Case Study of Electro-Permanent Magnetic Grippers in Steel Pipe Stacking

Electro-permanent magnetic grippers offer significant benefits over traditional permanent magnets and electromagnetic grippers in terms of safety, energy consumption, and control. These advanced grippers combine the best features of both types, leading to improved operational efficiency. Industries such as construction machinery, shipbuilding, smart manufacturing, ports, and aerospace have increasingly recognized the advantages of electro-permanent magnets and are progressively replacing traditional magnetic solutions to enhance safety, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.

Consider a recent application in Guangdong, where a steel pipe manufacturer faced challenges with various existing gripping solutions. Their prior experiences revealed issues such as excessive gripper weight, which increased the strain on lifting equipment, and unstable gripping power that risked dropping workpieces during operation. After thorough research, the client identified our electro-permanent magnetic gripper as a potential solution to their challenges and reached out for a tailored proposal.

Operational Parameters: Pipe Specifications: 20mm to 100mm in diameter, 1-6.2mm in thickness, lengths of up to 6000mm. Handling Requirements: Single row transportation with a maximum weight of 514 kg, accommodating up to 11 steel pipes in one lift.

To ensure safety and efficiency during lifting operations, we designed a system using multiple electro-permanent magnetic grippers for collaborative lifting. This design maintained the gripper's total weight under 180 kg while achieving the desired holding capacity. Ultimately, we succeeded in producing a single electro-permanent magnetic gripper weighing only 156 kg. Moreover, these grippers boast a unique feature: they retain magnetism even during power outages, eliminating concerns about losing grip strength. The grippers also provide consistent and adjustable suction strength, ensuring precise placement and the ability to handle only one layer at a time.

The customer was highly satisfied with the proposed solution, which has now been implemented in 70% of their production lines through our ongoing collaboration.

Conclusion: The Ideal Choice for Steel Pipe Stacking

Electro-permanent magnetic grippers are particularly well-suited for steel pipe stacking applications due to their rapid, precise, and thermally stable operation. The energy-efficient design of these grippers facilitates convenient and quick handling of steel pipes while meeting high accuracy stacking requirements. Consequently, for steel pipe stacking operations, electro-permanent magnetic grippers represent an optimal choice, significantly enhancing productivity while ensuring safety and reliability in demanding industrial environments.