In today’s manufacturing and plant engineering, efficiency and safety depend to a large extent on the precise control of individual components. Solenoids are, in this respect, key although often inconspicuous components, as they enable critical movements, locking and holding processes throughout the plant.
From high-speed sorting to the secure locking of safety doors, the reliability of these components is essential for smooth and safe operation. At NAFSA, we work with three main families of industrial solenoids, each designed for a different function within the process: dynamic pushing, safety locking and static holding.
Solenoids for dynamic processes
Linear solenoids are a central component of many automated systems. They are designed for applications requiring fast, repeatable movements with high force, and are commonly used in production lines where positioning accuracy is just as important as cycle speed.
They are used, for example, in packaging for product ejection, in sorting systems to actuate diverters, or in the textile industry for thread guidance. Their robust construction ensures a long service life even under demanding operating conditions, while the precise force development throughout the stroke enables accurate positioning and control.
Key features:
- High switching frequencies to maximise the number of cycles
- Modular construction, adaptable to customer specifications
- High forces for demanding pulling and pushing movements
- Long-life bearings, with reduced maintenance requirements
Locking solenoids for machine safety in industry
The safety of people and equipment is an absolute priority in any industrial installation. Locking solenoids play a central role here: they reliably control access to hazardous machine areas.
These compact solenoids are integrated into safety doors, maintenance hatches and enclosures, preventing them from being opened while the machine is in operation. Depending on the project requirements, they can be configured as fail-secure (locked without power) or fail-safe (released without power), ensuring the appropriate level of safety even in the event of a power failure.
At NAFSA, we manufacture electromagnetic safety locks in both configurations, designed for integration into industrial access control systems.
Key features:
- Compact construction for easy integration into safety systems
- High holding forces to prevent unauthorised access
- Push or pull mounting, depending on installation requirements
- Operation in accordance with applicable safety standards
Energy-efficient solenoids
When components, doors or hatches need to remain in a fixed position for extended periods, holding electromagnets are the most energy-efficient solution. We design bistable systems that maintain their holding force without the need for a continuous power supply: a brief current pulse is sufficient to change their state from holding to release.
This significantly reduces energy consumption and operating costs, while also minimising heat generation within the system, which is particularly relevant in temperature-sensitive environments. In our range, the VM/ND series and the VEM series address this type of requirement and are available within our range of magnetic and electromagnetic holding electromagnets.
Key features:
- Holding without continuous power consumption, for maximum energy efficiency
- Low heat generation during continuous operation
- High holding forces in a compact size
- Suitable for mobile or battery-powered applications
Why choose NAFSA for your industrial solenoids
At NAFSA, we design and manufacture solenoids, electromagnets and electromagnetic devices for the industrial sector, serving different industries with a product approach tailored to each project. Our technical team works closely with customers to define the solution that best suits each application, always following the quality and reliability criteria certified by our ISO 9001:2015 standard.
When standard models do not meet the project requirements, we develop custom-made solenoids through a process that includes technical analysis, prototyping and functional testing before moving into series production.
Frequently asked questions about industrial solenoids
What is the difference between a pushing solenoid, a locking solenoid and a holding solenoid?
A pushing solenoid generates repeated linear movement with high force and is used in dynamic processes such as packaging or sorting. This type of solenoid can also act as a locking solenoid to control access to machine areas and can be configured as fail-safe or fail-secure. A holding solenoid maintains a fixed position for long periods with minimal energy consumption, thanks to its bistable design. The ED% must be selected correctly according to the application requirements.
What does it mean for a solenoid to be fail-safe or fail-secure?
A fail-safe solenoid automatically releases the locked element when the power supply is interrupted, making it mandatory for emergency exits and evacuation routes. A fail-secure solenoid maintains the lock in the event of a power failure, making it the appropriate option for restricted-access areas where preventing unauthorised entry is the priority.
Why does a bistable solenoid consume less energy?
Because it only requires a brief electrical pulse to change state between holding and release. Once the desired position has been reached, the system maintains the holding force without continuous power consumption, reducing both energy consumption and heat generation compared with a conventional continuously powered solenoid.
Do you manufacture custom industrial solenoids?
Yes. When a project requires dimensions, holding force, protection rating or mounting configuration that differ from standard models, we develop a customised solution adapted to the customer’s technical specifications, with functional validation before series production.
Which industries use these solenoids?
The three types described are commonly used in industrial automation, access control, packaging and sorting, as well as in automatic door applications and machine safety systems.