This section provides an overview for microwave switches as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 26 microwave switch manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked microwave switch companies as of November, 2024: 1.Hog Slat, 2.E-Switch, 3.MICRONOR Sensors.
Table of Contents
Microwave Switches are components that detect the position of an object and provide a contact output. They are mainly used as switches for detection, but may also be used for operation.
The contact output of Microwave Switch is incorporated into a control circuit to operate or stop a machine. Microwave Switch contacts themselves generally have an allowable current of about several amperes. The part that comes in contact with an object has an actuator, which can be a button, roller, or lever type.
Microwave Switches have a snap-action mechanism and are characterized by their high accuracy in detecting position.
They are used in door interlocks, safety switches for vending machines, microwave ovens, elevators, and industrial equipment. They are also used in sensors that detect the opening and closing of printers and other equipment.
Sizes are classified into four types, from general type to ultra-miniature, and are available in reverse action type for locations subject to severe vibration or shock, magnetic quenching type for applications requiring stable operation of DC circuits, and immersion-proof type for high sealing performance. They have a wide range of applications from industrial equipment to home appliances.
Microwave Switch is divided into five parts, and the movement of the actuator leads up to the contact point.
External force or motion is transmitted to the internal mechanism. The actuator is connected to the snap-action mechanism, which can be a button, roller, or lever type.
It consists of parts such as a spring, a movable piece, a common terminal, and a receiver. When the force applied from the actuator increases, the movable piece and spring move the contacts.
There are two types of contacts: normally open and normally closed. Generally, each Microwave Switch has one of these contacts, but some have only one. There are crossbar type and rivet type contacts, and they are used according to the voltage and current of the circuit. Gold, silver, or plating is used as the material.
Terminals connect the switch to the circuit. Terminals are available in soldering, connector, screw-tightening, and printed circuit board types, and the connection method is selected according to the application.
The case protects the circuit and mechanism, and the resin is selected according to the required mechanical strength and heat resistance.
Microwave Switches are used to detect the position of doors and covers. Microwave Switches with actuators that have a wide range of shapes are used. Microwave Switch can be installed in a limited space.
Microwave Switches are used to detect the position of covers and lids. These devices may be exposed to water, so Microwave Switches are waterproofed.
This is used in a mouse not as a position detection switch but as an operation switch. Microwave Switch detects mouse clicks and outputs them to the computer.
Microwave Switches and Limit Switches are often confused with each other. Limit switches, like Microwave Switches, are used as detection switches, but there are differences in construction and application. Limit switches consist of a built-in Microwave Switch in a plastic or metal case.
Limit switches are used to improve weather resistance when exposed to rainwater. Limit switches are also used in some industrial facilities as a measure against dust and oil.
A snap-action mechanism is a mechanism that quickly switches the movable contacts regardless of the speed at which the switch is operated. In contrast, a mechanism in which the operating speed is the moving speed of the movable contacts is called a slow-action mechanism.
Microwave Switches with snap-action mechanisms are characterized by a fast switching speed of the contacts, which minimizes arcing between the contacts. Even small Microwave Switches can have long contact life and excellent durability.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Hog Slat, Inc. is an American manufacturer of livestock equipment with secondary operations as a farm construction contractor that was established in 1969 in Newton Grove, North Carolina. The company produces various livestock solutions for swine and poultry, including feeders, crates, stalls, coops, and netting. They also offer custom design, engineering, and turnkey delivery services for in-state clients with demanding project timelines. Hog Slat primarily operates in North and South America, with more than 90 retail locations nationwide and regional offices in Iowa and Oklahoma.
E-Switch, established in 1979 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a manufacturer and supplier of electromechanical switches. Their diverse product range includes pushbuttons, rocker switches, toggle switches, and safety switches. These are available in various types, such as momentary, latching, and illuminated, offering variable control options for appliances, industrial equipment, and medical devices. Additionally, E-Switch provides safety switches like emergency stop switches and door interlock switches to ensure the protection of individuals and equipment in industrial settings. E-Switch offers custom-designed switches, serving a wide range of industries, including appliances, industrial equipment, medical devices, and transportation.
Micronor Sensors, established in 2020, is a manufacturer and supplier of fiber optics and electromechanical sensor technology, including temperature, strain, and position sensors, headquartered in Ventura, California. The company offers FBGs, including fiber optic multipoint temperature and multipoint strain sensors used for critical asset monitoring in infrastructure, utilities, renewable energy, automotive, and industrial sectors. Other fiber optics sensor technologies from Micronor include position sensors & encoders, multi-axis acceleration sensors, temperature sensors, and signaling devices, including microswitches, E-stops, and controllers. The company’s electromechanical sensor technology devices include position transducers, position encoders & resolvers, and limit switches, including rotary and linear limit switches.
