How to Safely Transfer Metal Blanks, Stampings and Parts in Automated Applications and Press Operations

In Booth B-6529, patented Transporters™ from Industrial Magnetics, Inc. (Boyne City, MI) magnetically transfer metal blanks, stampings and parts in automated station-to-station, press-to-press transfer or robotic pick-and-place applications. Engineered with powerful rare earth magnets that positively hold the part during transfer — even during unexpected loss of shop air — the Transporter family greatly reduces chances for slipping and shifting of parts due to mill oil coatings, dust, dirt, rust or weld splatter. Transporters also provide more options for pick-up points on stamped, perforated and odd-shaped parts, and they offer a significant reduction over vacuum and suction cups in shop air costs. In addition, all three lines in the Transporter family offer more accurate placement on the die and quicker cycle times for increased production.

The Original Transporter is designed for use on heavier gauge, nonflexing parts and uses a single burst of shop air to actuate the magnet. It is available in three standard sizes with holding capacities up to 670 lb. The Transporter LP allows for minimal die clearance and can be easily installed to existing air connections on tooling booms or robotic faceplates. Transporter LP magnets are designed to directly replace vacuum cups with only minor tooling adjustments and are ideal for applications in the appliance, automotive, and office furniture industries, as well as other material handling applications. The Transporter LP is next-generation sheet handling technology that only requires a short, single burst of shop air to quickly release parts. It is available in three standard sizes with the strongest unit holding up to 162 lb. Included in the LP line is the TPLP50, a 5 in low-profile Transporter that is ideal for lifting thin sheets. It is also available with a de-stacking option that features a special magnetic circuit, designed to de-stack metal sheets as thin at 0.030 in (22 ga).

The latest addition to the Transporter family is the Transporter MV (MagVac) end-of-arm tooling, combining vacuum and magnet technology to lift and hold all shapes and types of steel in stamping, blanking and press-to-press transfer applications. The Transporter MV is ideal for facilities with mixed-use metals, where the magnet can be utilized in conjunction with the vacuum for ferrous parts, and the vacuum can work on non-ferrous materials, eliminating downtime for tooling changes. Each Transporter is million-cycle-tested for endurance and incorporates a fail-safe feature that prevents the magnet from releasing ferrous parts in the event of air loss. IMI specializes in custom designs, providing Transporter product for coil lifting, banded material handling and other challenging applications. A full line of accessories and fittings are also available.

Industrial Magnetics Inc., 1385 South M-75, Boyne City, MI 49712-9689, 231-582-3100, www.magnetics.com.