Electromagnets

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Eclipse Magnetics understands the needs of the product designer, machine designer, electrical engineer, safety manager and end user. Electro-holding magnets can be simple electromagnets or electropermanent magnets. Electromagnets are a wound copper coil with a central steel core within a steel housing– they only create magnetism and clamp onto mild steel when a dc electrical current is present (energize to hold).

Electropermanent magnets are electromagnets with permanent magnets inside them as well – the magnet clamps to the mild steel when no current is applied but when the dc current is applied the magnetic paths change and clamping is stopped (energize to release). The energize to release electromagnets are always "on" when no current is present.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Electromagnets

Advantages

Extremely high clamping forces are possible
Over 1600N for a 65mm (2.6 inches) diameter electromagnet
They can be connected in series or parallel (parallel is regarded as a better method) when using several
Electropermanent magnets stay clamped when no current is present
Can be operated remotely
12V dc, 24V dc and 240V ac versions exist

Disadvantages

Electromagnets only clamp when a current is applied
Electromagnets require a power supply
Pull force reduces as the air gap increases
Pull force reduces for thinner mild steel (using several smaller electromagnets is advised in such situations)

Typical Electromagnet Applications

Machine tools
Door locking / holding
Feeder mechanism, Short stroke / high force operation
Automation e.g. Textile machinery, Packaging machinery, Office machinery
Grill locking
Remote hold / release

Example: A company required a system to clamp mild steel sections and move them around within a confined area, ideally with the ability to clamp and release on a robotic system. We supplied them with energize to release electropermanent magnets that they can control automatically at a distance to their requirements.

To discuss your project please contact us