Lifting Strength and distance of an Electromagnet

[zobaman]

I am trying to determine the lifting strength of an electromagnet I plan to build. For example, say I have a 1" steel ball bearing. What I need to find out is what is the maximum distance that a given electromagnet will pick this ball bearing up off the ground (with only the force of gravity pulling the ball down).

I have not decided how the electromagnet will be designed, but I will use this knowledge in deciding. I have no idea if this is feasible, but I'm hoping that with enough coils, and a good enough core, and the right shape of core, and the right electricity supply, that I could achieve a range of two feet (or even more would be great) without melting the wire around the core, or setting anything on fire.

 

[MagMike]

This question or a close variation of it has come up many times in this forum. I recommend you look through earlier posts.

Regarding feasibility: A range of two feet will not be practical. Two inches may be possible but will require a lot of power.

 

[BobM3]

Does it have to be magnetic or do you have to have a 2 foot pickup length? Two feet with an electromagnet wouldn't be feasible. An actuator (electric, air, etc) with a magnetic pickup on the end might work.

 

[MJR2]

A magnet of about 84 inches square and 42 inches height weighing some 25000 lbs and consuming 19kw should be able to pick up your steel ball at 24 inches. Provided the core and coil are properly designed.

Mike