FAQs About SolenoidsAbout SwitchesAbout Electromechanics
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Solenoid & Switch FAQs
Please see below some of our frequently asked questions regarding our solenoid and switch ranges. For further assistance, please use our contact form, and one of our team members will be more than happy to help.
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A typical solenoid consists of the following main elements:
- a cylindrical coil
- a steel or iron frame or shell
- a steel or iron plunger
- a stationary magnetic pole/travel stop (optional)
A magnetic field is generated within the solenoid by passing an electrical current through the coil. The frame or shell surrounds the coil, providing a path for flux. In effect, it focuses the magnetic field produced by the coil.
The plunger, being made of a highly magnetic material, reacts to the magnetic field by attempting to move to the centre of the coil. The plunger will travel to the centred position unless stopped by a load which exceeds the solenoid’s force capability, or the plunger contacts the stationary pole/travel stop.
The force generated by a solenoid is dependent upon the current flowing through the coil windings.
Maximum solenoid life is achieved when the pull force required coincides as nearly as possible with the force generated by the solenoid. Solenoids that develop substantially more force than necessary are subject to excessive hammering, which may eventually lead to mechanical failure.
To improve mechanical life, the load must be aligned with the plunger, and side loads must be kept to a minimum.
The mechanical life of DC solenoids will be increased with the addition of an anti-bottoming feature. There will be a slight reduction in force caused by an internal air gap when an anti-bottoming feature is included.
The following information should be considered to select the correct solenoid:
- What is the linear movement needed?
- How much force is required to operate?
- What is the space limitation for the solenoid?
- What is the duty cycle of the solenoid?
- What is the operating temperature range?
- Are there any special industrial environmental concerns?
- Is there a need for additional circuit protection?
- What size lead wire and length of lead are required?
Typical applications include:
- Pull
- Pinch
- Push
- Dispense
- Lock
- Latch
- Select
- Reject
- Index
- Divert
- Kick
- Hold
- Release
- Eject
- Position
A section (or deck or wafer) is what contacts are mounted on.
A shorting contact, also known as “make before break,” describes the action of the contact as you select your switch positions. The switch will momentarily short position 1 and 2 together when you rotate from position 1 to position 2.
A non-shorting contact is also known as “break before make”. The connection is momentarily broken when you rotate from position 1 to position 2.
An index angle is the number of degrees between each position.
Gold plating of contacts should be used when your product requires a longer shelf life. Additionally, if the switch will not be actuated for an extended period after installation, we recommend using gold plating.
