A Buyer's Guide to Magnetic Lifters

In industries such as steel fabrication, machining, manufacturing, warehousing, and engineering, magnetic lifters provide a fast, safe, and efficient way to handle ferrous materials reducing the need for slings, chains, or clamps.

However, selecting the right magnetic lifter requires more than simply matching the load weight to the lifting capacity. Factors such as material type, thickness, surface condition, and operator competence all play a critical role in ensuring safe lifting operations.

This guide explains the key considerations buyers should evaluate when selecting a magnetic lifter and outlines the safety requirements that help maximise performance and minimise risk.

What Is a Magnetic Lifter?

A magnetic lifter is a lifting device that uses magnetic force to securely grip and lift ferrous materials such as steel plates, blocks, tubes, pipes, and fabricated components.

Permanent magnetic lifters generate lifting force without requiring an external power source, making them a reliable and energy-efficient solution for many industrial applications.

Benefits include:

• Faster lifting and handling operations
• Reduced setup time compared to chains and slings
• Improved operator safety
• Less risk of damage to finished surfaces
• Increased productivity and workflow efficiency

However, achieving these benefits depends on selecting the correct lifter for the application.

How to choose a magnetic lifter

When evaluating a magnetic lifter, buyers should consider the following factors:

Load Weight

The starting point is determining the maximum weight of the loads being lifted. Always ensure the magnetic lifter's Working Load Limit (WLL) exceeds the weight of the intended load and takes into account real-world operating conditions. Our Ultralift Plus range comes with a safety shim for pre-testing loads to ensure safe working practices.

Load Shape

Different load geometries affect magnetic performance.

Common applications include:

• Flat steel plates
• Round bar
• Pipes and tubes
• Steel blocks
• Fabricated components

Some magnetic lifters are designed specifically for flat materials, while others are engineered to handle both flat and round loads. Eclipse Magnetics’ Ultralift E and Plus Magnetic lifters can lift both ferrous flat plate and round bar but have different WLL depending on the shape of the material and lifting capacity of the magnetic lifter. The Ultralift TP Magnetic Lifter is designed for lifting thin plate and removing single sheets from a stack.

Working Environment

Environmental factors can affect performance and equipment longevity, including:

• High temperatures
• Outdoor use
• Corrosive environments
• Presence of dirt, scale, or contaminants

Selecting equipment suited to the operating environment helps maintain reliability and safety.

What are the material considerations?

Magnetic lifters are designed for ferromagnetic materials.

Suitable materials include:

• Mild steel
• Carbon steel
• Low-alloy steel
• Cast iron (depending on composition)

Materials that are generally unsuitable include:

• Aluminium
• Stainless steel (austenitic grades)
• Copper
• Brass
• Non-ferrous alloys

Even among steels, magnetic performance can vary depending on material composition. For example, some alloy steels may not achieve the same magnetic holding force as mild steel, which can affect lifting capacity.

Before purchasing a magnetic lifter, confirm the exact material specification of the loads being handled.

Thickness limitations

One of the most important factors affecting magnetic lifting performance is material thickness.

Why Thickness Matters

Magnetic force travels through the material being lifted. If the material is too thin, it cannot carry the full magnetic flux generated by the lifter.

As thickness decreases the holding force, safe lifting capacity and the load stability decreases. For example, a magnetic lifter rated for 1,000 kg on thick steel plate may achieve significantly lower lifting performance on thinner materials. This is why manufacturers provide load charts showing capacity reductions at different thicknesses.

If the material is painted or has rust/oil on the surface this can create an air gap impacting the magnetic lifter’s performance. Always check the minimum thickness capabilities of the lifter and keep materials free of oil and dust. Where surface condition is likely to affect performance, additional testing or application assessment should be carried out.

Best Practices

Always consult the manufacturer's performance data and select a lifter based on:

• Actual material thickness
• Material grade
• Load dimensions
• Shape of the material
• The WLL

Never assume the maximum rated capacity applies to all lifting situations.

Safety factors for magnetic lifters

One of the most misunderstood aspects of magnetic lifting is the relationship between holding force and Working Load Limit (WLL).

Holding force refers to the maximum force required to detach a magnet from a load under controlled test conditions. The WLL is the maximum load that can be safely lifted during normal operation and is always significantly lower than the ultimate holding force.

It is also important to follow LOLER, PUWER, ASME B30.20 and H&S advice when using magnetic lifters.

Why Safety Factors Matter

Safety factors account for variables such as:

• Material variation
• Surface condition
• Load movement
• Dynamic forces
• Operator error
• Real-world working conditions

For this reason, lifting equipment manufacturers design products with substantial safety margins between ultimate holding force and safe lifting capacity. Our products promote a 3:1 safety factor.

Key Takeaway

Purchase magnetic lifters equipped with safety features such as a locking mechanism to prevent accidental release of the load.

Never use holding force as a substitute for Working Load Limit. Always select and operate equipment according to the manufacturer's stated WLL and application guidelines.

Inspection and servicing requirements

Regular inspection is essential for maintaining lifting safety and ensuring continued compliance. At Eclipse Magnetics we recommend annual servicing of lifters and offer a comprehensive servicing package to ensure the equipment is compliant with safety regulations. Regular servicing also extends the lifespan of the product and reduces downtime caused by equipment failure.

Pre-use inspections

Operators should visually inspect equipment before each use, checking for:

• Physical damage
• Cracks
• Excessive wear
• Damaged operating handles
• Loose components
• Contamination on magnetic contact surfaces

Any defects should be reported immediately and the equipment removed from service if safety may be compromised.

Periodic Inspections

In addition to pre-use checks, magnetic lifters should undergo planned inspections in accordance with:

• Manufacturer recommendations
• Company lifting procedures
• Local regulations and standards

Inspection records should be maintained and readily available.

Maintenance

Routine maintenance may include:

• Cleaning magnetic contact faces
• Checking moving parts
• Verifying operating mechanisms
• Replacing worn components where applicable

A proactive inspection programme helps prevent unexpected failures and improves productivity.

Operator training requirements

Even the most advanced lifting equipment depends on competent operators.

Training should cover:

• Equipment Selection
• Capacity ratings
• Thickness limitations
• Material suitability
• Application restrictions
• Load-centre considerations
• Safe lifting techniques

Training should emphasise situations where magnetic lifting may not be appropriate, such as:

• Non-ferrous materials
• Excessively thin materials
• Poor surface conditions
• Loads outside equipment specifications

Competent, trained operators are one of the most effective controls for reducing lifting-related incidents.

Final Thoughts

Magnetic lifters can deliver significant safety, productivity, and efficiency benefits when selected and used correctly. However, lifting capacity is only one part of the decision making process.

Material type, thickness, surface condition, safety factors, inspection requirements, and operator competence all influence lifting performance and safety.

By taking a holistic approach to equipment selection and ensuring proper training and inspection procedures are in place, businesses can utilise the benefits of magnetic lifting while maintaining safe and compliant lifting operations.

Need Help Choosing the Right Magnetic Lifter?

The Eclipse Magnetics team can help assess your application, recommend the most suitable lifting solution, and provide guidance on safe operation, inspection, and maintenance requirements.

Contact our specialists to discuss your lifting challenges and find the right magnetic lifting solution for your business.