Electropermanent Lifting Magnet: Complete Guide 2025

Complete guide to electro-permanent magnets 2025: 95% energy savings, comparison of electromagnets, prices, applications. Free quote.

Electropermanent Lifting Magnet: Definition and Functioning

An electro-permanent lifting magnet is a hybrid magnetic device that combines permanent magnets with electrically controlled coils. Unlike conventional electromagnets, this lifting equipment only requires electricity to activate and deactivate the magnetic field. It thus maintains its lifting force thanks to the integrated permanent magnets.
Electropermanent magnet technology and components

Electro-permanent magnet technology relies on several essential components:

Neodymium permanent magnets: Provide the main magnetic force
Circuit électrique de commutation : Permet l’inversion du champ magnétique
Intelligent control system: Manages precise activation/deactivation
Reinforced protective casing: Withstands demanding industrial environments
Batterie longue durée : Autonomie jusqu’à 1000 cycles par charge

Permanent Magnet vs Electromagnet: Complete Comparison

Each magnetic technology offers specific advantages depending on the intended industrial handling application. This comparison will help you identify the optimal solution for your magnetic lifting needs.

Avantages spécifiques des électroaimants
Les électroaimants excellent dans plusieurs domaines d’application grâce à :

Magnetic field dynamically controllable by a DC drive
Can generate a magnetic field with great depth (useful for picking up several stacked sheets of metal)
Exceptional impact resistance
Ideal for difficult applications on hot products (>150°C)

Specific advantages of permanent electromagnets
Permanent electromagnets offer considerable advantages for industrial handling:

Energy efficiency: 95% savings compared to conventional electromagnets
Enhanced safety: automatic load retention even in the event of a power failure
Operational flexibility: operation without continuous power supply

Once activated, the magnet holds the load thanks to its permanent components, ensuring passive safety without continuous power consumption.

Identified Limitations

Electromagnets: continuous power consumption, risk of overheating, need for permanent power supply.
Electro-permanent: shallower magnetic field, reduced efficiency above 80°C, less adaptable to frequent variations.

Recommendations for Use According to Application
Electromagnets are preferable for:

Electromagnets are your best ally when handling materials at high temperatures or in extreme conditions. If you work with steel, which can reach temperatures of up to 600°C, electromagnets will provide the magnetic performance needed to hold your load.

It is also the recommended choice when you cannot guarantee direct contact with your parts: presence of paint, oxidation, impurities or significant working distance (air gap greater than 2-3 mm). Overhead travelling cranes and fixed cranes particularly benefit from this technology.

Examples of applications: steel industry, foundries, demolition cranes, sorting conveyors, handling of uncleaned raw parts, unloading of raw materials.
Choose electro-permanent magnets for:

Electro-permanent magnets excel when you are looking for energy efficiency and working on finished or semi-finished parts at room temperature. If your work cycles involve holding metal sheets for long periods of time (machining, assembly, storage), this technology will save you up to 95% in energy costs, as it only consumes power when activated and deactivated.

Direct contact with clean surfaces maximises its magnetic efficiency. Mobile spreader beams and autonomous lifting equipment are particularly suited to this technology.

Examples of applications: handling finished sheet metal, precision assembly, industrial robotics, portable maintenance equipment, lifting machined metal parts.