The Differences Between Permanent and Electromagnets

Electromagnets vs Permanent Magnets Are you tired of relying on manpower to pick up extremely heavy ferrous metals? Lifting magnets can really come in handy for those who work in an industry that requires them to lift metals on a regular basis. They can cut down on the amount of time you have to spend doing it and allow you to lift hundreds and, in some cases, even thousands of pounds within a matter of just seconds. There are two main types of lifting magnets available–permanent magnets and electromagnets. Here is what sets them apart:

What are permanent magnets?

Permanent magnets are, as their name would suggest, permanent. They use a permanently magnetized material to create a magnetic field that is capable of lifting heavy metal objects. You can turn them on and off by using a lever, and they are capable of handling both flat materials and rounded parts. They can typically pick up more than 2,000 pounds at a time and can be moved around within an industrial facility or workshop rather easily.

What are electromagnets?

Electromagnets operate differently than permanent magnets do. Instead of using a permanently magnetized material to create a magnetic field, they use electricity to charge up their magnets and hold metal materials. Therefore, electromagnets must have access to an electrical outlet to work, which can be a disadvantage at times. A power outage could knock them out of service. Nevertheless,the great thing about them is that you’ll be able to control how powerful an electromagnet is based on how much electricity you use.

Which one is the better option for you?

Permanent magnets and electromagnets can both prove to be very beneficial. However, you’ll need to decide how you plan on using your magnet before selecting the one that’s right for you. If you don’t want to have to worry about supplying your magnet with electricity, permanent magnets are an excellent option. Regardless, if you want to be able to adjust the magnetic force of your magnet or control it remotely, electromagnets might be the better option.

IPES International can talk to you more about permanent magnets and electromagnets and show you which one would be better for you. Call us at 412-781-4660 today to get started.