Highly Electric Co., Ltd. was established in 1974 in New Taipei City, Taiwan, as a manufacturer of industrial switches. The company provides a diverse range of products, including safety door limit switches, snap-action switches, toggle switches, rocker switches, foot switches, and sensors, among others. These components have diverse applications: safety door limit switches enhance machinery safety; snap-action switches offer swift switching; toggle and rocker switches control functions; foot switches enable hands-free operation; and sensors detect and transmit crucial data for automation and robotics. The industrial sectors where these components find applications include manufacturing, electronics, machinery, appliances, automotive, medical, and automation.
Excel Cell Electronic, founded in 1981 is a manufacturer and supplier of electromechanical components and stamping products headquartered in Taiwan. The company offers electromechanical components including industrial control switches, stepping motors, terminal blocks, resettable fuses, and relays. Their stamping products include heat spreaders for BGA, high-precision electronic components, and lead frames of semiconductors for discrete devices / integrated circuit & photoelectric products. The company is ISO/TS 16949:2009, CNS15506: 2011, TOSHMS: 2007, ISO 14001, and ISO 9001-certified, and their products are used in various applications in optoelectronic, security systems, power energy, network, and communication industries.
Shinmei Electric Co.,LTD. was established in 1958 and is a manufacturer and supplier of electronic components based in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan. The company produces various electronic parts such as microswitch, solenoid, detection switch, tactile switch, and slide switch. The products have been applied in various usages such as office automation, home appliance, communication equipment, health equipment, and audio equipment. The company has obtained certificate of ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standard certification.
The Azbil Corporation (formerly the Yamatak Corporation) aims to realize safety, comfort, and fulfillment in people's lives and contribute to global environmental preservation through "human-centered" automation. They provide their customers with timely solutions via an integrated structure that extends from planning and development to maintenance and service, capable of responding rapidly to customer needs.
ALPS ALPINE CO., established in 1948, is a manufacturer and supplier of sensors&communication, modules&systems, and components based in Tokyo, Japan. The company serves the energy, healthcare, automotive, mobile, and consumer electronics domains, where they combine and build on core device technology, including human-machine interfaces, SENSORING™, and connectivity. For example, in the healthcare industry, they supply components for medical equipment, including control switches, sensors, lenses, and joysticks, and the Senclear™ Microfluidic Devices for drug discovery and development. Their power conversion modules, current sensors inverters, and converters are used in the energy industry in storage batteries, solar power systems, and electric vehicle charging systems.
Schmersal UK, founded in Malvern, UK, in 1945 is a manufacturer of switchgear for the protection of machines and plants in the industrial automation and lift industry. The company's product portfolio includes low voltage switchgear solutions for efficient power distribution, high voltage switchgear solutions for critical power applications, including renewable energy installations and substations, Control Panels and Switchgear Accessories. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation.
ZF Friedrichshafen AG, founded in 1915 in Germany, is a manufacturer and supplier of switches and sensors. Their product range includes a wide variety of switches and sensors used in automotive and industrial applications, such as automotive sensors, position sensors, and safety switches. ZF's switches and sensors play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of vehicles and industrial machinery. With a rich history of technological expertise and a global existence, ZF is poised to deliver great solutions that meet the highest quality standards and customer requirements.
Metrol Co.,Ltd. is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of precision mechanical sensors and switches for industrial applications that was established in 1976 in Tokyo, Japan. The company produces various mechanical switches and sensors including touch probe contact sensors, tool setters, and precision positioning touch switches. These products have applications in line automation, robotics, and plant safety systems. The company also offers testing, and customization, and certification services for clients with unique project specifications.
Everel Group S.p.A., established in 1972 in Italy, is a manufacturer and supplier of electromechanical components and solutions. Their product portfolio includes a wide range of electromechanical components, such as microswitches, sensors, timers, and electronic controls, catering to various industries, including household appliances, vending machines, and industrial applications. Everel's components are essential for ensuring ideal and precise operations in diverse electromechanical systems. Everel aims to provide quality products and customized solutions to meet the specific needs of their customers, while also enhancing sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Panasonic Industry Europe is the European branch of Panasonic, a global manufacturer of electronics and houseware, originally founded in 1918. Panasonic Industry Europe manufactures in 4 categories: components, devices, energy & building, and automation devices & solutions. Components include relays, capacitors, resistors, sensors, switches, connectors, couplers. Devices include wireless connectivity, e-bike systems, motors, compressors, thermal solutions, GPS antennas, as well as electronic materials. Energy & building includes batteries, fuel cells, solar sells, power tools, and home IoT. Automation devices & solutions include sensors for factory automation, industrial motors, laser welding, and more.
SWEETA was established in 1995 and is headquartered in New Taipei City, Taiwan. SWEETA is a manufacturer of switches, AC sockets, and circuit breakers globally. Most products have been certified to meet international safety standards such as UL, CSA, VDE, and others. SWEETA has an extensive product line. A few listings include AC sockets, plug adapters, switches, thermostats, and test tweezers.
