A look at modern, technology-driven, security-focused locking mechanisms using solenoids

Security is critical in every aspect of our lives… from protecting personal valuables, important documents, and sensitive paperwork to the way we enter buildings, withdraw money and even open our garage doors. As our technology progresses, so do the ways in which we enhance security all around us.

Many businesses are still using old-fashioned lock and key systems as their primary security measure. However, the industry and security system installers are moving toward electronic locking mechanisms.

AC Laminate Linear Solenoids from Johnson Electric have a T-shaped laminated designed plunger and laminated steel frame.

This platform has the unique ability to hold a hefty load, although with quiet operation. To minimize the humming or chattering of most AC solenoids, we machine the contact surfaces of the laminated frame and plunger to provide an especially smooth and flush contact surface.

Our Super-T Laminates are products developed following years of engineering, research, and manufacturing experience.

Johnson Electric’s SoftShift linear solenoids provide slow, especially smooth position control or high-speed snap-action operation.

SoftShift solenoids have a unique construction that allows easy transition from snap action to variable positioning. Using the same power, the starting force is three to five times higher than standard solenoids at the fully de-energized position, which is advantageous for starting inertial loads or detent mechanisms and conserving electrical power.

Johnson Electric’s Low Profile Linear DC Solenoids offer an extremely compact design which optimizes the magnetic flux path for maximum force versus stroke characteristics.

The construction of the plunger assembly provides an auxiliary flux path which consequently permits a significant increase in force.

The reliability and high performance of the low profile design also make it an ideal choice for applications in which consistent, reliable operation is critical.

Johnson Electric’s Ultimag® rotary actuator technology offers a bidirectional, center return function not found in traditional rotary solenoids.

Substantially faster than other solenoids, the Ultimag platform can operate in an on/off mode or proportionally, in both open and closed-loop systems.

Ultimag® actuators also offer a 45° stroke; however, the design can have a maximum stroke of 160°. For shorter strokes, you can of course use electronic or mechanical stops.

How Rotary Solenoids Work:

When the coil is energized, the armature assembly is pulled towards the stator and rotated through an arc determined by the coining of the raceways.

Our 3 Ball Race rotaries are capable of withstanding a high G load shock without worrying about accidental actuation thanks to the uniquely designed helical raceways and tri-ball bearing setup.

STA Features and Benefits: Strokes up to 1.5” Built-in air gap spacer maximizes life while minimizing cost Magnetic Latches Rated at 25 Million Cycles 7 Pull and Push Models Easy nose mount installation also requires no additional hardware For further information on STA technology, contact our office to speak to a sales representative.

Features and benefits High Durability up to 100 million actuations Fast Actuation Speeds with 10 millisecond actuation times unloaded Near Noiseless Actuation Optimized for torque and speed performance Common BTA Applications Material Handling Sortation High-Speed Shutter Control Valve control Fail-Safe Control For more information on the BTA line family, contact our office to speak to a sales representative.

Johnson Electric’s linear open frame solenoid technology is among the most convenient and efficient options available.

Open frame solenoids are the most economical of all the solenoid types and are typically selected for applications in which extremely long life and precise positioning are not critical.

This platform consists of an open iron frame, an over-molded or taped coil, and a movable plunger in the center of the coil.

These types of solenoids are available in either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) versions.

Continue reading The Explosive Growth of E-Commerce

The continued pandemic of 2020 rocked the world — for good and bad. While we all implemented social distancing measures and new policies and procedures, we saw an unprecedented explosion of e-commerce growth. While these shifts were projected as temporary, it’s clear that consumer behavior isn’t changing. Categories like food and beverages, along with necessities, are experiencing a permanent shift, and will continue to remain partly online for the time being, if not for good. According to Forbes, this idea is being backed by 74% of global retail and consumer brand professionals, as they project the e-commerce market to expand … Continue reading The Explosive Growth of E-Commerce