applications and are resistant to corrosion. These magnets work best for large-size castings. The distance between poles is longer than the pole face dimension for ideal performance. You can easily magnetize and demagnetize this material with electricity by wrapping coils of wire around the magnet.
Neodymium
These are the strongest magnets on the market. They provide high levels of magnetism and resistance to demagnetization. One disadvantage of neodymium magnets is that they easily become brittle as they’re prone to corrosion. Adding the element dysprosium to the coating of these magnets can help eliminate this issue. These magnets are more costly because of the cost of raw materials. When working with applications restricted in size, these magnets are ideal. Neodymium magnets have a low heat tolerance, so they work best in low-temperature applications.
Choosing the right magnet for your permanent lifting magnet will depend on your needs. The material you consider will depend on your specific application.