automation and materials handling
Permanent-magnetic heavy
duty lifting systems deliver
major improvements in
handling of ferrous sheets,
bars and profiles.
Magnets take the strain
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Models available
STRUCTURAL steel fabrication companies are
benefiting from a safe and reliable system for the rapid
handling of ferrous loads. Tecno-lift, available from FICEP,
works on the principle of a permanent electro circuit
which combines the power of an electro-magnet with the
independence of a permanent magnet. Power is applied for
only a few seconds to attach the lifting head to the load,
which is then safely and securely clamped in position for
an indefinite period of time. The load can be lifted, moved,
positioned or suspended as required and the load can only
be released when it is back on the ground, on a machine,
truck or racking system, by a further short application of
power. No battery back-up is required to guard against
power cuts and electrical consumption for this type of
magnet is 95% less than normal electro-magnets.
One single operator with a remote control can perform
all the picking-up, lifting, handling and releasing
operations entirely independently, whilst staying at a safe
distance from the load. This represents a substantial saving
in manpower as no other personnel are required to attach,
manage and maintain the belts, chains or safety tools
required for a conventional lift with an overhead crane.
The operator can control and adjust the magnetic flux
within a very small depth, making it possible to lift one or
several plates at a time which eliminates the need for
wooden spacers between loads and because there is no
deformation, the load is more stable during transportation.
The lifting system is also able to make much more efficient
use of floor space as no empty areas are required either side
or in between the loads for access, something that would
■ TM4/6 telescopic beams: for clamping and handling sheets with a thickness from 4mm with a maximum length of 16m; capacity from 6 to 25 tons.
■ BF2 fixed beams: similar to the TM model using a more economical fixed beam configuration for handling sheets up to 6m long; capacity up to 10 tons.
■ TB tilting beams: for clamping and handling sheets up to 12m long from vertical position (stacks) to horizontal (machine bed) and vice versa;
capacity up to 10 tons.
■ TP tilting beams: for clamping and handling beams and profiles in tailor-made configurations with 2/4/8 pieces; capacity up to 5 tons.
■ Bat-Grip: compact lifters complete with integral battery and equipped with remote control. A high capacity standard battery requires only a weekly
charge; capacity up to 3 tons.
Special applications: FICEP and Tecnomagnete can also offer tailor-made solutions for ferrous load lifting
30 MWP november 2007
normally be needed to attach the chains and belts.
Tecno-lift is claimed to be a great technological leap
forward compared to traditional electro-magnetic lifters as
it is also a totally cold system, and is therefore unaffected by
heat generation, and no residual magnetism is imparted
into the load which would otherwise cause problems in
welding or precision machining operations. The magnetic
modules themselves have no moving parts, aiding
reliability and reducing the need for expensive back-up
maintenance.
The clamping surface is composed of square poles in a
chess-board configuration, which can generate great
holding power precisely where it is needed - into the load.
The ‘neutral crown’ provides insulation of the permanent
magnets, which avoids any power losses and prevents
interference with any nearby objects. Tecnomagnete
designed and patented this innovative Tecno-lift
technology and has appointed FICEP UK as its agent for
their Tecno-lift permanent electro-magnetic, heavy duty
lifting systems in the UK.
One of the first companies to install the Tecno-lift has
been Watson Steel Structures, one of the larger producers
of high added value structural steelwork in the UK. The
company currently operates from 19 acre site in Bolton
with a skilled workforce of 250 and the Tecno-lift is just
part of its on-going programme to increase productivity
and efficiency. Deputy managing director Paul Watson
comments: ‘We have found the Tecno-lift TM4/6 safe, easy
to use and has reduced our materials handling time.’
www.ficep.co.uk
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