COMMENTS, CONCERNS OR WARRANTY INFORMATION
We believe Industrial Magnetics, Inc. offers the fi nest line of Lift Magnets available today. Great pride has gone into the design and manufacture of this unit. Any comments, concerns or
warranty questions should be directed to our Customer Service Department at 1-888-582-0822. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you!
1385 S M 75 • Boyne City, Michigan 49712 • Phone: (231) 582-3100 • Fax: (231) 582-2704 • www.magnetics.com • [email protected]
888-582-0823
888-582-0822
888-582-0821
900298.B (09/16)
ANNUAL DESIGN FACTOR BREAKAWAY TEST
An annual Breakaway test, performed by an approved testing facility, is recommended to
ensure that your Lift Magnet is performing to its optimal level. Under an “Ideal Condition”
environment, a series of Breakaway tests will determine the current “de-rated” Working
Load Limit of your magnet. This Working Load Limit must meet or exceed the value
stated on your Lift Magnet. If the stated Working Load Limit is met, the Lift Magnet can
be returned to use and scheduled for another Breakaway test in one year. The outcome
of the test allows the operator/owner of the Lift Magnet to know that the Lift Magnet meets
the lift standards as designed by the manufacturer.
If the stated Working Load Limit is not met, the Lift Magnet can possibly be machined to
bring all magnet face poles back to a smooth, level condition. If that does not bring the Lift
Magnet back to the manufacture’s original Working Load Limit, the Lift Magnet should be
removed from operation and replaced with another magnet.
A BREAKAWAY TEST CERTIFICATE, given at the conclusion of the testing, gives the
operator/owner documentation of the Lift Magnet’s performance.
SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAGNET CALIBRATION
Note: Customer is responsible for shipping to and from Industrial Magnetics, Inc., and any
authorized repairs to the Lift Magnet. Please contact our customer service department at
(888) 582-0822 to obtain your Customer Supplied Material (CSM) number. At this time,
you will be required to supply a P.O.# for the test procedure described under “Calibration”.
Current fees for this procedure can be obtained by contacting the number listed above.
Include your contact information and shipping address with your Lift Magnet and send to:
Industrial Magnetics, Inc.
1385 S M 75, Boyne City, MI 49712
CSM#__________, Attn: Quality Assurance, Calibration
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Even though a magnet works through non-magnetic bodies such as dirt and non-ferrous
materials in general the best effi ciency of any Lift Magnet is achieved when the poles (the
areas or surfaces of the Lift Magnet which make contact with the load) make complete
contact with the load. It is therefore recommended to:
1. Never stand under load being lifted or lift over any people. Always use extra caution. Only
use on thick material that does not flex or bend.
2. Clear any foreign material from the load and magnet poles before placing the Lift Magnet
on the load. Avoid placing the Lift Magnet on steel that has irregular surface conditions.
3. Occasionally check the surface condition of the magnetic poles to make sure they are flat
and not damaged or corroded during its time in use.
4. Keep the surface of the Lift Magnet and materials clean and free of chips, oil, slag,
welding-beads, dirt, etc. This can be done by wiping the surface of the Lift Magnet off
frequently with a wire brush, or shop rag.
5. Thin or large sheets that sag may cause the sheet to peel off the face of the Lift Magnet.
(See Maximum Working Load Limit and Sheet Length chart)
6. After a period of time the pole faces may become somewhat rounded, reducing the Lift
Magnet’s effectiveness. Poles can be resurfaced up to 0.010” to 0.015” maximum.
LIFTING ANGLE AND EFFECTS OF UNBALANCED LOADS
Maximum Working Load Limit is achieved when the direction of force is perpendicular
(90°) to the metal surface. Sudden or excessive shear, slide, friction, and peeling forces
associated with movement or impact will cause a Lift Magnet to fail prematurely when a
conveyed load is not balanced or tipped at an angle.
• Perform a magnet/load balance test lift by raising the load off the ground by 2”-3” only.
• Reposition the Lift Magnet until the load is level.
• Never lift a load at an angle in excess of 5 degrees from horizontal
MAGNET TEST FEATURE
The VersaLift™ has a handle position called “Test”. The magnet is only partially magnetized
effectively reducing the maximum magnetic force and de-rating value to approximately a 1:1
ratio when in this position. Performing the Lifting Angle and Balancing steps listed above
with the handle in the “TEST” position accomplishes two goals; 1) to determine if the load
can be lifted with the selected magnet and 2) if the load being lifted “Balanced”. Never lift or
convey a load in the “TEST” position. It is not recommend using a Lift Magnet if the test
lift fails with the handle in the “TEST” position. The magnet may not be sized properly,
damaged or operated improperly if the test lift in the “TEST” position is unsuccessful.
