Electromagnetic Lifters | Circular & Flat Steel Magnets
Move heavy steel plates, forgings, and components with powered electromagnetic lifters. Holloway Houston supplies high-capacity circular and flat-faced models, including the BUXF, BUXR, and CER series. Available in diameters up to 20" with Working Load Limits up to 11,000 lbs for heavy industrial material handling.
Electromagnetic Lifters (Powered Magnets)
Handling massive steel plates, thick castings, and heavy components requires maximum magnetic holding force. Electromagnetic lifters utilize an active electrical current to generate a deep magnetic field, providing operators with absolute control over the lifting and releasing of heavy ferrous materials at the push of a button.
Holloway Houston Inc. supplies a high-capacity inventory of powered lifting magnets. Featuring the BUXF, BUXR, CER, and LI series, our selection spans from compact 5.13" diameter units to heavy-duty 11,000-lb capacity lifters designed for high-volume steel yards and fabrication facilities.
The Electromagnetic Lifter Ecosystem
1. Circular Electromagnets (CER Series)
Engineered for deep-field penetration.
- Mechanism : Powered by an external electrical supply, these units generate a concentrated, deep-reaching magnetic flux.
- Application : Used for moving thick steel plates, heavy solid forgings, and scrap metal. The circular design concentrates the magnetic field directly downward into the material.
- Size Range : Available in diameters of 5.13", 6.75", 9", 12", 16", and 20".
2. Flat Face Lifters (BUXF Series)
- Mechanism : Battery-powered or hardwired electromagnets designed with a flush, flat magnetic geometry.
- Application : Ideal for engaging standard flat steel plates, rectangular blocks, and thick sheet metal.
3. Radiused Face Lifters (BUXR Series)
- Mechanism : Features a V-shaped or radiused contact face.
- Application : Engineered specifically to grip cylindrical loads. The curved face sits flush against pipes, tubes, and round bar stock, preventing the load from rolling or slipping during the lift.
4. Compact Industrial Lifters (LI Series)
- Application : Designed for rapid engagement on automated or semi-automated lifting beams where fast cycle times dictate the workflow.
Usage & Application Guidelines
1. Power Supply Dependency
Electromagnetic lifters depend on a continuous power source. If the electrical current drops, the magnetic field disappears. Facilities must utilize battery backup systems or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) to prevent dropped loads during unexpected power failures.
2. Surface Condition and Air Gaps
Maximum holding force requires flush contact. Rust, scale, thick paint, or uneven surfaces create a physical "air gap" between the magnet and the steel. This gap significantly reduces the lifter's capacity. Operators must sweep or grind the contact area before engaging the magnet.
3. Material Thickness
The magnetic field must fully absorb into the steel. Lifting thin sheet metal with a deep-field electromagnet causes the magnetic flux to "bleed through" the bottom of the plate, lowering the actual grip strength. Always verify the manufacturer's minimum thickness charts before lifting.
Alternate Products for Material Handling
Electromagnets excel in high-volume, flat-steel environments, but specific lifts require different hardware:
- Power-Free Lifting : If your facility lacks continuous power or requires operation without battery backups, browse our selection of Permanent Lifting Magnets which utilize rare-earth magnetic materials.
- Vertical Lifts & Non-Ferrous Metals : For lifting aluminum, stainless steel, or handling steel plates vertically, explore our Lifting Clamps.
- Connections : Secure your magnets to the crane hook using our heavy-duty Rigging Hardware & Shackles..
Frequently Asked Questions
If a hardwired electromagnet loses its electrical supply, the magnetic field drops instantly, causing the load to fall. Operators must use built-in battery backup systems or UPS units to hold the load safely until it can be lowered to the ground.
Electromagnetic lifters generate a deep magnetic field. If the steel is too thin, the magnetic flux passes completely through the metal and into the air, reducing the holding capacity. Refer to the manufacturer's thickness derating charts before lifting thin gauge steel.
The BUXF series features a flat magnetic face designed for steel plates and blocks. The BUXR series features a curved, radiused face designed specifically to grip and center cylindrical loads like steel pipes and round bar stock.
Any physical barrier between the magnet face and the steel, such as rust, thick paint, scale, or an uneven surface, creates an air gap. Even a millimeter of space drastically lowers the magnet's holding capacity. Always clean the contact surface prior to lifting.
Technical Specifications
- Capacities (WLL) : 265 lbs up to 11,000 lbs.
- Models : BUXF (Flat), BUXR (Radiused), CER (Circular), and LI series.
- Circular Diameters : 5.13" to 20".
- Power Requirement : Active electrical current (DC voltage or integrated battery system depending on the specific model).
Browse our inventory below to filter by Model Series, Magnet Diameter, and Working Load Limit.