Products

Permanent magnets WALMAG MAGNETICS

In permanent magnetic chucks, we find the utilization of highly magnetized materials which in a particular arrangement facilitate the clamping of magnetic steel. Under normal conditions, they do not lose their magnetic force.

Activation and deactivation is performed mechanically by movement of the internal system with permanent magnets. This is usually activated manually by use of a handle.

The advantages of a permanent clamping system are:

Independence from electrical power which means no other work costs.
Easy installation meaning quick transfer of the chuck on to another machine.

The permanent magnetic system does not create heat which means there are no thermal deformations of the pole plate or workpiece and consequently no inaccuracies in machining.

The robust design means it is totally maintenance-free with a very long working life time.

The disadvantages of a permanent clamping system are:

A lesser adaptability of chuck dimensions for big workpieces.

Not as suitable for heavier workpieces.

The mechanical switching system is not suitable for automated works.
The chuck is not very suitable for working with components with a temperature of above 80 °C.

Electromagnets WALMAG MAGNETICS

The magnetic field in these clamping units is generated with coils supplied with direct current. Electromagnets are activated with a control unit which allows quick magnetizing and an especially easy demagnetizing of the workpiece.

The advantages of the electromagnetic system are:

Due to the size of coils, electromagnets can generate a very strong magnetic field that results in a tight clamping of the workpiece.
Thanks to the high magnetic field, it is possible to clamp reliably even rough workpieces with large gaps between the workpiece and the chuck.
Chucks can be operated with control units which can fluently regulate the magnetic force and control the demagnetizing cycle. This allows the easy removal of the workpiece from the chuck.
The possibility to produce various chuck dimensions which enables one to solve the requirements of the workpiece size.
Operation can be manual, automatic or combined.

The disadvantages of the electromagnetic system are:

The chuck must be supplied with power for operation.
From safety reasons, in some operations a back-up power supply (accumulator) is required.
Coils inside of the chuck when supplied with power, generate heat which can have adverse effects on highly accurate machining.

Electropermanent systems WALMAG MAGNETICS

Electropermanent clamping systems are the combination of permanent and electromagnetic technology. They exploit the ability of some ferromagnetic materials to become a permanent magnet due to the fast action of strong direct current. In this state, they continue to function without the need of an external power supply. When demagnetizing, impulses create an alternating current which demagnetizes the ferromagnetic materials. An electric current is needed solely for the clamping and unclamping of the workpiece on the chuck.

The advantages of an electro-permanent magnetic system are:

High clamping force which provides the possibility to carry out heavy milling operations.
Greater safety from the point of view of the independence from an electric power supply; even when the supply is off, there is no chance of the workpiece coming free.
Minimal electricity consumption.
Operation from a control unit giving the possibility of automated use.
The on/off state does not influence the temperature in the chuck meaning no risk of deformations of the workpiece caused by fluctuating temperatures and therefore no influence on machining accuracy.
The possibility to produce various chuck dimensions which enables one to solve the requirements of the workpiece size.

The disadvantages of an electro-permanent magnetic system are:

Higher cost than permanent chucks.
In comparison with electromagnets, there is a higher sensitivity to air-gaps between the chuck and the component.