Schaltbau is headquartered in Munich, Germany, since 1929 as a manufacturer of electromechanical components The company produces AC and DC contactors for low and high-voltage applications such as car batteries and charging stations along with snap-action switches for microswitches in safety applications such as wind turbines and printers. The connectors manufactured by Schaltbau transmit energy and signals even in rough environmental conditions which makes them suitable for food processing, offshore operations, mining lighting, and transportation, especially for railway technology.
TEND, founded in Taiwan in 1972, is a manufacturer and supplier of electrical components. The company's main products include circuit breakers, thermal protectors, switches, and sensors, catering to various industries such as electronics, appliances, and automotive.TEND's electrical components play a vital role in ensuring safety and reliability in electrical systems and equipment. With a priority on research and development, TEND continuously introduces itself to meet the evolving needs of its customers and industries.TEND's devotion to excellence and quality has earned them a solid status as a good provider of electrical components.
ITW EBA, established in 1970 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is a manufacturer of switches, fasteners, dampers, connectors, and IC package solutions. Their products encompass pushbutton switches for equipment control, microswitches for motion detection, dampers regulating airflow, connectors for various applications, and IC package solutions for integrated circuits. As a subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works (ITW), they serve electronics, industrial, and medical sectors and hold ISO 9001:2015, IEC 60947-1, and UL certifications.
Diptronics Manufacturing Inc. was founded in 1985 as a manufacturer of switches in New Taipei City, Taiwan. The company designs and produces Illuminated, Rotary coded, Dip, Tact, and Slide switches along with Micro and Multifunctional switches which are used in the 3C industry for tablets, digital cameras, drones, etc. They have applications in the motherboards, LCD Panels, and modems that represent the IT industry and besides these, medical devices, smart wearables, automatic home appliances, and the automobile industry also benefit from the switches supplied by Diptronics Manufacturing Inc.
Switronic Industrial Corp. is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of precision switches founded in 1986 and based in Taipei, Taiwan. The company produces a wide range of switches for use in consumer electronics, automobiles, and industrial facilities. Its products include limit switches, tactile switches for keyboards, and rotary switches for dimmer lighting controls. The company also offers additional technical support services, and customization options for clients with unique project specifications. Some of its notable clients include Samsung, Nissan, Honeywell.
Omron Corporation, started in 1933 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of automation components, equipment, and systems, and it developed the first contactless proximity switch in 1960. It has four domains, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare, and social systems, and it provides products and services in around 120 countries and regions. Some of its products include microsensing devices, access control systems, industrial robots, surveillance cameras, and blood pressure monitors. In 1971, it developed the first online cash machine, and in 1972, it established Japan’s first welfare factory.
Crouzet was founded in 1921 and is headquartered in France. The company is an independent manufacturer of mechatronic components for applications in the aerospace, energy, building, and machinery industries. The company offers four primary product categories: Switches & Sensors, Aerospace, Motion, and Automation & Control. Aerospace includes cockpit controls, electrical protection, and various position sensors. These are designed to increase pilot comfort and improve flight safety. Motion includes motors, actuators, and external control electronics. Automation & Control includes both hardware and software solutions.
OMRON Industrial Automation is the UK branch of OMRON, originally founded in Japan in 1933. OMRON Industrial Automation serves food and beverage industry, panel board design, automotive manufacturing industries among others. OMRON Industrial Automation products categories include automation systems such as industrial PCs and human machine interfaces (HMI), safety such as safety switches and safety logic control systems, switching components such as solid state relays, motion & drives such as motion controllers, sensing such as photoelectric sensors, software, robotics, quality control & inspection systems, as well as control components including power supplies and digital panel indicators.
Canal Components Inc. is headquartered in New Taipei City, Taiwan. The company is a distributor of quality electrical and mechanical components to customers worldwide. The company sources from suppliers in China and Taiwan as well as perform in-house production in its ISO 9001-certified factories providing product testing. The company’s product categories include switches, sockets, fuses, and other component parts. The company also has a line of waterproof and washable electronic parts. The company bridges communication between suppliers and customers and encourages inquiries from customers about products.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Hog Slat |
7.7%
|
2 | E-Switch |
7.7%
|
3 | MICRONOR Sensors |
7.1%
|
4 | Schmersal UK |
5.8%
|
5 | Schaltbau GmbH |
5.8%
|
6 | Tend Technology Co., Ltd. |
5.2%
|
7 | Crouzet |
5.2%
|
8 | Sweeta Products Corporation |
4.5%
|
9 | Everel Group S.p.A. |
3.9%
|
10 | Diptronics |
3.9%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the microwave 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 (%) |
---|---|---|
Taiwan | 9 | 40.9% |
Japan | 4 | 18.2% |
United States of America | 3 | 13.6% |
Germany | 3 | 13.6% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 4.5% |
Italy | 1 | 4.5% |
China | 1 | 4.5% |