In practice, there are many methods for handling and moving steel plates in the steel trade. However, one thing remains the same for all methods: the sharp edge (DGUV regulation 109-017, 7.4) of the steel plates. If no suitable protective measures such as edge protectors, protective sleeves or coatings are used, the sharp edge can damage the lifting gear and, in the worst case, cause the load to fall. This is also a significant safety risk for the slinger and should therefore be avoided from the operator's point of view. Some steel distributors use textile slings such as round slings or lifting slings, which are either used in combination with edge protectors, protective sleeves or special coatings. Others work with sheet metal clamps. Still others work with special special grippers. And still others use chain slings. But even with sling chains, there is a risk of damage from the sharp edge. This problem can be avoided by using edge protectors or special protective hoses. However, attaching edge protectors makes the actual lifting process very cumbersome and time-consuming. Although magnetic edge protectors are available, they still have to be attached to the steel plates by hand. Sufficient space is always required for this. Although protective sleeves on the sling chains make them more robust against the effect of the sharp edge, they are also significantly stiffer and less flexible to handle. The ideal solution would therefore be one in which a sling does not have to be looped around the load, but instead the steel plates are lifted from above.
In combination with an overhead travelling crane, steel plates or steel plate packs can be lifted with an electric lifting magnet (e.g. Flaig type FXE-1100/50). In a recent customer case, the connection between the crane hook and the suspension eye of the electromagnet is a single-strand sling chain. The power supply for the electromagnet was attached to the hook block of the crane hook. The magnet is operated by radio remote control from a safe distance for the slinger. The advantage of this solution is a safe, time-saving and surface-friendly lifting process.
Steel plates are slung with an electro permanent magnet from above by connecting the magnet to the crane hook via a sling. This eliminates the need for time-consuming slinging with a sling, which has to be attached to the load by hand and wrapped around it during each lifting process. The sling must be secured to prevent it from slipping. In addition, the sling must always be adapted to the load in terms of its dimensions (load capacity). The maximum splay angle must also be observed during the slinging process.
Are there alternatives to an electro-permanent magnet for handling steel plates?Steel plates can also be attached as follows:
