Safety
Magnetic Hazards
MagneMover LITE Service Manual
27
Rockwell Automation Publication MMI-UM037A-EN-P - April 2020
Handling Magnet Arrays
The Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) magnets that are used in the MM LITE magnet arrays
require special handling. General handling guidelines and cautions are provided in this sec-
tion. It is the responsibility of the user to define and implement their own handling guidelines
in accordance with the applicable facility, local, and national safety codes for the installation
site.
•
Pacemakers and other Medical Implants
– Individuals with pacemakers or internal
medical devices must use caution when handling the magnet arrays as the magnetic
fields can affect the operation of these devices. These individuals must consult their
physician and the manufacturer of their medical device to determine its susceptibility
to static magnetic fields before handling the magnet arrays and to determine the safe
distance from the arrays, or if they must not handle the arrays.
•
Electronic Equipment Damage
– Do not allow any magnet arrays near sensitive
electronics, equipment with cathode ray tubes (CRTs) or other displays, or magnetic
storage media (for example, disks, credit cards, cell phones).
•
Pinch/Crush
– The magnet arrays that are used with the MagneMotion linear motors
are very strong. The magnet arrays have a very high attractive force to each other and
ferromagnetic materials like steel, iron, some stainless steels, and nickel. Pinching
happens if the magnet arrays are allowed to come together against a body part – usu-
ally fingers. Do not try to stop moving objects or magnet arrays that have been
attracted to each other.
•
Impact
– Do not strike the magnet arrays as the magnets within them can shatter and
break. The magnets within the magnet arrays can spark on impact. Handle carefully in
explosive atmospheres.
•
Sharp Fragments
– The magnet arrays are very strong and unsecured magnet arrays
can accelerate toward other magnets, magnet arrays, or ferromagnetic materials. The
magnets in the arrays are brittle, and if allowed to collide, the magnets in the arrays
can shatter and break, possibly sending particles flying at high speed.
•
Debris Accumulation
– Protect all magnet arrays in a transport system to prevent the
accumulation of debris. If debris is accumulated, it can get caught between the magnet
array and the motor, which affects system performance and can damage the cover of
the motor.
•
Corrosion
– The magnets in all MagneMotion magnet arrays are protected against
corrosion. However, damage (for example, scratches, chips) to the magnet array or the
magnets creates the potential for corrosion. NdFeB rare-earth magnets that have cor-
roded have changed their physical properties. The Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for the
component materials (Iron, Neodymium, Boron, Nickel, and Copper) must be con-
sulted before the use, handling, or transportation of corroded magnets.
•
Machining
– Do not drill, grind, machine, or sand the magnets or the magnet arrays.
The magnets can shatter or break when drilled or machined. The magnet dust that
machining creates is hazardous and can be harmful if inhaled or allowed to get into
eyes. Drilling, grinding, and machining can produce metal powder, which is flamma-
