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Push solenoids

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buzzp

Electrical
Joined
Nov 21, 2001
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2,032
Location
US
I am trying to decide between using a air or electric push solenoid. The solenoid needs to push, horizontally, a light weight device (less than 1/4lb). The operation will be intermittent with a stroke length of around 2-4" depending on speed. We have available, 12VDC power and an air supply. I am trying to determine which will be more reliable in an industrial environment(heavy vibration, shock, dirt). I believe the air solenoids to be more costly (as stand alone units and an additional solenoid required to switch on air to the air solenoid). Does someone know of a good source of information comparing the two? Or having any personal insight to share? Thank you.
 
Hi, it depends on what your load is. You need a big solenoid to get 4" of travel with 1/4 pound thrust. An air ram will be smaller and give you some speed control.
 
The load is not attached to the solenoid. It is just going to push a 1/4lb object off from a chute. I have not determined the force required to do this yet. I just want to know if it is worthwhile to compare the too. Of course, time is an issue so I do not want to waste time looking into electrical push solenoids if there is reliability issues or if the requirements of the electrical solenoid make it too expensive. I guess if I am going to compare the two I should calculate the force required. Do electrical solenoids operate as quickly as air (not taking into account the electrical delay to actutate the electrical air control solenoid)?
 
Hi, stick with an air ram, you can allways get it to work.
 
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