Ledex® Linear Solenoids - Soft Shift

About this product

Smooth, Controlled Motion With Consistent Force

Unlike traditional rotary actuators, our high-speed solenoids produce a true rotational stroke, rather than converting linear force into rotary motion. This significantly increases their service life by eliminating the impacts associated with linear motion in applications such as high-speed diversion. There’s no need to load on mechanical linkages, reducing the number of moving parts and associated wear.

Easily transition between snap-action or variable positioning

One design for pull or push configurations

Standard integrated return spring

High force in a concentrated package size

Low-noise operation—65 dBA

Virtually no noise, shock, or vibration when speed is controlled to reduce impact

Three to five times more starting force than standard solenoids

Conserves electrical power

Extreme temperature functionality: -40°C–130°C (-40°F–266°F)

Long service life: 10 million cycles or more

Many standard sizes available for next-day shipment across North America

Ideal for Applications Like These

Medical devices

Laboratory and testing equipment

Locking mechanisms

Pinch valves

Noise-sensitive applications

Other applications requiring closed-loop velocity and position control

How do Soft Shift solenoids compare to low-profile units?

In addition to speed control and higher starting force, Soft Shift solenoids have a nearly flat force curve, ensuring consistent force throughout the entire stroke. This is advantageous for starting inertial loads or detent mechanisms, and for conserving electrical power. The Soft Shift also has built-in cushion washers, so there's no metal-to-metal contact of the pole faces at either end of the stroke. This further helps to reduce most normal noise associated with other linear solenoids, enabling the unit to operate at just 65 dBA. In addition, noise, shock, and vibration can be virtually eliminated by controlling the speed of the armature to reduce end of travel impact speed.

What's the best way to specify a Soft Shift application's starting force requirement?

With Soft Shift solenoids, we recommend applying a safety factor of 1.5. For example, a load requiring 4.5 lbs. of force should utilize a solenoid providing 4.5 × 1.5, or 6.75 lbs.

How can I run the solenoid in a proportional manner?

You can adjust the input voltage to tune the linear position of the solenoid shaft based on the applied load of the application. Implementing closed-loop feedback, makes it possible to rapidly adjust input voltage based on measured shaft position.