DIFFERENT TYPES OF EQUIPMENT THAT ARE USED TO LIFT STEEL PLATES

In industrial environments where steel sheets play a crucial role, having specialized equipment for moving these sheets from one place to another is essential. Relying solely on manual labor can introduce significant risks, including potential injuries to workers and the need for employers to spend extra money on safety gear. Some steel sheets are quite large, requiring support from both sides during transport, making the use of mechanical lifting devices much more practical than manual efforts.

Among the most common tools used for lifting steel sheets are plate clamps, plate hooks, and magnets. Plate clamps come in different designs suited for vertical, horizontal, or specific positioning tasks. Typically, two or more clamps are used together, often paired with a spreader beam that distributes the weight evenly and ensures the clamps are spaced correctly. There are various types of clamps available—some with hinges, others heavy-duty models, high-grip versions, and non-marking options featuring leather pads to avoid scratching the surface of the steel sheets. Plate clamps can also rotate sheets by 90 or even 180 degrees, enabling efficient vertical lifts followed by precise horizontal placements.

Lifting hooks, or dogs, include several variations like grab hooks, end dogs, flat plate dogs, and round section dogs. These hooks are designed to handle multiple steel sheets simultaneously. Customized hooks can be created depending on the thickness of the materials being lifted. Lifting dogs offer an economical and non-marking solution for transporting numerous sheets at once.

As their name suggests, lifting magnets operate by securing steel sheets using powerful magnetic forces. To function effectively, the load must possess magnetic qualities; for instance, mild steel is magnetic and can be easily lifted with a magnetic lifter. These magnets can also lift other metallic objects like tubes, pipes, and cylindrical steel items. Before using a lifting magnet, operators should perform a test to confirm its ability to hold the intended load securely. The effectiveness of the magnet can be affected by factors such as oil, paint, debris, or poor machining, which can create air gaps reducing the contact area between the load and the magnet.

Overall, investing in proper lifting equipment not only enhances operational efficiency but also ensures worker safety while minimizing costs associated with accidents and safety gear purchases. Whether it's clamps, hooks, or magnets, each tool plays a vital role in streamlining the handling of steel sheets across various industries.