Pneumatic Switchable Permanent Magnet

Whether milling, turning, drilling or grinding, MPI’s Pneumatic Switchable Permanent Magnet will hold your workpiece in place with a strength previously unattainable. This workholding magnet delivers four to ten times the holding power of competitive products. Not only does it boast significantly better power, but it also houses this magnetic strength in an enclosure that is typically more than 50% smaller than other comparable units.

MPI’s Pneumatic Switchable Permanent Magnet is the only one able to handle thin gauge metals, which often do not accommodate the use of magnet workholding devices. It exhibits superior performance for part holding of laser-welded blanks.

Low-cost operation – no electricity or hydraulics required to operate (pneumatic actuated)
Extremely reliable – life cycle tested to 5,000,000 cycles to date
The shear holding force is 3X–7X stronger than competitor’s electromagnet
Shear force is comparable to hydraulically switched magnets, but without the complexity
Results in increased productivity and quality; reducing rejected parts
Top clamping mass enhancers not required.
Compact package with minimal footprint
Magnet can be left “on” indefinitely
No degaussing period, magnet switches “on” and “off” instantly
Pneumatic operation – Switched “on” and “off” with a standard air supply (80PSI required)
Cool operation – no heat generated by use, therefore, no need for water cooling
Durable precision ground working surface
Sealed construction permits thorough cleaning and easy maintenance
“Air bearing effects” enables low effort robotic crowding

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Description

How the Pneumatic Switchable Permanent Magnet Works:

While electromagnets need continuous and expensive electrical power to maintain magnetism, MPI’s Pneumatic Switchable Permanent Magnet requires electricity only to turn it on and off. This benefit is two-fold.

Less electrical power means lower utility costs.
The elimination of continuous electrical power. This means the Magnet is safer to operate than an electromagnet.

Should power be interrupted, the Magnet retains its magnetism and continues to hold the workpiece without the need for an expensive battery back-up system. In comparison, an electromagnet that losses power will immediately release the workpiece. This causes it to send it off the machine tool and creating a significant operator safety issue. You can rest assured that this unit will hold your workpiece in place reliably as intended.