How to Pick the Right Rotary Solenoid for a Certain Use
To pick the right rotating actuator for a specific use, it is important to examine the mechanical load, the working conditions, the accuracy of control, the power supply conditions, and the cost of ownership. The following engineering factors provide a systematic approach for selecting an actuator.
1. Rotary Solenoid Torque Needs and Load Characteristics
The first step in choosing an actuator is to calculate the required torque and ensure it can handle the load.
To determine the amount of torque needed, particularly for heavy-duty operations like robot arms, it can be done by using the lever principle:
Torque (T) = Lever Arm (L) * Force (F)
Force (F) = Mass (m) * Gravity (g)
The mass of the load, for example, is 10 kg.
The speed of gravity, 9.8 m/s², is the speed at which objects fall.
The lever arm, or the distance from the axis of rotation, is 0.5 m.
To be able to generate the correct amount of torque, it must be able to perform the following calculation: 10 * 9.8 * 0.5, resulting in 49 N·m.
To be able to provide sufficient safety, it must be 1.5 to 2.5 times higher than the calculated result.
2 Matching the Moment of Inertia
In cases where rapid acceleration and deceleration, or precise control, are required, it is crucial that the actuator and the load have the same inertia.
Big load inertia can cause things to be slow to respond, go too far, or cause unstable control.
When there is bad inertia matching, it will cause more stress on the machine and reduce its life expectancy.
In automated tool turrets on a lathe, the mass distribution of tools is a factor in inertia. The choice of an actuator will be dependent on a suitable torque to inertia ratio to ensure rapid and accurate movement.
3 Things to think about in the workplace
Range of Temperature
A high temperature of a rotary solenoid will cause coils to be inefficient and have a higher resistance. High temperatures will also damage the insulation. The coil should be able to withstand high temperatures.
The low temperature of a rotary solenoid will cause mechanical parts to be more fragile. The choice of material should be able to withstand low temperatures and be more resilient.
IP Rating for Ingress Protection
The level of IP to be chosen will depend on how long you will be outside. The following is a guide to IP ratings for different working conditions:
Recommended Protection for the Environment
IP54 or above for areas where there is a lot of dust in industrial areas
Food processing and washing down: IP65 or above
IP67 or above for outside or damp areas
4 Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
If you are working in a place where electromagnetic compatibility is a problem, such as a lab or medical equipment, you will have to think about the following:
Designs for shielded actuators
Filters for EMI
Grounding and shielding of cables
This is to prevent other devices interfering and to meet EMC legislation requirements.
5 Requirements for Accuracy and Control
Angle Positioning Precision
Use actuators with encoders or feedback devices integrated.
Systems can have accuracies of up to ±0.1° or better for precise control.
Verify that the controller has enough resolution for control.
Performance of Speed Control
Systems for high-speed automation must be able to control speed with considerable precision.
Verify the frequency response and how well it works.
Use advanced control techniques, like PID control.
Verify that the maximum RPM is sufficient for the task (e.g., for high-speed sorting robots).
6 Conditions for the Power Supply
Compatible with Voltage and Current
Verify that the voltage of the actuator is compatible with the voltage of the system (e.g., 12V, 24V, or 48V DC).
Verify that the power source can handle peaks in startup current, especially for strong torque requirements.
Power Stability
Voltage fluctuations can cause instability in the motor’s torque and speed.
Use a regulated power supply or DC drivers to ensure a stable voltage.
Necessary for systems that must be continuously powered and for precise control systems.
7. A rotary solenoid Cost and Service Life Considerations
A Balance of Performance and Cost:
Consumer Electronics: Cost-Effectiveness is Primary.
In an industrial automation system, reliability, stability, and a long life cycle are primary.
In determining Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), It is important to consider more than just the initial cost:
How to Calculate the Rotary Solenoid Service Life:
Review the Projected Life Based On:
How Often It Will Be Used
How Large a Load It Will Need to Handle
What Kind of Conditions It Will Be Used In
Example:
Operating in Normal Conditions: It Can Last as Long as 10 Million Cycles
Operating in Harsh Conditions: It May Last as Few as 1 Million Cycles
✅ End
In a rotating actuator, there are several factors to consider, including:
How Much Torque It Can Handle
How Well It Matches the Inertia
How Well It Will Withstand the Environment
How Well It Will Control
How Well It Will Work with Electricity
How Much It Will Cost to Own It in the Long Term
A thorough evaluation is not only important to get a better system, but it will save money in maintenance and increase reliability as well.











