material handling magnets

electro-permanent

Two Walker chucks are shown in position on a Charmilles RoboForm

Features:

Cold Operation
Since the electrical current is only used momentarily, no insulation or coil failures are caused by internal heating.
Safer Holding
The permanent magnetic material is unaffected by external power failure. Since Electro-Permanent magnets require electricity only to activate the magnet "on" or "off", there are no mechanical parts that could accidentally stick. Once the magnet is "on" the electricity can be disconnected indefinitely without any interruption to the holding power.
Cycle Time
Energizing the magnetic material typically takes 2-3 seconds.
Power Consumption
Operating costs are very low compared to conventional electromagnets because the power is applied for a minimal time.

Walker has been designing and manufacturing Electro-Permanent devices since 1960. These magnets utilize permanent magnet material surrounded by an electrically powered coil. DC current is applied to the coil in order to magnetize and demagnetize the magnetic material. Once this current activates the magnet material, it becomes magnetic indefinitely with no loss of strength over time. In other words, electrical current can be completely removed with no reduction in the magnetic force available.

Electro-Permanent magnets are more powerful than comparably sized permanent magnets, but not normally as strong as equal sized electromagnets. Their greatest benefit is their ability to hold without any external power source except to switch on and off.

Electro-Permanent Magnet Applications require individual engineering review. Please contact 1-800-W-MAGNET.