Lifting magnets are useful material handling equipment for transferring a variety of ferromagnetic materials such as rods, scraps, huge blocks, and thin sheets. Lifting magnets can improve total production efficiency by requiring only one person to operate the lifting task with increased accessibility, rather than numerous employees utilizing typical hoists, straps, or chains. Having said this, manufacturers must ensure the best weight to lift ratio for various applications. Very often manufacturers try to make a standard range of magnets, and then try to fit the magnet in the standard range to somehow suit the needs of the user. This does not give the optimum results, as each and every product to be lifted has its own critical lift parameters.
As one of the global leaders in magnetic and sensor technology, SGM Magnetics established back in 1954 leverages its decades of experience in designing and manufacturing magnets with the best weight to lift ratio to match various applications. SGM focuses on the client's requirements across all the parameters of the product to be lifted and designs each and every magnet specifically for the client. As no two magnets are the same, wherein, the optimum coil (copper or aluminum) to steel ratio is critical, SGM does not compromise on it whatsoever.
Further, SGM has always concentrated on the safety features for the safe operation of the
magnets, especially for the people during the movement of the heavy loads. All the safeguards are provided in the specially built controller, which SGM has a patent for. Through a network of SGM Magnetics firms in Italy, Germany, United Kingdom, US, China, and India, its business model is centered on offering technological expertise and being close to its customers. Also, SGM has three demo/test centers across Italy, the US and China.
Talking about the competency of the company in the field, Manoj Lekhraj Nairyani, Managing Director at SGM Magnetics says, “We are proud to state that our magnets lasts much longer than our competitors. Our convention magnets specially designed for hot loads of up to 600 deg C have performed beyond our clients expectations and we have repeat orders for replacements of our competitors magnets. The magnets supplied by us have till date have not failed even though they have been in operation for the last 12-13 years”.
Standardizing Indian Lifting Magnets Industry
SGM Magnetics has been making magnets since 1954, with a focus on steel mill applications. The company has been commercially active in the Indian market since 2005 by offering clients Italian-made lifting magnets. In order to meet the growing demand from SAIL, Jindal, Bushan Steel and Power, it was determined that a manufacturing facility in India was required to save customers money on import charges, delivery time, and, most significantly, commissioning and after-sales service. Then, in 2009, the decision was made to open a manufacturing unit in India with designs and drawings from Italy. After manufacturing the magnets are tested for load inhouse and approval from Italy.
Till date there has been no magnet breakdown of SGM magnets in India
Bringing the Needed Innovation
The breakthrough product that has given SGM an edge in the market is the introduction of anodized aluminum coil. This has changed the way magnets are made. The advantage is that the anodizing forms a layer on top of the aluminum and acts as insulation. It can withstand temperatures up to 1500°C whereas the insulation paper used can withstand only 220°C. Hence, it has more chances of failure in the magnet due to insulation burn or tear.
“The future looks very promising. After the announcement of the expansion of major steel plants, we are very positive that the steel sector is going to get a big boost because of infrastructure projects,” concludes Manoj.
