Basic Information - ALFRA TMC 600 Mode D'emploi

BASIC INFORMATION CONCERNING THE HANDLING OF MAGNETIC
LIFTING GEAR – IN PARTICULAR TML / TMH / TMC
The magnetic surface is located on the underside of the magnet incorporating multiple magnetic poles
which generate the magnetic holding force when activated. The maximum holding force that can be achieved
depends on different factors which are explained below:
Material thickness
The magnetic flux of the permanent magnet requires a minimum material thickness to flow completely into the
load. Below this minimum thickness of material, the maximum holding force is reduced depending on material
thickness. Conventional switchable permanent magnets have a deep penetrating magnetic field similar to
the tap root of a tree, and require a large material thickness to achieve maximum holding force. The compact
magnetic field of TML, TMH and TMC magnets is similar to a shallow root and achieves maximum holding force
even when used on thin materials (see performance data in table 2, page 18).
Material
Every material reacts in a different way to penetration of the magnetic field lines. The breakaway force of the
magnet is determined using a low carbon material. Steels with high carbon content or whose structure has
been changed by heat treatment have a lower holding force. Foamed or porous cast components also have a
lower holding force, so that the given load-bearing capacity of the magnet can be downgraded on the basis
of the following table 1.
Table 1
Material
Non-alloyed steel (0.1-0.3% C content)
Non-alloyed steel (0.3-0.5% C content)
Cast steel
Grey castiron
Nickel
Most stainless steels, aluminium, brass
Surface quality
The maximum holding force of a permanent magnet can be achieved in case of a closed magnetic circuit in
which the magnetic field lines can connect up freely between the poles, thus creating a high magnetic flux.
In contrast to iron, for example, air has very high resistance to magnetic flux. If an air gap is formed between
the work piece and the magnet, the holding force will be reduced. In the same way, paint, rust, scale, surface
coatings, grease or similar substances all constitute a space (i.e. an air gap), between work piece and magnet.
Furthermore, an increase in surface roughness or unevenness has an adverse effect on the magnetic holding
force. Reference values for your TMC 600 can be found in table 2 (page 18).
Load dimensions
When working with large work pieces such as girders or plates, the load can deform during the application.
A large steel plate would bend downwards at the outer edges and create a curved surface which no longer
has full contact with the bottom of the magnet. The resulting air gap reduces the maximum load-bearing
capacity of the magnetic clamp. Hollow objects or those smaller than the magnetic surface will also result
in less holding power being available.
Load alignment
During lateral load ('shear' mode), the holding force of the magnetic clamp decreases dependent upon the
coefficient of friction between the two materials.
Temperature
The high-power permanent magnets installed in the magnetic clamp will begin to lose their magnetic
properties irreversibly from a temperature of more than 80°C (180°F), so that the full load-bearing capacity is
never reached again even after the magnet has cooled down. Please note the specifications on your product
and in the operating manual.
16
Magnetic force in %
100
90-95
90
45
11
0