This section provides an overview for tape switches as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 8 tape switch manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked tape switch companies as of November, 2024: 1.Proswitch S.r.l., 2.Osaka Automatic Electric Co., Ltd., 3.Pinnacle Systems Inc..
Table of Contents
A tape switch is a thin tape-shaped switch, also called a pressure-sensitive switch. It contains two thin electrodes, top and bottom, inside, and when force is applied in the direction of thickness, the contact points of the electrodes are connected and the switch is energized. In addition to its thinness, the length of the switch allows it to sense any position where it is pressed. Many of them have protrusions on the surface to facilitate response. A similar structure with a larger area is called a mat switch.
Some products are available in lengths from several inches to several feet and can be disconnected at any position by the user. Because of their wide detection range, they can be used for a variety of applications. Many products are thin and can be bent freely, making them suitable for curved surfaces. Lightweight, they can be easily attached with double-sided tape. Some products with waterproof treatment can be used in places where water splashes or outdoors.
Since they can detect the passage of people and vehicles, they can be installed in corridors and window frames for security purposes.
In the case of emergency stop devices for factories and large facilities, they can be installed in areas that are dangerous to intrude into, and if the tape switches detect intrusion, it will stop the equipment. The low profile of the tape switches makes them unobtrusive even when installed in multiple locations. A similar application is the detection of doors, doors, automatic shutters, etc., for detecting pinching and opening/closing.
It can be installed on the bumper of an unmanned transport vehicle, for example, and used as an emergency stop device in case it comes in contact with something while in operation.
In hospitals and nursing homes, it is used to detect when a patient has gotten out of bed or other equipment. It can also be used to interlock tape switches with a nurse call, etc., to notify them. Since many products are bendable, they can be attached to curved surfaces, such as bed rails.
Can also be used as a foot switch for various devices. They are space-saving and convenient for multiple installations. Since the operating load can be selected, the ON/OFF sensing load can be selected according to the need for standing or sitting work, etc.
The construction of tape switches consists of two electrodes, an insulator between the electrodes, and a vinyl outer covering (PVC or similar material) on the outside. To ensure strength, some switches are wrapped with nylon fiber between the vinyl exterior and the electrodes. Some products are made of vinyl with a vinyl exterior that is resistant to high/low temperatures and chemicals and can be selected according to the environment in which they will be used.
The principle of operation is that thin electrodes are placed on the top and bottom surfaces of the tape, and when a load is applied in the direction of the tape thickness, the thin electrode on the top surface curves to make contact with the electrode on the bottom surface, resulting in conduction. The two electrodes run from one end of the tape to the other, and can be placed on long surfaces because they can be activated by pressing any part of the tape except the ends. There are 2-wire and 4-wire types to choose from, depending on the application.
There are also mat switches with several tape switches inside a large mat-like sheet, which can detect a wide range of objects.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Pinnacle Systems Inc., located in Batavia, IL has been a manufacturer of safety products for industrial machine guarding applications for many decades. The company’s products include safety light curtains, safety mats, ergonomic palm buttons, safety relays, and safety controls, among others. The company also provides risk assessment services for industries. Another flagship product of the company is safety relay hubs which provide a complete safety solution for machines and are programmable as per the requirement of the customer.
CNCShop, established in 1993 in Waterdown, Ontario, Canada, is a manufacturer of CNC router parts and waterjet parts. The company’s product range includes a broad selection of components, such as spindle motors, ball screws, linear guides, and high-pressure waterjet nozzles. It offers precision-engineered, durable, and stable parts, holding ISO 9001 certification. Its products serve a broad range of industries, including woodworking, metalworking, stone cutting, and precision machining. It offers specialized solutions, consistently delivering components that meet the specific demands of various industrial applications, maintaining the performance and precision of CNC routers and waterjet machines.
Tapeswitch Corporation, located in Farmingdale, New York, has been a manufacturer since 1957 specializing in sensing, switching, control, and safety solutions. Its product range includes sensing industrial switching mats, cushioned sensing edges and bumpers, press-at-any-point ribbon switches, interface controllers, and photo-electric safety devices. These are geared towards enhancing safety, control, and automation in industrial and commercial settings, providing solutions to detect, control, and respond to various conditions and events. The company is ISO 9001:2015 registered, and its products are compliant with UL, cUL, CE, and TUV standards.
The AT & UDL Loan Library, established in 2002 in Hollywood, Florida, USA, is a supplier of assistive technology and universal design for learning equipment. The company offers a broad range of products, including adaptive devices, communication aids, mobility solutions, and software applications, designed to enhance accessibility and learning for individuals with disabilities. Its advanced, well-tested assistive technology products offer enhanced independence, communication, and educational opportunities for users. The products are invaluable in sectors such as education, healthcare, and various assistive technology programs, facilitating greater inclusivity and improved accessibility for individuals with distinct needs.
TOKYO SENSOR CO., LTD., founded in 1983 in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of sensors, safety equipment, and automation systems. The company specializes in providing various products, such as industrial components, safety and explosion protection devices, switches and indicators, automation products, and Auto ID systems. Its ISO 9001 certification certifies that the products are precise, stable, and long-lasting, meeting strict quality standards. Its product line supports a broad range of industries, such as manufacturing, electronics, oil and gas, and industrial automation. It offers vital parts and solutions that support the effectiveness, security, and functionality of different processes and applications.
Proswitch S.r.l., founded in 2017 in Milan, Italy, is a manufacturer of pressure sensitive switches for protection against automatic moving parts. The company specializes in safety equipment, offering a comprehensive product range that includes safety edges, safety mats, ribbon switches, and control units. It maintains international standards, complying with ISO 9001 certification for precision engineering, durability, and stability in its safety equipment. Its products find applications across various industries, such as manufacturing, automation, construction, and transportation, where they play a vital role in safeguarding personnel and equipment, assisting in accident prevention and the protection of workers and assets.
Sonny's Enterprises, LLC, established in 1949 in Tamarac, Florida, USA, is a manufacturer of various car wash equipment and systems. The company’s products include car wash conveyor systems, friction rollovers, touchless automatics, and a variety of car wash accessories. It has ISO 9001 certification offering precision engineering, durability, and stability in its products. Its equipment is frequently utilized in the automotive and car wash industry, providing businesses and car wash operators with state-of-the-art solutions to efficiently and effectively clean vehicles of all types. It offers advanced equipment and systems that enhance the performance, efficiency, and profitability of car wash businesses.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Proswitch S.r.l. |
22.5%
|
2 | Osaka Automatic Electric Co., Ltd. |
16.3%
|
3 | CNCShop |
13.8%
|
4 | Pinnacle Systems Inc. |
13.8%
|
5 | Sonny's Enterprises, LLC |
12.5%
|
6 | The AT & UDL Loan Library |
7.5%
|
7 | Tapeswitch Corp. |
7.5%
|
8 | IDEC Corporation |
6.3%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the tape switch page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 4 | 57.1% |
Japan | 2 | 28.6% |
Italy | 1 | 14.3% |
6 products are listed.
Osaka Automatic Electric Co., Ltd.
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TAPE & MAT SWITCH It supports safety and security in all situations of society, from home to office, factories, hospitals, and public facilities. I...