5 Essential Facts About Electro-Permanent Magnets (EPM): Simple & Clear!

Modern Electro-Permanent Magnets are the ultimate upgrade from traditional electromagnets and permanent magnets. They focus on three core improvements: Suction Control, Safety, and Energy Efficiency. Whether handling steel plates or pipes of various sizes, EPMs offer superior adaptability.

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1. What is an Electro-Permanent Magnet (EPM)?

Think of it as the “best of both worlds.” It combines the controllable nature of an electromagnet with the permanent grip of a permanent magnet. It only uses electricity during the “Switch On” (Magnetize) and “Switch Off” (Demagnetize) phases.

2. Powerful & Customizable Suction

The suction force can reach up to 16kgf/cm2. Because the force is so concentrated, we can customize the size and suction power according to the specific weight and surface area of your workpieces.

3. Wide Range of Applications

Wherever steel needs to be moved, EPM is there. It is widely used in:

• Steel mills and shipyards.
• Port logistics and warehouse handling.
• Automotive manufacturing and automated production lines.
• Any scenario involving the lifting, stacking, or clamping of ferromagnetic materials (plates, pipes, etc.).

4. “Fail-Safe” Safety

Safety is the EPM’s standout feature. Unlike electromagnets, an EPM will not drop the load if the power fails. Once the workpiece is gripped, it stays “locked” in a magnetic state. The only way to release it is by manually pressing the demagnetization button. This is why it’s the top choice for heavy-duty shipbuilding and steel plants.

5. Workpiece Requirements & Smart Control

• Magnetism: The material must be ferromagnetic (if a standard magnet can’t stick to it, an EPM can’t either).
• Adjustable Depth: One of the smartest features is the adjustable magnetic penetration depth. You can program it to pick up a single steel sheet from a stack or lift multiple sheets at once, depending on your operational needs.

Efficiency Note: One of our steel mill clients reported a 10% reduction in annual total electricity costs after switching from traditional electromagnets to our EPM systems.