Applications Of Solenoids

By Author: Jim Strange
Total Articles: 21
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A solenoid is a device which converts energy into linear motion. This energy may come from an electromagnetic field, a pneumatic (air-powered) chamber or a hydraulic (fluid-filled) cylinder. The uses for solenoids in industry are extensive. Anywhere that electrical power is required to achieve a small movement becomes an application for a solenoid. When the process involves linear or rotary motion, solenoids are among the best actuation devices in terms of size, cost, simplified installation, and ease of use.

A linear solenoid can provide up to 30 pounds of force from a unit less than 21Ú4 inches long. A rotary solenoid can provide well over 100 lb-in of torque from a unit also less than 21Ú4 inches long.

Solenoids can be actuated in milliseconds, or can be velocity controlled to provide smooth, noiseless actuation.

Being a pulsed device with minimal components optimizes solenoids for digital control. This results in faster cycling and higher reliability with fewer interfaces.

Solenoids are frequently used in locking mechanisms, obvious uses include door locking, in hotels, offices and secure ...
... areas. Here a solenoid can be small enough to fit within a conventional door lock mechanism. In the locked position no power is consumed. Consequently many solenoids are designed to operate from battery power. Low cost, compact size, reliability, and long life are all reasons for the growing demand for solenoids in a wide variety of locking applications from vault doors, cash registers, disk drives and missile systems.

The most frequent use of a solenoid is an interlock device for integration into automatic gearbox drive selectors. Other applications for solenoids include petrol cap locking, in-car entertainment release mechanisms, anti vibration engine mountings, air conditioning controls and security systems.

Medical solenoid applications demand high accuracy in terms of force and stroke, and stringent standards that ensure reliability and long life.

Applications within the railway industry are particularly diverse, including functions on locomotives, rolling stock, tracks, signals and power distribution as well as conventional uses in maintenance and building.
Magnet Schultz Ltd is the UK end of Magnet-Schultz Group they are leaders in solenoids based engineering solutions, assembly and design. They employ over 1,750 in five different countries over Europe and the USA, supplying thousands of types and specifications in stock, fast response time and online or telephone advice.

Magnet Schultz support and supply clients in some of the world's most exacting industries, they include:- Aerospace, Defence, Medical & Pharmaceutical, Pneumatic & Hydraulic, Automotive, Marine, Offshore, Transport, Security, Industrial, Power Generation and Building, to name a few.

Solenoids by MagnetSchultz