Electromagnetic Gantry Crane for Enhanced Billet Handling Efficiency

Client Background: Jiangsu Nanjing Iron & Steel (Nangang)

Jiangsu Nanjing Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. (Nangang) is a major steel producer in East China, known for its advanced rolling mills, high-quality plate and section steel production, and strong commitment to intelligent and green manufacturing. As part of its smart plant upgrade strategy, Nangang sought to optimize billet and plate handling efficiency in its rolling workshop. To support this initiative, the company adopted DAFANG's intelligent Electromagnetic Gantry Crane, enabling a significant leap in automation, safety, and operational performance.

Electromagnetic Gantry Crane Applied in Rolling Workshop Material Handling

By deploying DAFANG's electromagnetic gantry crane, Jiangsu Nangang achieved intelligent upgrading of the material handling process in its rolling workshop. With electromagnetic adsorption technology, laser positioning, and an intelligent monitoring platform as its core features, the equipment greatly enhanced efficiency and operational safety, delivering an “efficient, safe, and green” logistics solution for the metallurgical industry. This project demonstrates the development of gantry cranes toward higher specialization and smarter operation, helping the client achieve cost reduction and productivity improvement.

Equipment Overview

To improve billet handling efficiency in the rolling workshop, Nangang introduced the Electromagnetic Gantry Crane featuring:

• Double-girder design
• Rated lifting capacity: 50 tons
• Span: 32 m
• Lifting height: 24 m
• Electromagnetic lifting disc: Ø 3 m, magnetic force 35 tons
• Operation modes: ground remote control + cabin control
• Full compliance with GB/T 3811 crane design standard
• Certified to ISO 12482
• Specially engineered for high-temperature and heavy-dust metallurgical environments

Core Application Scenarios

Billet Transfer

• Task: Handling hot billets (45 tons each, 15 m long)
• Performance:
• Automatic magnetic gripping system (response ≤ 3 s)
• Intelligent anti-collision for bridge and trolley
• Transfer efficiency increased by 60%
• Manual intervention reduced by 80%

Plate Yard Management

• Task: Multi-layer plate stacking (12 tons per plate)
• Performance:
• Laser positioning accuracy ±10 mm
• Yard utilization improved by 40%

Maintenance Assistance

• Task: Lifting mill rolls and bearing housings (up to 20 tons each)
• Performance:
• Variable-frequency speed control (0.5–10 m/min)
• Hydraulic anti-sway system
• Maintenance safety improved by 75%

Key Technical Innovations

Electromagnetic–Mechanical Dual Drive System

• Redundant electromagnetic power with UPS ensures 15 minutes of magnetic holding during power loss
• Optional mechanical grab mode for mixed material handling

Intelligent Monitoring & Early Warning

• Integrated stress, temperature, and anti-collision monitoring
• Real-time transmission of key parameters to the central dispatch system

Enhanced Structural Safety Design

• Main girders welded from Q345D high-strength steel, with local reinforcement using Q460E
• Equipped with wind-proof anchoring system (resistance up to Level 12 winds)

User Feedback & Practical Benefits

Efficiency Improvement

• Billet turnover in the rolling workshop increased from 1,800 t/day → 2,500 t/day, accelerating production rhythm by 35%.

Cost Optimization

• Electromagnetic lifting consumes 40% less energy compared with mechanical grabs → Annual electricity savings approx. 800,000 RMB

Safety Performance

• Zero safety incidents in five years of operation
• Certified to ISO 45001 occupational health & safety standard

Cindy

WhatsApp: +86-19137386654

Email: cindywang@hndfcrane.com

I am Cindy, with 10 years of working experience in the crane industry and accumulated a wealth of professional knowledge. I have chosen the satisfying cranes for 500+ customers. If you have any needs or questions about cranes, please feel free to contact me, I will use my expertise and practical experience to help you solve the problem!