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About magnetic claws

Types of magnetic claws

The claw machine is an arcade game. Players control a mechanical claw in the hope of grasping a soft toy. From this, inspired objects with magnetic claws have emerged.

Basically, these are manipulators that use electromagnets to attract metallic objects. The following are the types of magnetic claws:

  • Permanent magnetic

    This type of magnet has a constant magnetic field. To achieve this, a steel framework houses a set of permanent magnets. That's why it's an industrializing tool. It wants magnetic force sustained over long periods. Even if it's not powered, it'll still have a magnetic grip.

  • Electromagnetic claw

    Electromagnetic claws work like electromagnets. This means their magnetic field can be turned on or off by varying the electric current. A coil of insulated wire is wrapped around the magnet's iron core. When the current flows through the wire, the core becomes magnetized. It was found that these claws offered more strength and control. Out of the options, this type was more flexible.

  • Electro permanent magnet (EPM) claw

    Unlike ordinary electromagnets, EPMs don't need continuous power to maintain their magnetic field. This makes them energy efficient. The system flips the magnet's poles to switch its state. This control is achieved by applying a brief high-voltage pulse.

  • Weak magnetic claws

    They are small and mostly used in delicate work like assembling electronic devices. It would be very easy to damage the item if a strong magnet were to be used. That's why the weak magnetic claws are ideal for this sensitive business.

  • Specialized magnetic claws

    These magnetic claws have an attachment/part with a unique design. Often, their shapes are optimized for different metallic items. Examples of these items include tools, containers, or scrap metal. The versatile claws serve a specific function in their respective industries.

Features of magnetic claws

Magnetic claws come with various features depending on their designs and intended applications. In some cases, the above-mentioned types of claws are further modified, especially when hyper-optimized for business as per their client's needs. Here are features business clients will find useful:

  • Load capacity

    This is the maximum weight the claw can carry. Of course, this will always depend on the strength of the magnets and the size of the claw. For industrial-grade magnetic claws, manufacturers usually supply clients with ones that can lift up to several hundred kilograms.

  • Adjustable magnetic strength

    This feature enables clients to switch the magnet's strength on/off and up/down. It helps clients who may have different loads to lift magnetically. Those who lift lighter loads often adjust their claws to the weaker magnetic grip. Stronger magnetic grip for heavier loads, of course.

  • Durability and ext environments

    Many magnetic claws have been built with rugged materials. This durability enables them to be used in harsher environments. Magnetic claws can be used outdoors. That means they will face extreme temperatures, dust, water exposure, etc. So, manufacturers ensure these claws are weather resistant and will not corrode easily.

  • Safety features

    Many magnetic claws for lifting heavy metals in the industry include safety features. These features include anti-drop mechanisms. They ensure the load is not released accidentally even during power failures or many magnetic claws.

  • Remote control and automation

    This feature is especially favored by those where efficiency is of utmost importance, such as several industries. They help automate the magnetic claws through control systems. These control systems enable easy operation of the claws without having to be physically present, thus saving time and labor.

How to choose magnetic claws

The following guidelines help magnetic claw buyers choose the right magnetic claws to buy:

  • Considering load capacity

    Magnetic claws are not one size fits all. Each type has a lot of variations in load capacity. Buyers must choose a claw that can handle the load of the products they want to move magnetically. For example, if a buyer is in the automotive business, they should go for claws with higher load capacity. They will then be able to handle heavy metallic products, after all.

  • Assess the application

    Buyers need to ask themselves what industry the magnetic claws are going to be used in. Because the claws used in scrapyards will be very different from the ones used in assembly lines. The key is ensuring the claws are suitable for lifting the types of items business clients will be moving.

  • Power options

    Buyers should consider what power source will be convenient for the businesses using the claws it. For example, battery-powered electromagnetic claws will only be convenient for businesses with a small lifting load. The reason is that electric power magnetism will not continuously require battery power. On the other hand, businesses that require electromagnets on a larger scale will be better suited with claws that have access to more power sources. These include hydraulic or pneumatic systems.

  • Corrosive and harsh conditions

    If the client will use the magnetic claws outdoors, then go for claws that have been built for outdoor use. They should be weather-resistant and corrosion-resistant. For example, the manufacturers of these claws use non-corrosive materials. This is because claws used for fishing in water will face a lot of moisture, making them prone to rust.

  • Compatibility with existing equipment

    Buyers also need to ensure that the magnetic claws they are buying are compatible with the client's existing equipment. For example, if the client uses a particular lifting system, the claws should integrate with this system.

Industrial application of magnetic claws

  • The manufacturing industry

    These industries use magnetic claws during product assembly. Usually, they make of electronic components, car parts, household appliances, etc. The reason the magnetic claws are favored is that they help handle small, complicated metallic parts. The claws have a delicate grip, so they won't damage these sensitive parts during the assembly process.

  • Heavy industry

    Scrapyards and industrial factories deal with heavy loads. In such situations, they use magnetic claws to lift large metallic items such as machinery, vehicles, or scrap metal. The magnet electromagnet's strength, which can be adjusted, also helps improve efficiency and safety when handling these heavy loads.

  • Warehouse operations

    Many warehouses handle metal products such as tools, machinery, or equipment. They use magnetic claws to manage these efficiently. In fact, the claws even help the warehouses automate the process of lifting and storing these products. As mentioned earlier, this automation improves the overall warehouse efficiency. Basically, they minimize the manual labor needed to perform these tasks.

  • Logistics and transportation industry

    In this industry, trucks and containers are used for transporting metal products. Magnetic claws are used to load and unload these products safely and quickly. Optimizing further the transport process and minimizing damage to the products being transported is the main reason for their use.

  • Mining and construction industries

    In mining, large metal equipment and vehicles are used. There is also a lot of debris, and all this is very heavy. Both industries use magnetic claws to pick and move this huge metal stuff safely. The claws are also very durable due to the harsh and often unfavorable conditions found in these two industries.

Q&A

Q1. Do magnetic claws fish work?

A1. Yes, they do. The magnetic claw machine manufacturers just took out the claw that was used in fishing and added magnets to it. So, these claws work as both the factory-made claw does and as a magnet. That's how they can catch all those metallic prey.

Q2. What are the benefits of electromagnetic cranes?

A2. The electromagnets can be turned on and off. So, these machines can hold loads without any problems. Then the magnetism can be switched so the load can fall when needed. They can also lift various loads of different sizes. That is why they are used in metal scrap yards and industries that transport large metal objects.

Q3. Can a strong magnet pick up food?

A3. It depends. Some food has metal added to it, so the magnet will attract it. But for most foods, there is no metal in or on them. So, they won't stick to the magnet at all. The magnet is also not strong enough to attract things like fruits, vegetables, or meat.

Q4. How long do magnetic claws last?

A3. A properly maintained permanent magnet can last a lifetime, which is more than twenty years. An electromagnet can last between ten to fifteen years, depending on how much work it does and how hot it gets.