ALLIANCE, OH – The complete line of Winkle scrap handling magnets, now called OptiMag has been redesigned and additions have been made using new proprietary engineering software to achieve lighter weights, increased lifting capacity and lower costs for recyclers and steel mills.
Jeff McCartney, Winkle Senior Magnet Engineer on the shop floor with one of the new enhanced magnets from Winkle.
Winkle’s Director of Engineering and Production, Paul Predagovic, credits the use of advanced design software developed by the company’s in-house Engineering Department for significant across-the-board design improvements and additions. “Refining our magnet modeling software was a big first step in this project,” Predagovic reports. “Then we applied the new design parameters to every scrap magnet in our catalog, with great results.” According to Predagovic, redesigning and increasing the magnet line-up required a collaborative effort from the complete Winkle team.
The new Winkle catalog provides basic specifications for all scrap magnets. The line-up includes both cast and fabricated casings, aluminum and copper coils and ranges in size from 30 inches to over 100 inches in diameter as well as; a full range of rectangular and octagonal magnets. The scrap magnets are designated according to their design type and are engineered to achieve optimum lift-to-weight ratios and superior duty cycles without sacrificing strength and durability. Winkle also designs and manufactures an unlimited range of specialized lifting magnets for unique customer requirements.
Leadership in magnet technology
Winkle was an early pioneer in computer aided modeling and design for lifting magnets. The company’s original modeling data was supported through live field trials comparing varied designs and sizes. Since then, Winkle engineering has continued to review and refine its 3D proprietary modeling software for greater precision in simulating actual field conditions in a variety of applications.
Winkle was also the leader in designing magnets to keep up with the faster duty cycles of today’s purpose-built scrap handling equipment. As a result, all Winkle magnets are designed with true 75% continuous duty cycles, based on a 24/7 operation.
“We set our performance initiatives and targets very high to start with,” says Predagovic. “Then we looked for the most efficient design of the magnet within those parameters. We don’t compromise on key performance factors such as lifting capability, duty cycles and overall service-life.”
Jeff McCartney, Winkle’s Senior Magnet Engineer, says that the design and redesign effort considered every aspect and component of the magnets. “Our modeling process looked at everything below the hook, from the chains to the bottom plate of the magnet. We also surveyed other magnets in the market, and we found that some published specifications were not complete! We feel that an all-inclusive design model is essential, not only to optimize lifting performance, but to ensure safety in our customer yards and mills, as well as for their operators.”
“Rebuildability” preserves long-term value
At Winkle, the OptiMag lifting magnets are engineered and manufactured using strap-wound deep-field and extra-deep field coils in Winkle’s facility. “Our engineering software allows us to design strapped wound coils with the accuracy that’s needed to manufacture the coils efficiently,” Predagovic explains. “Wire-wound coils are more costly to produce and repair. We have optimized our magnet designs so our customers can have long term sustainability and a cost effective rebuildable product.”
Winkle has a long history of rebuilding and rewinding all makes and models of electromagnets, including units for separation and brake coils for magnetically driven crane brakes. For scrap recyclers, Predagovic says that his Rebuild capabilities can reduce costs associated with rebuilding strap-wound magnets by cleaning and recovering conductor from the used coil.
“This is where our engineering capabilities really shine,” says Predagovic. “Not just designing the right magnet for the job, but designing the right long-term solution for the customer.”
About Winkle Industries
Winkle Industries is a worldwide leader in engineered solutions for users of mill-duty material handling equipment. Winkle’s ISO 9001:2008 facilities provide end-to-end design, manufacture and complete support for below-the-hook magnetic and mechanical lifting devices, above-the-hook electrical and mechanical crane products, on-the-ground material handling equipment, engineering services, aftermarket services, machining and fabrication. Winkle’s experience and resources are “raising customer expectations” on a wide range of material handling needs, from innovative product design to customer process improvement.
For information, contact:
Ray Seymour, Commodity Manager
2080 West Main Street, Alliance, Ohio 44601
Tel: (330) 823-9730 Fax: (330) 823-9788
www.winkleindustries.com
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