Stepping Solenoids
NSF Controls is a leading UK manufacturer and supplier of solenoids and related products.
What Are Stepping Solenoids?
Stepping solenoids provide much higher torque than the equivalent-sized stepper motors. For larger step angles, where speed isn’t essential to the application, stepping solenoids offer simple controls with just two wires and a pulse of DC to power the solenoid.
The key to the superior performance of stepping solenoids is the exclusive tooth clutch drive: it features a positive-action, self-locking drive that contributes to greater usable torque output. The drive also functions as a built-in electro-mechanical clutch brake, eliminating the natural tendency to overdrive at the end of a step.
Stepping solenoids are available in models with 12, 18, 24, or 36 steps per revolution, and in unidirectional or bidirectional configurations. The internal parts of the stepping solenoid are permanently lubricated and enclosed to protect from external environments, making our stepping solenoids maintenance-free, cost-effective products for your application.
*Please note: where flange mounting is used for bi-directional models, consideration should be given to securing both sections of the solenoid if high inertia loads are to be positioned.
Benefits of Stepping Solenoids
- Minimum Life Expectancy of 10 Million Steps
- Single Pulse Operation
- Unique Tooth Clutch Drive
- 12, 18, 24 or 36 Position
- Unidirectional or Bidirectional Operation
- Foot, Flange or Stud Mountings Available*
Applications for Stepping Solenoids
- Can Making Industry
- Control Gear
- Water / Medical Sampling
- Ticketing Equipment
- Food & Drink Processing
Stepping Solenoid Technical
The performance tables show four columns of typical operating conditions for a given unit. The first two “normal speed, extended period of operation”, presume the stepping solenoids will be pulsed on a continuous basis (round the clock under normal ambient temperature of 20°C with no provision to cool the coil). Here the pulse ‘OFF’ interval is calculated to allow sufficient cooling time (between pulses) to prevent thermal damage.
Most applications, however, call for the stepping solenoid to operate on an intermittent basis, allowing time for the coil to cool while the stepping solenoid is not working. This permits a decrease of the pulse ‘OFF’ interval and a subsequent increase in stepping speed.
The performance information was developed from tests with friction loads, which represent the most severe condition because a constant torque throughout the stroke is required. An inertia load requires a high initial starting torque and a braking action at the end – a task that the Series 50-L Stepping Solenoid is designed to handle. In addition to the clutch brake, it has built-in compensation to reduce velocity toward the end of each step.
The detent torque values shown in the Specifications have already been taken into consideration in the performance tables. Detent torque need only be considered when there is a load against the shaft with no power applied.
Customised Solenoid Solutions
For enquiries about customised solenoid solutions, please get in touch with us with the following information:
- Dimensions of the space available for the solenoid
- Stroke length (mm)
- Force or torque required
- Voltage available & current limit of supply
- Duty cycle – specify the maximum on time and the minimum off time for one cycle
- Temperature of the working environment
