Top 12 Applications in Automation and Robotics for Magnetic Reed Switches, Sensors and ActuatorsÂ
Magnetic reed switches are versatile components for industrial automation and robotics. Reed Switch Developments Corp. offers an extensive standard range of magnetic reed switches, sensors and actuators that are expressly designed for these applications.
All of our products offer fast-acting performance, reliability and long service life and at a relatively low cost. They are also free from mechanical wear.
Here are the Top 12 applications for how Reed Switch Developments Corp. customers typically use our fully hermetically sealed, UL recognized, and RoHS/REACH compliant magnetic reed switches, sensors and actuators to help improve automation, safety, and efficiency within industrial automation and robotics applications:
1. Door and Window Open/Closed Indicators
Magnetic reed switches can be used to detect whether a door or window is open or closed. This information can be used to either trigger an alarm or process, or to monitor access to a room, building or storage equipment.
2. Robotic Arm Movements (Pick and Place)
Magnetic reed switches can be used to detect when a robotic arm is in its correct position. This information can be used to control or calibrate the arm movement and to ensure that it is in the correct position for picking and placing objects.
3. Robotic Gripper Control
Magnetic reed switches can be used to detect when a robotic gripper is in its correct position to close around an object, thereby allowing for more precise control over the robotic gripping process.
4. Conveyor Belt Position Monitoring
Magnetic reed switches can be used to detect the presence of items on a conveyor belt, the speed at which the belt is traveling, as well as when the belt is in a designated position, thereby supporting automated sorting and processing functions.
5. Visual and Audible Indicators (Lights and Alarms)
Magnetic reed switches can be used to trigger either an alarm or indicator light when a specific event occurs, thereby alerting operators to potential problems. For example, a magnetic reed switch could be used to trigger an alarm whenever a machine, mechanism or door panel is in an unexpected state or position.
6. Pick and Place Robotics Systems
Magnetic reed switches can be used to monitor, detect, calibrate and control robots, fixturing mechanisms, rotating platforms and conveyors to ensure the appropriate coordination in positioning and operations of pick and place robotics systems.
7. Pneumatic Cylinders
Magnetic reed switches can be used to detect the correct positioning of pneumatic cylinders. This information can be used to control the level of airflow to the cylinder, and thereby ensuring that it moves to its correct position.
8. Liquid Flow and Level Monitoring
Magnetic reed switches, when coupled with specialized magnetic actuators, can be used to detect and monitor liquid level and flow on the factory floor. This information can be used to trigger alarms or otherwise control the flow of liquids within a system.
9. Inductive Load Control
Magnetic reed switches, when paired with relays, facilitate the use of low signal-level voltage in order to control larger, often inductive, electrical loads, such as those required to power solenoids, motors and pumps.
10. Limit Switches
Magnetic reed switches can be used as either limit switches or proximity switches in order to detect when a mechanical component has reached its maximum or minimum position, and thereby triggering an appropriate response or operation.
11. Safety Interlocks
Magnetic reed switches can be used as safety interlocks within an overall safety system to ensure that machinery or equipment is appropriately shutdown or paused whenever doors or mechanical access panels are accessed or opened, or when people or objects otherwise enter into potentially hazardous and unsafe areas.
12. Remote Alarms, PLCs and SCADA Systems
Magnetic reed switches are used to sense and detect the opening or closing of doors or windows, and to trigger appropriate responses, such as the sounding of an alarm or the activation of a control system. They also provide a reliable and cost-effective solution for monitoring access points and providing feedback to control systems.
Custom magnetic reed switch and sensor solutions for industrial automation and robotics are available in SPST, SPDT, and NO or NC contact configurations, as well as in a variety of material types. They are also available in wattages from 0.25W to 100W, along with a choice of aluminum, stainless steel, or brass housing. A wide selection of case materials, including Celanex, Celcon, Lexan, Epoxy and Valox, are also available for extreme applications.
In addition, our custom actuators are available with choice from among a large selection of permanent magnets, all of which are expressly designed to mate seamlessly with the magnetic reed switch. This includes custom-molded magnets which may be configured to meet user-specific mounting and operational requirements. Various wire and cabling options are also available, with the most popular insulating materials offered in 18-26 AWG sizes. Connectors can also be supplied, including AMP, Molex, JST, Package, threaded, weather-sealed, snap lock, lug and other types.
Custom magnetic reed switch, sensor and actuator solutions for industrial automation and robotics from Reed Switch Developments Corp. are offered with shorter lead times than can be found among many other industry standard solutions.
All products are 100% designed, developed and assembled at our WBE-certified facility in Racine, Wisconsin, USA. Contact Reed Switch Developments Corp. today to learn more about how our products can support your industrial automation and robotics applications.