Electro-Permanent Lifting Magnets
Holloway Houston provides industrial electro-permanent lifting magnets designed for high-cycle ferrous material handling. We stock the complete Flaig FXE series, featuring 12 high-performance models with rated lifting capacities ranging from 660 lbs to 10,600 lbs for steel plate, castings, and forgings.
Electro-Permanent Lifting Magnets for Ferrous Material Handling
An electro-permanent lifting magnet represents the pinnacle of below-the-hook efficiency, combining the safety of a permanent magnet with the convenience of an electromagnet. Unlike standard electromagnets that require a constant electrical current to maintain a grip, electro-permanent models use electricity only for a brief switching pulse. Once the internal permanent magnet core is activated, it holds the load securely without further power consumption
At Holloway Houston, our magnets are sourced from Flaig, a premier German manufacturer known for metallurgical precision. Every unit in the FXE series meets the rigorous standards of ASME B30.20. Whether you are handling precision-ground sheet stock or rough, scaled forgings in a steel service center, our 65 years of lifting expertise ensures you have the fail-safe magnetic solution required for safe operation.
The Safety Advantage: Hold Without Power
The defining technical advantage of the electro-permanent design is its safety during power failures. If a standard electromagnet loses power, the load is immediately released. In contrast, an electro-permanent magnet remains fully energized during a blackout because the holding force is generated by the permanent magnet element, not the electrical supply. This eliminates the need for battery backup systems and provides peace of mind in high-stakes environments.
Types of Flaig FXE Magnets Available at Holloway Houston
Different industrial materials present varying magnetic permeability and contact challenges. We maintain two primary technical configurations in our Houston inventory.
FXE-50 Series for Smooth Flat Plate
The FXE-50 series (including the FXE0660-50 and FXE0880-50L) is optimized for thinner, flat ferrous items such as sheet stock and flat bar. These units require clean, consistent surface contact to reach their rated capacities of 660 lbs and 880 lbs. They are ideal for machine shops and fabrication operations where surface conditions are tightly controlled.
FXE Series for Rough Plate, Castings, and Forgings
The broader FXE series handles irregular ferrous surfaces where achieving full magnetic contact is difficult. These heavy-duty models cover capacities from 1,320 lbs up to 10,600 lbs. Because rough surfaces create "air gaps" that reduce magnetic flux, these units are engineered with a larger physical footprint to ensure enough force is transmitted through the load.
Technical Specifications: Capacity and Model Guide
Selecting the right magnet requires matching the rated Working Load Limit (WLL) to your specific material surface type.
WLL Range and Model Reference
Holloway Houston stocks the full 12-model FXE catalog:
- Light Duty (660 – 880 lbs) : Models FXE0660-50 and FXE0880-50L for smooth plate.
- Medium Duty (1,320 – 3,525 lbs) : Including the FXE2200 and FXE3525 series for rough stock.
- Heavy Duty (5,500 – 10,600 lbs) : High-capacity models like the FXE10600-100 for massive forgings and billets.
Physical Footprint (The 50, 80, 100 Suffix)
The suffix in the model number refers to the magnet body size in centimeters. A larger body (e.g., FXE100) provides a wider distribution of magnetic flux, which is critical when handling large-area plates or materials with irregular geometries.
Electro-Permanent Magnet Applications by Industry
Flaig FXE magnets from Holloway Houston are essential tools across several demanding sectors:
- Steel Service Centers: High-cycle handling of flat bar, plate drops, and structural sheet stock.
- Metal Fabrication: Precise positioning of ferrous plate during drilling, laser cutting, and welding.
- Foundries: Lifting rough castings directly from molds or transport pallets where surface unevenness is present.
- Shipbuilding: Handling massive sections of hull plate and structural sections.
- Heavy Manufacturing: Moving billets and raw stock between automated workstations.
Selection Guide: How to Choose the Right Magnet
When consulting with a Holloway Houston lifting specialist, please have the following criteria ready:
- Material Type : What is the specific alloy? Carbon steel has higher permeability than many cast irons.
- Surface Condition : Is the load smooth, or does it have mill scale, rust, or paint? These factors create air gaps that require derating the magnet.
- Load Thickness : Magnets require a minimum material thickness to achieve full magnetic saturation. Handling thin sheets may result in reduced capacity.
- Load Geometry : Is the load flat or curved? Rough-surface models are required for non-precision stock.
Safety, Inspection, and Maintenance
Because electro-permanent magnets are critical below-the-hook components, they require strict adherence to ASME B30.20 inspection protocols.
- Face Inspection : Before every lift, ensure the magnet face is free of debris, metal chips, or gouges. Any damage to the face disrupts the magnetic circuit.
- Electrical Connections : Regularly inspect the switching cables and industrial plugs for wear or fraying.
- Switching Cycle : Test the "Pick/Release" function before initiating a heavy lift to ensure the electrical pulse is correctly toggling the magnetic state.
- ASME Compliance : Conduct periodic documented inspections. Units showing face wear exceeding manufacturer limits or damaged electrical housing must be removed from service.
Frequently Asked Questions
An electromagnet requires a constant flow of electricity to hold a load. An electro-permanent magnet uses electricity only to "switch" its state; once it is on, it holds the load using internal permanent magnets, making it immune to power failures.
No. These magnets only work on ferromagnetic materials like carbon steel and cast iron. They will not lift austenitic stainless steel, aluminum, or copper.
Yes. All Flaig FXE units ship with manufacturer documentation and certificates of compliance to ensure they meet project safety audits.
Roughness creates "air gaps" between the magnet and the load. Air is a poor conductor of magnetic flux; a small air gap can drastically reduce the effective holding force, which is why we stock specialized "rough surface" models.
The primary industrial standard is ASME B30.20, which covers the design, marking, and inspection of below-the-hook lifting devices.
No. Because the holding force is permanent once switched on, the load is mechanically safe without any electrical intervention. Battery backups are unnecessary for safety, though they are often used for the switching pulse in remote crane applications.
Complete Your Below-the-Hook System
A lifting magnet is only one part of a certified assembly. Holloway Houston provides the necessary hardware to complete your system:
- Permanent Lifting Magnets : Manual-lever magnets for lighter shop tasks.
- Lifting Magnet Accessories : Specialized Rigging shackles and master links for magnet mounting.
- Plate Clamps : Mechanical grip alternatives for non-ferrous or thin plate handling.
- Wire Rope Slings : Custom-fabricated in Houston for your crane interface.
Safety Disclaimer : Electro-permanent lifting magnets are below-the-hook lifting devices governed by ASME B30.20. Rated capacity is highly dependent on load type and surface conditions. This information is for general awareness and does not replace manufacturer documentation, qualified engineering judgment, or site-specific lift planning.