Locking Solenoids for Metal Detection Systems

A manufacturer of metal detection equipment required a component to activate a failsafe system when metal was detected in the product stream. The solution needed an extremely fast response time to immediately stop equipment when metal was detected.

Customer Problem

Metal detection systems serve as a vital second check for metal contamination control programs in a food processing environment. A manufacturer of metal detection equipment required a component to activate a failsafe system when metal was detected in the product stream. The solution needed an extremely fast response time to immediately stop equipment when metal was detected.

The TLX Solution

Based on the requirements, TLX determined that the best solution was a custom latching solenoid. A short pulse would de-latch the solenoid quickly, activating the failsafe system on the equipment. The solenoid would remain in this de-latched position (using no power) until receiving a second pulse of opposite polarity. Compact size and low power consumption made this latching solenoid an excellent, cost-effective solution for the metal detection equipment.

View Design Solution

Magnetic Locking Solenoid

Stroke: 4 mm

Coil resistance at 20°C: 16 Ω

Supply voltage: 9 Vdc

Reaction speed: 12-15 ms

Minimum coil operating voltage: 4.0 Vdc

Maximum coil operating voltage: 9.9 Vdc

Force to extend (4.0 Vdc): 3.5 N

Force retracted (4.8 Vdc): 6.7 N

All TLX components are customized to fit system requirements, meaning technical specifications are unique to each customer and design. Examples given on our website are for illustration purposes only.

Working with TLX

Experienced partner of industry leaders, first-tier suppliers, and OEMs
Direct access to our design and engineering team
Localized production in USA and China
Dependable single-source solution from design to delivery

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Our Process

Step 1 / Initial Review

Our engineering team works directly with you to determine the viability of your program and identify the best solution based on your specifications.

Step 2 / Quote

Quotes include all costs related to your project - tooling, prototype, piece part, production and project specific costs.

Step 3 / Design Review & Prototypes

Our engineering team reviews the design with you and makes any adjustments needed. Prototypes are built according to design specifications for testing.

Step 4 / Testing

Prototypes are tested according to your specifications, with all relevant test data provided to you for evaluation.

Step 5 / APQP

DFMEA’s, PFMEA’s, control plans and process flow diagrams are started to drive the product intent design.

Step 6 / Pre-Production

Working drawings are developed for production. A second prototype build and a set of production parts are made from tooling and thoroughly tested.

Step 7 / PPAP/Production

The final design along with the PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) is developed and the new product enters production.

Step 8 / Ongoing Improvements

Our team collaborates with you to continue making improvements to the product to best meet your needs, increasing efficiency and reducing cost.

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