This section provides an overview for rotary solenoids as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 17 rotary solenoid manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked rotary solenoid companies as of November, 2024: 1.TSE, 2.ScannerMAX, a division of Pangolin Laser Systems, Inc., 3.Takano.
Table of Contents
A rotary solenoid is a device that achieves reciprocating rotary motion within a specific angular range, unlike continuous rotation seen in motors. Originally, "solenoid" referred to a densely wound wire coil. Today, it describes mechanisms where a metal core moves within a coil when an electric current is applied. Rotary solenoids rotate this core, enabling applications requiring quick, angular motion.
Rotary solenoids are essential in applications like high-speed shutters in scientific instruments, sorting systems in manufacturing, and mechanisms requiring precise, repetitive movements. They convert rotary to linear motion using gears, ideal for tasks needing controlled angular movement, such as stamping machines.
These solenoids offer a simpler, more reliable alternative to motors for achieving precise linear reciprocation, as they can easily control motion within a set angular range without complex mechanisms.
Rotary solenoids operate through electromagnetic force between arranged magnetic poles and a current-carrying coil. This setup allows for simple yet precise control over rotation angle and torque, with minimal mechanical contact outside of bearings. The result is accurate positioning, reduced operation errors, minimal maintenance, and extended lifespan.
The structure includes a case enclosing the coil, with bearing balls housed in ball races within the case, balanced at three points. Application of voltage to the coil propels these balls, initiating rotation via a push on the ball race. This design contributes to the solenoid's efficiency and reliability.
Unlike motors, which achieve continuous rotation by alternating current direction based on rotor position, rotary solenoids lack a mechanism for continuous motion control, stopping rotation after reaching a predetermined angle. This fundamental difference simplifies control and structure, making solenoids preferable for applications requiring fixed angular movement.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Littlefuse was founded in 1927 and headquartered in the United States. Littlefuse is a diversified industrial technology manufacturing company with customers globally. Littlefuse has products segments which are electronic, industrial, and transportation. Electronic segment products include fuses and fuse accessories, positive temperature coefficient resettable fuses, polymer electrostatic discharge suppressors, and varistors. Transportation products include blade, resettable, and high-current and high-voltage fuses, as well as battery cable protectors; fuses, switches, relays, circuit breakers, and power distribution modules. The Industrial segment offerings include contactors, transformers, and temperature sensors for use in renewable energy and energy storage systems, electric vehicle infrastructure, HVAC systems.
Geeplus was founded in 2004 in Beckenham, UK as a management buyout of the electromechanical division inside Densitron Control Systems, Ltd. The company is a worldwide designer and manufacturer of both standard and customized electromagnetic and electromechanical actuators. The company’s primary catalog includes voice coil motors, linear and rotary solenoids, control circuits, and other related components. The company’s custom actuator solutions include design options for custom voice coil actuators, custom solenoid actuators, custom stepper motors, and custom electromagnets.
Moog Inc. was incorporated in 1951 and is headquartered in East Aurora, New York. The company designs manufactures and integrates precision motion and fluid controls and control systems for customers including OEMS in industries such as aerospace, defense, industrial machinery, motorsports, and construction. The company’s product offerings include both systems and components. Examples of systems include actuation systems, naval systems, turreted weapon systems, and space vehicles. Examples of components include manifolds, slip rings, actuators, and servo actuators.
ScannerMAX, a division of Pangolin Laser Systems, Inc. is a manufacturer of galvanometers and rotary actuators, founded in 1986 and located in Florida, USA. The company's products include single axis galvanometers, XY optical scanning systems, and polygon laser scanners. Its products are applied in biomedicals, 3D printing and stereo lithography, and laser material processing. It also provides accessories such as amplifiers, cables, mounts, power supplies, and mirrors. The company serves several industries, including the Industrial, aerospace, and entertainment industries.
Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES) was established in 1985 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The company is a manufacturer of motion control products for OEMs and other customers across industries ranging from aerospace, astronomy, manufacturing, medical, and semiconductors. The company provides in-house components manufacturing with a wide variety of components available off the shelf and the ability to custom-build sub-assemblies for customers worldwide. The company’s product lines include motor control systems, motorized stages, and solenoid control electronics.
Allied Electronics Inc., founded in 1991 with headquarters in the USA, is a distributor and supplier of fuel and vehicle servicing station equipment and accessories. The company's extensive product line of over 57,000 products includes forecourt controller parts, fuel dispenser parts, air compressors, and power conditioners. The company also provides rebuilt parts by brands that include Bennett, Daktronics, FE-Petro, and Gasboy. The company's services include equipment financing, primarily serving the retail petroleum industry, including car wash and price sign manufacturers.
Ellis Kuhnke Controls Inc., established in 1960 with headquarters in the USA, is a distributor of Kendrion Kuhnke Automation GmbH pneumatics, solenoids, and electronic components. The company's product line includes miniature pneumatics, electronic solenoid components, PLC controllers, and integrated encoders and controllers. These products are used in personal computers, home appliances, consumer electronics, cars, and many other consumer and commercial products. It also offers custom engineering and manufacturing of electromechanical solenoids and pneumatics to meet client-specific requirements.