MATERIAL SURFACE
Lifting ferrous items using a magnet requires a good look at the length, width and thickness
of the item. Thin metals do not absorb as many of the magnetic fl ux lines (magnetic energy)
as thicker metals. Thin metals also fl ex, causing the steel to peel-off the Lift Magnet. Equally
important is the physical size, fl atness, surface conditions and type of steel. The charts
below illustrate how surface fi nish and Carbon content effect the Working Load Limit.
PERCENTAGE OF STATED LIFTING
POWER BY MATERIAL
PERCENTAGE OF STATED LIFTING POWER
BY SURFACE FINISH
CARB
ON
CO
NT
ENT
LOW CARBON 0.05 - 0.29%
100%
SU
RF
AC
E
FIN
ISH
GROUND SURFACE
100%
MODERATE CARBON 0.30 - 0.59%
85%
ROUGH MACHINED
100%
HIGH CARBON 0.60 - 0.99%
75%
FOUNDRY FINISH
85%
HIGHER CARBON = HIGHER RESIDUAL*
ROUGH CAST
65%
* HIGH CARBON STEEL (TOOL STEEL) WILL ABSORB MAGNETISM & MAY MAGNETICALLY STICK TO STEEL
SURFACE, SUCH AS THE LIFT MAGNET OR ATTRACT FERROUS PARTICLES.
MAXIMUM WORKING LOAD LIMIT (WLL) IN LBS (KG) & SHEET LENGTH (FEET) FOR MATERIAL THICKNESS**
Model No. 1/4" (6' LN) 3/8" (8' LN) 1/2" (8' LN) 3/4" (8' LN) 1" (10' LN) 2" (10' LN) 3" (10' LN)
VL0275 150 (68)
220 (99)
240 (108) 250 (113) 275 (124) 275 (124)
275 (124)
VL0600 260 (117) 435 (197) 525 (238) 550 (249) 600 (272) 600 (272)
600 (272)
VL1200 NA
755 (342) 960 (435) 1165 (528) 1200 (544) 1200 (544) 1200 (544)
VL2500 NA
NA
NA
1700 (771) 1800 (816) 2500 (1134) 2500 (1134)
MAXIMUM WORKING LOAD LIMIT (WLL) IN LBS (KG) & MINIMUM DIMENSIONS (ROUND & VERTICAL LIFTING)**
Horizontal Round Part Lifting Applications
Vertical Part Lift (Flat Only)
Model
No.
Maximum WLL under
Ideal Conditions
Maximum WLL at Minimum
Diameter / Thickness
WLL
Min. Thickness
VL0275 137 (49)
50 (22) - 2.00 In. / 0.12 In.
68 (30)
1.00 In.
VL0600 300 (136)
130 (58) - 2.00 In. / 0.12 In.
150 (68) 1.00 In.
VL1200 600 (272)
600 (272) - 4.00 In. / 0.50 In.
300 (136) 1.00 In.
VL2500 1250 (567)
1250 (567) - 8.00 In. / 1.00 In.
625 (283) 3.00 In.
**NOTE: These values are based on “Ideal Conditions” and are selected due to the sag characteristics of the specifi ed
sheet. It is recommended to use 2 or more lifts on a spreader bar when lifting sheets over 8 feet to prevent sheet fl exing,
sagging or peel-off. Thin material is susceptible to magnetic bleed through, resulting in two sheets being lifted at once.
The item to be lifted must cover the entire length and width of the magnetic poles to properly engage and release. Round
Item Working Load Limits vary based on pipe length, wall thickness, diameter and surface condition which can all affect
the magnet’s performance. Please consult the factory before specifying these magnets for use on round materials. CF =
Consult Factory NA = Not Applicable (Magnets listed will not turn “ON” on specifi ed material thicknesses.)
HANDLE OPERATION
This lift magnet is equipped with a Locking “ON” and “OFF” handle operation system. The
locking feature prevents the handle from being bumped partially “ON” or “OFF and avoids
giving the operator a false belief that the Lift Magnet is operating properly. The VersaLift™
needs to be on thick steel to engage the Lift Magnet to the “ON” position (See lifting chart
in Safety Precautions section).
To engage the magnet: pull handle grip upward and rotate the lever to the magnetized
“ON” position, then release the grip. Make sure the lever system is in its lever-stop
position. When turning “OFF” the magnet, be sure to hold the lever as fi rmly as possible to
safely release the load. Once you have a fi rm grasp on the lever pull up on the handle grip
and rotate the lever to the “OFF” position.
To operate the Test Feature, pull the spring loaded
handle out and rotate it to the “TEST” position. Lift load
approximately 2-3 inches to verify the magnet has the
capacity to lift your load. Once verifi ed, place load back
down and turn the handle to the “ON” position. Never
complete entire lift operation in “TEST” position.
5°
UNLOCK
ON
OFF
LOCK
ROTATE
TEST
