Specialty solenoids include specialty or proprietary products and accessories related to solenoids. A solenoid is a mechanical device that converts energy into linear motion. There are many types of specialty solenoids. Examples include a transmission solenoid, electric solenoids, DC solenoids, starter solenoid, rotary solenoid, linear solenoid, tubular solenoid, and a miniature solenoid. A transmission solenoid automatically calibrates, tests, marks, and sorts automotive on-off valves. An electric solenoid is particularly appropriate for actuation applications that require long life and simple control. The power consumption of a direct current (DC) solenoid is independent of the position of the plunger. DC solenoids are characterized by soft and hard operation. A starter solenoid mounts directly to a starter. A rotary solenoid is especially suited for applications that use a cam or crank lever to convert linear force into rotary motion. A linear solenoid can be found in either an open frame solenoid configuration, used for lower cost and less efficient applications. A tubular solenoid is most often used for longer life and higher force applications. A miniature solenoid utilizes a metal-to-plastic bearing surface that eliminates problems associated with powdered metal flaking in a conventional tubular solenoid. Other specialty solenoids are commonly available.

There are several ways in which specialty solenoids function. Solenoids are generally classified as AC or DC solenoids, linear or rotary, or on/off versus variable positioning. A low profile specialty solenoid is the highest force solenoid available. A solenoid coil can be manufactured to use electricity, compressed air (pneumatic solenoids), or pressurized fluids (hydraulic solenoids). Electric solenoids can operate from thousands to millions of cycles, and the controllable characteristics of electric solenoids include force, speed, life, acceleration, quality, noise, repeatability and reliability. Electric solenoids provide maximum power output and torque for its size and weight. DC solenoids have inherently longer cycling times that can be reduced by special circuitry. High switching frequencies do not cause dangerously high thermal loads in DC solenoids. Although similar to the starter relay, a starter solenoid converts electrical energy into linear motion. A starter solenoid contains a set of windings that cause movement of the solenoid’s plunger, which then engages the starter. A miniature solenoid feature a solid construction technique that utilizes a low-friction nylon bobbin, thus assuring quiet operation and a long life of at least 25 million cycles. Specialty solenoids are designed and manufactured to meet most industry specifications.

Specialty solenoids are used in a variety of applications. Specialty solenoids are commonly used in machine and process automation. They are also used in the medical field and aerospace manufacturing industry. Specialty solenoids are utilized in locking applications such as vault doors, cash registers, disk drives, and missile systems.