Process and machine automation ranges from on-off basic functions to sequencing that is very complex. In situations where these processes involve rotary or linear motion, solenoids are one of the best types of actuation devices when it comes to ease rotary torque sensor use, simple installation, cost and size.
Solenoids can be used in a wide variety of applications. Some of the more common applications for rotary solenoids include copiers, ticket machines, brakes, pinch rollers, machine tools, film processors, automatic tellers, textile machinery, defibrillators, IC insertion machines, circuit breakers and counters. Among the most common applications for linear solenoids are electronic typewriters, disk drive locks, film processors coin changers, interposers, pumps, door locks, copiers, brakes and vending machines.
Here are some of the main functions that solenoids are ideally suited for.
Reliability
With a life span as much as 100 million cycles and the delivery of repeatable, predictable performance, solenoids deliver uncompromising reliability.
Simplified Control
Solenoids are a pulsed device and have minimal components, making them ideal for digital control, resulting in higher reliability and faster cycling with fewer interfaces.
Kick
The electrical operation and snap-acting response of solenoids benefit part rejection processes where electronic interfacing involving a photo sensor is needed.
Pinch
Medical equipment often involves tubes that carry body fluids The flow regulation on these tubes must be accurately controlled. A linear solenoid, for example, has variable positioning capability and can be used to pinch the tube smoothly and precisely to the operator’s demand. By using a solenoid this way, valves and other types of connecting apparatuses that could pose leakage or contamination threats are eliminated.
Latch and Lock
Long life, reliability, compact size and low cost are some of the major reasons why solenoids are becoming increasingly in demand for use in many different types of locking applications such as missile systems, disk drives, cash registers and vault doors.
Whether the solenoid is linear or rotary, it can be configured quite easily into machine designs that require a stage or platform be latched or locked into position throughout a specific machine process.
Diverter
Depending on what the specification application is, a gate diverter can be used infrequently or continuously. A rotary solenoid, for example, can be used due to its actuation life rating of 100+ million.
Exceptional Torque or Force
Linear solenoids that are 2 1/4 inches long or less can provide as much as 30 pounds in force as well as 100 pounds in torque.