When using a magnetised crane to lift heavy or bulky metal materials, operators must manage the crane’s motion with the utmost control. By retrofitting a magnet controller, operators can manipulate the crane magnet’s performance, preventing harm to staff, nearby equipment and the crane itself. The pitfall of contactor-based controls Operators traditionally control crane magnets by adjusting the input electromagnetic current with an on/off switch. Although having an on/off switch allows the user to pick up and release loads when they choose, it can also deteriorate the magnet over time. 32 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk February/March 2024 Handling & Safety Matters Focus on: Handling & Storage According to predictive maintenance provider, Senseye, large plants lose an average of 27 hours a month to machine failures. Digital, dynamic control of industrial cranes on the factory floor is a largely unknown, but pivotal, source of uptime. Andy Swann, business development manager for cranes & power transmission at CP Automation, explains why. Why digital magnet controllers are the unsung heroes of productivity Because the operator can only turn the magnet on or off, the maximum current is fed in and then withdrawn when the load is released. After a series of lifts, the magnet can start to overheat, and the asset will sweat because of the current flow. Consequently, operators and plant managers must regularly swap out the magnets to prevent potential of failure, longterm damage, increasing costs and extending crane downtime. A more digital approach While contactor-based controls can be harsh on the magnet, operators can soften the impact by retrofitting a digital controller that can stepup the input current. Rather than slamming in the maximum current all at once, users can gradually increase the input according to the load or have this pre-programmed into the software. By digitally controlling the demagnetisation current, operators can maintain a full load while reducing the lifting charge in the circuit. Building on the topic of digital transformation in manufacturing, Nina Gryf, senior policy manager at Make UK explained: “Manufacturers are undergoing a profound digital transformation with the potential to transform productivity, resilience and sustainability.” Gryf continued: “The investments companies are making will play a key role in the future of manufacturing, powering them through the challenges that lie ahead with greater
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=