Safe, reliable operation

The Problem
Demanding applications call for long-lasting machines in which every single component has to work extremely reliably. Security-critical applications, for example, have to be kept safe from unauthorised access; even human lives, at times, depend on the accurate, flawless operation of equipment.

Solution and fields of application
When it comes to secure locking, holding, opening and dispensing in electronic equipment and industrial applications, look no further than electromagnets. They can be modified in diverse ways and put to use in almost all fields of application. Basically, there are magnets – be it framed solenoids, cylindrical solenoids, holding magnets or permanent magnets – to suit every application.

• Medical engineering: For mobile use in ambulances, emergency medical vehicles and in crisis regions, electromagnets ensure that medical equipment stays fixed in place. Such situations call for permanent magnets, which are shockproof, vibration-proof, energy efficient and very light. In stationary equipment, by contrast, they manage the dispensing and regulating of liquids, and also protect security-critical devices from unauthorised access. The special quality of electromagnets with built-in permanent magnets: they hold their position when power is switched off and only release when voltage is applied.

• Industry: Process automation, the trend towards miniaturisation and growing demand for energy efficiency require new solutions. Electromagnets find application here, too: in industrial production facilities and goods-flow systems, and also in locking systems, e.g. in vaults and security-critical machine processes. In addition, they serve as simple, reliable, low-cost actuators in dispensing machines, credit-card readers, and cash registers.

• Automotive: Locking mechanisms like the steering locks and central locking in vehicles are among the focus applications for electromagnets in the automotive field.

Finding the right magnet
When it comes to choosing an electromagnet that is exactly right for an application, magnet producer Red Magnetics works very closely with the customer. Together, decisions are made about what function the magnet has to fulfil in the application and whether – for example in a technical area – a particular motive, attractive or holding force is needed. After that, the type of magnet has to be determined – linear or holding magnet?
The next step involves the special requirements of the application: What forces and methods are required? How much space is available? What kind of power supply is available? What ambient temperature will the magnet be operating in? Is corrosion protection necessary because of high humidity? And what accelerative and decelerative forces are needed? All of these affect the mechanical lifespan of the components.

Schukat offers a broad spectrum of different electromagnets for a wide array of applications, including bistable solenoids in the ITS-LX series, holding magnets in the ITS-PE and ITS-MS series – with and without permanent magnets, as well as series in stainless steel housings – and the cylindrical solenoids and framed solenoids in the ITS-LZ and ITS-LS series.

• Tip: If you don't find the right component among our in-stock Red Magnetics range, then, together with Schukat, a customised solution can be sought based on a spec sheet for your application. Ask us.