Permadur Plate Handling Systems

Engineered to Lift. Built to Last.

PLATE SYSTEMS

Heavy Plate Handling

8’ x 20’-50’ Plate Sizes
These Permadur Heavy Plate Handling Systems are very similar to our Large Plate handling Systems, but typically will utilize an array of our FP-4000 Lifting Magnets to provide a higher lifting capacity per magnet.

Large Plate Handling

Plate Lifting Magnets

8’ x 20’-50’ Plate Sizes
These Permadur Large Plate Lifting Magnets typically are handling steel plate sizes ranging from 8′ Wide x 20′-50′ in Length and are 3/16″ to 1″ Thick. These Systems include selective controllers (typically by Row), utilize either a self-contained rechargeable battery or Single Phase AC Power Supply, and include Spring Suspension Assemblies for each Magnet to insure proper load sharing

Small Plate Handling

4’ x 8’, 5’ x 10’, 6’ x 12’ Plate Sizes
These Permadur Small Plate Handling Systems are typically designed to handle 4’ x 8’, 5’ x 10’. And 6’ x 12’ plate sizes with thicknesses ranging from 3/16” to 1”. For thinner plate in this size range please refer to the Thin Plate Handling Section or Vacuum Lifting Systems.

Sheet Handling Equipment

Sheet Lifting—3/16” thickness or less
These Permadur Thin Plate Handling Systems are built to support the handling of thinner gauge material. In order to provide single plate handling off a stack for plates thinner than 3/16″ thick, we utilize a special Permadur Electroperm Magnet whose magnetic intensity / depth of field can be reduced or increased depending on the Plate thickness.

Safe, efficient handling for large steel plate

Permadur Plate Handling Systems are designed to safely and efficiently move steel plate in demanding industrial environments. Built with failsafe magnetic lifting technology, these systems help prevent accidental load drops — even in the event of power loss or control misoperation.

Available in AC-powered or rechargeable battery configurations, each system is engineered around your specific plate size, thickness, and handling requirements. Using Permadur lifting magnets and custom load beams, operators can safely lift a single plate from a stack and move it with confidence and control.

Designed for one-operator use, Permadur Plate Handling Systems reduce labor demands while significantly improving material handling efficiency. Our application engineers work directly with you to develop a system that fits your workflow.

Product Specifications

🛡 Will Not Drop a Suspended Load Due To
  • Loss of electrical power
  • Faulty wiring
  • Misoperation of controls
🏗 Handling
  • Single plate handling from a stack
  • Remote control options available
  • Various custom loadbeam configurations to fit application
Electrical
  • Dependable relay analog control systems
  • Unaffected by cold temperatures
  • Integration with overhead crane controls (if needed)
Power & Efficiency
  • Consumes no power during lift
  • Requires lower electrical power supply than competitor magnets
  • 100% duty cycle — no downtime for magnet cooling
🔌 Power Supply
  • AC power supply as standard
  • No backup battery system required
  • Simplified wiring — no battery maintenance
Safety
  • Rated safe working load provides 4-to-1 safety factor
  • On/off controls provide positive indication of magnet field absorption
📈 Productivity
  • One-man plate handling increases efficiency
  • No installation costs
  • Available as a KIT with load beam drawings included

The Result

With Permadur Plate Handling Systems, plate handling becomes faster, safer, and more predictable. Operations benefit from reduced labor costs, fewer damaged plates, improved safety, and higher throughput.

Key Benefits

  • Prevents load drops caused by power loss or control issues
  • Safely lifts a single plate from a stack
  • One-operator handling improves productivity
  • Selective magnet control with movable cross arms
  • Control options include pushbutton, radio remote, or PLC integration
  • Visual safety indicators confirm proper magnet engagement
  • No power consumption during lift (100% duty cycle)
  • Compact, durable, low-headroom design
  • Built to OSHA and ASME B30.20 standards

Custom System Design

Permadur Plate Handling Systems are custom-designed based on your specific operational requirements. Custom load beams and control packages are available to match your crane and facility layout.

Plate dimensions and thickness
Surface condition
Handling method and workflow
Power preference (AC or rechargeable battery)

Typical Applications

  • Steel service centers
  • Shipyards
  • Heavy manufacturing and fabrication facilities
  • Plate processing and staging operations

Why Permadur Plate Handling?

Traditional slings, hooks, and clamps can be slow, unsafe, and labor-intensive when handling large plates. Permadur Plate Handling Systems provide stable, balanced, and controlled lifting — reducing manual handling, minimizing material damage, and improving overall safety.

Product Description

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Related From our Blog

Problem / Cause / solution / benefit

Problem

In fabrication shops, steel mills, and metal processing facilities — handling large steel plates manually or with generic hooks, slings, or clamps often leads to slow operations, frequent delays, potential material damage, and heightened safety risks. Heavy plates can slip, shift, tilt, or drop; operators may struggle with load balance; plates often get scratched, dented, or damaged; and handling may require multiple workers, causing inefficiency and higher labor costs.

Cause

Because steel plates are often large, heavy, and awkwardly shaped, traditional lifting/racking solutions (slings, chains, clamps, hooks) are not optimized for plates’ size and weight distribution. Those methods frequently result in uneven load balance, lack of stability, insufficient control over plate orientation or movement, and require manual adjustments or multiple operators. Without purpose-built plate handling equipment, each lift becomes risky and slow — increasing chances of dropped loads, plate damage, and operator injury.

Solution

Permadur Plate Handling Systems provide purpose-built equipment designed specifically for steel plates and large flat materials. These systems integrate lifting, gripping or support mechanisms (magnet packages, clamps, lifting beams, or other customized attachments) to ensure stable, balanced, and controlled lifting and movement of steel plates. By using equipment engineered for plate dimensions and weight, the system ensures proper load distribution, stable transport, secure grips, and safe handling — whether lifting single plates, stacking, staging for processing, or transporting across the shop floor.

Benefit

Using Permadur Plate Handling Systems transforms plate-handling operations. Plates move faster and more reliably with fewer workers, reducing labor costs and turnaround time. The risk of material damage (scratches, dents, dropped loads) goes down, preserving steel integrity and reducing scrap or rework. Safety for workers improves significantly by minimizing manual strain, reducing chance of load shifting or accidents, and improving overall control and stability during handling. Operational throughput increases — enabling smoother workflows, better production consistency, and lower costs per lift or plate handled.