Johnson Electric, since 1959, is a manufacturer of motors, micro-switches, solenoids, microelectronics, and flexible printed circuits based in Shatin, Hong Kong. Their products include AC motors, automotive switches & subsystems, cargo bikes, EMI-shielded flexible circuits, snap action switches, used in automotive, building automation, digital security, food & beverage, and laboratory equipment. Johnson Electric has been in the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Benchmark index since 2018. The Hong Council of Social Service awarded it the 5+ caring company award in 2022-2023 and additionally, it is an Institute of Business Ethics supporter.
TAKANO CO.,LTD., established in 1941 and located in Tokyo, Japan, is a developer and manufacturer of inspection and measurement systems. The company offers a range of products that include FDM, films, energy,and semiconductors. These systems are used for inspection, measurement, quality control, and research purposes in industries including electronics, automotive, energy, semiconductor, and medical sectors. TAKANO's solutions are used for ensuring product quality, optimizing manufacturing processes, and supporting research and development efforts in diverse applications.
Richmeg Industry Company Ltd., established in 1985 with headquarters in Taiwan, is a manufacturer of solenoids and solenoid valves. The company's product line includes open solenoids, tubular solenoids, magnet solenoids, latching solenoids, and solenoid valves used in office automation machines, electrical appliances, transportation equipment, game machines, vending machines, and other electrical and electronic equipment manufactured by OEMs and ODMs. It also provides design, development, engineering, and production of custom modularized solenoid mechatronics.
Tai-Shing Electronics Components Corporation (TSE), established in 2000 with headquarters in Taiwan, is a manufacturer of solenoids and solenoid valves. The company's product line includes open solenoids, tubular solenoids, magnet solenoids, water valves, air valves, and soap dispensers. Its products are used by manufacturers in various industries, including automotive, healthcare, security, industrial automation, and many more. The company also provides a custom product manufacturing service that includes consultation, design, and production of modularized mechatronics.
NSF Controls, established in 1997 with headquarters in the UK, is a manufacturer of electro-mechanical components and assemblies. The company's product line includes miniature pneumatics, electronic solenoids, electro-mechanical switches, and gas shut-off valves. Its components are used in various products, including personal computers, home appliances, EV charging stations, consumer electronics, audio systems, and many other consumer and commercial products. The company also offers custom engineering and manufacturing of electromechanical electronics to meet client-specific requirements.
Takano Co., Ltd. Industrial Equipment Division are developers, manufacturers, and sellers of products centered on electromagnetic actuators. They are driven by the core concept of "magnetism". With three decades of experience since its inception in 2015, the division has crafted performance-driven products. These electromagnetic actuators find applications in diverse sectors, including financial equipment, postal sorting machines, and optical equipment. Renowned for their versatility and reliability, Takano's products enjoy widespread reliance across industries. Boasting an array of solenoids, they offer tailored solutions while adhering to international quality standards such as ISO9001 and ISO14001.
Kendrion, established in 1923 is a manufacturer, designer and provider of compact and connected actuators of global transition towards electrification and sustainable energy. The company is ISO 14001:2015, IATF 16949:2016, ISO/IEC 27001:2013, and ISO 50001:2018 certified. Rooted in Germany and headquartered in the Netherlands, they serve industries across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Their products line includes intelligent actuators, industrial brakes, sensors, sound systems, valves and fluid control in wind turbines, robots, electric vehicles, and industrial processes. They also develop industrial magnetic, industrial control, industrial drive, and automotive systems.
Waytek Inc., founded in 1970 and headquartered in Chanhassen, Minnesota, is a distributor of automotive wire and DC electrical components across North America. The company offers a broad line of products, including circuit breakers, cable ties, and connectors, serving wire harness manufacturers, OEMs, and upfitters. It sources the products from manufacturers such as GEP Power Products, Lovato Electric Inc., and East Penn Manufacturing. In 1980, the company stopped producing wire harnesses and started concentrating on distribution. In 2021, CIT Relay and Switch awarded it the Blast-Off Growth Award for being among the growing distributors of Picker Components products.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | TSE |
13.3%
|
2 | Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. |
8.6%
|
3 | ScannerMAX, a division of Pangolin Laser Systems, Inc. |
7.6%
|
4 | Richmeg |
7.6%
|
5 | Takano |
7.6%
|
6 | NSF Controls |
5.7%
|
7 | Kendrion |
5.7%
|
8 | Littelfuse, Inc |
5.7%
|
9 | TAKANO CO.,LTD. |
5.7%
|
10 | Alinabal, Inc. |
4.8%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the rotary solenoid 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 | 7 | 46.7% |
Japan | 2 | 13.3% |
Taiwan | 2 | 13.3% |
Hong Kong | 1 | 6.7% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 6.7% |
Netherlands | 1 | 6.7% |
New Zealand | 1 | 6.7% |