How to select the right electromagnetic chuck lifting beam?

I. First, determine 3 core parameters (the first step in selection)

1. Total lifting capacity (most critical)
The rated load capacity of the lifting beam ≥ the maximum weight of the material + the total self-weight of the suction cups
Common combinations: 5+5t, 7.5+7.5t, 10+10t, 16+16t, 20+20t (dual lifting points)
Example: 10t material + 2t suction cups → Select a lifting beam **≥12t**

2. Material specifications (determines the number and layout of suction cups)
Length: determines the length of the lifting beam and the spacing between suction cups
Short material (≤6m): 2-3 suction cups
Long material (6-12m): 4-6 suction cups
Extra-long material: select a telescopic lifting beam
Width / Thickness: determines the size and suction force of the suction cups
Thin plate (<6mm): select closely spaced small suction cups to prevent adhesion and deformation
Medium-thick plate (6-50mm): standard rectangular suction cups
Steel billet / round steel: select a special curved / Strip-shaped suction cup

Material: Only applicable to ferromagnetic materials (steel, iron); stainless steel and aluminum are not suitable.

3. Crane Parameters (Must Match)

Lifting Height: Total height of lifting beam + suction cup ≤ effective lifting height of crane

Span: Length of lifting beam ≤ effective span of crane

Working Class: Working class of lifting beam ≥ working class of crane (commonly A6/A7)

II. Lifting Beam Structure Selection (Based on Material and Working Condition)

1. Lifting Beam Type (Based on Lifting Direction)

Parallel Main Beam Type: Suitable for transporting long strips (steel plates, profiles, bars) along the main beam direction.

Vertical Main Beam Type: Suitable for transporting wide plates and coils perpendicular to the main beam direction.

Rotary Type: Top/middle rotation, suitable for loading, stacking, and reversing requirements.

2. Lifting Beam Structure (Based on Stability)

Rigid Hanging Beam: Guide cylinder anti-sway, accurate positioning, suitable for precision handling.

Flexible Hanging Beam: Chain/ Hinge connection, adapts to uneven tracks, reduces wear.
Telescopic lifting beam: length adjustable, adaptable to materials of various lengths, highly versatile.
3. Suction cup layout (by material)
Single row uniform arrangement: suitable for long, straight materials.
Double row staggered arrangement: suitable for wide and thin plates, more even force distribution.
Group control: suitable for both long and short materials, some suction cups can be started and stopped individually.
III. Electromagnetic chuck selection (core of lifting beam)
1. Suction force calculation (safety factor 1.5～2.0)
Single plate suction force ≥ single section weight of material × safety factor
Example: 10t material divided into 4 plates → single plate suction force ≥ 10/4 × 1.5 = 3.75t
2. Suction cup type
Ordinary electromagnet: attracts when energized, releases when de-energized, requires a rectifier cabinet (DC220V).
Electro-permanent magnet chuck: magnetizes/demagnetizes when energized, retains magnetism when de-energized, energy-saving and safe, suitable for long-term lifting.
High-temperature type: temperature resistant. 600℃/700℃, suitable for hot steel billets
Explosion-proof type: for flammable and explosive environments
3. Key Configurations (Required)
Power-off magnetic protection device: prevents material from falling off during power outages, essential for safety
Overcurrent/overheat protection: protects the suction cup coil
Magnetic force adjustment: special for thin plates, anti-sticking
IV. Working Conditions and Environment Selection
1. Working Frequency
Intermittent operation (A5): standard configuration
Frequent operation (A6/A7): reinforced structure, increased heat dissipation, high-quality bearings
2. Environmental Conditions
Temperature: -20℃～+50℃; high temperature requires high-temperature resistant type
Humidity: ≤85%, moisture-proof treatment required for humid environments
Corrosivity: stainless steel / anti-corrosion coating
Explosion-proof: explosion-proof electromagnet + explosion-proof electrical components
V. Selection Formula
Lifting beam rated load = maximum material weight + total suction cup weight
Single cup suction force = material weight ÷ number of suction cups × safety factor (1.5～2.0) Lifting beam length = material length + 0.5～1m (Margin)
VI. Selection Steps (Simplified Process)

Determine the maximum weight, length, thickness, and material of the material.

Calculate the total lifting capacity and determine the rated load of the lifting beam.

Select the lifting beam length/telescopic type based on the material length.

Select the number, size, and suction power of the suction cups based on the material specifications.

Match the crane parameters (lifting height, span, working class).

Select the structural, magnetic, and explosion-proof configurations according to the working conditions.
VII. Common Selection Misconceptions (Avoiding Pitfalls)

Only consider the material weight, ignoring the suction cup's own weight.

Selecting too little suction power, resulting in insufficient safety factor.

Insufficient lifting beam length, causing material overload and uneven loading.

Incompatible with the crane's working class, easily damaged.