Have you ever walked past a scrap yard and wondered how the large “scraps” are moved from one place to another? The answer is simple, yet difficult… magnets! Magnets come in different shapes, sizes, and strengths — some can even lift and move cars! In this blog post, we’ll be focusing on those large, high-strength magnets that are capable of moving heavy objects in scrap yards.

Electromagnets

In scrapyards, cranes use extremely strong electromagnets, commonly called “junkyard magnets” to move scrap steel off the ground from one place to another. Electromagnets are devices made up of a soft iron core with windings, or turns, of electrically conducting wire that creates a magnetic field through the application of electricity. The windings increase the size of the core which then increases the level of magnetic current that flows through the wire. When electricity is applied, either from a battery or another source, it flows through the wire and creates a magnetic field stronger than that of any natural magnet While permanent magnets can have large pull forces, they do not have the ability to lift heavy objects, such as a steel beam or an automobile. This is why industrial electromagnets are used in scrapyards. In addition, electromagnets aren’t as permanent as everyday magnets — the magnetic force of the electromagnets can be controlled by switching the current that flows through them on and off. So, when the crane is lowered into a pile of scraps, the electricity is turned on, attracting steel scraps onto the magnets. The crane then moves the scraps into the desired location, and the electricity is switched off so the scrap steel falls off the magnet. 

Electromagnets and Recycling 

In addition, electromagnets are used to recycle items in a scrap yard. A large crane is lowered into a pile of scraps that picks up any ferrous or iron material. All the scraps picked up by the crane are moved into a separate pile from non-ferrous scraps. All scraps that are not picked up by the junkyard magnets are sorted based on the type of material it is. When non-ferrous scraps are recycled, it is important that the pile does not contain ferrous materials because it can create technical problems for recycling machinery when it is melted down. To learn about how magnets sort materials in a recycling center to keep the world green, click here. 

Contact Apex Magnets

Whether you run a junkyard or need industrial magnets, Apex Magnets is here for you! We offer incredibly strong neodymium magnets to meet all of your needs. If you are unsure of your magnet needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 1.304.250.9945.  If you’re looking for a specific magnet for your business, fill out our custom order form. We’ll review your custom order in 1-2 business days and give you a quote for FREE!