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Solenoids > Linear Solenoids
Magnetic Latching Selection
Product comparison and links to datasheets
Metric (cm)
Imperial (inches)
Magnetic Latching Designs
STA® Tubular
In the pull type tubular design, the plunger is pulled into the solenoid coil when the coil is energized. The tubular design offers the most compact package size to force ratio and substantially longer life.
Box Frame
This solenoid has a 4-sided closed box frame and solid plunger and is, therefore, more electrically efficient than the C Frame solenoid.

The closed, box frame also provides improved mechanical strength.
C Frame
C Frame solenoids consist of a formed Cshaped steel frame and solid plunger. Therefore, these solenoids are less efficient and less costly than their Box Frame counterparts.
Performance Curves
The performance curves in this section serve as guides to determine the solenoid size needed to produce a desired force at a given stroke, duty cycle, and power source.

All curves were developed under the following standard test conditions: ambient temperature of 20°C, 65% relative humidity.
Starting Force
When determining an application's force requirement, apply a 1.5 safety factor. For example: a load requiring 0.2 lb of force should utilize a solenoid providing 0.2 x 1.5 or 0.35 lb of force.
Duty Cycle
Magnetic Latching solenoids are rated for low duty cycle applications.

Duty cycle is determined by: ON time/(ON + OFF time).

For example: a solenoid is actuated for 30 seconds, then off for 90 seconds.

30 sec ON / (30 Sec ON + 90 sec OFF) = 30/120 = 1/4 or 25% duty cycle.

Note that maximum ON time for a particular application can be a factor which overrides the duty cycle rating. For example, at 25% duty cycle, the maximum ON time for a given Ledex solenoid is 36 seconds. If, however, the solenoid is operated at a cycle rate which enables the unit to return to ambient temperature between ON cycles, then the maximum ON time is extended somewhat. In the above example, this extended ON time is 44 seconds.

Maximum ON time ratings are listed on the individual model specification pages.
Life
The STA® tubular design offers a life of 25,000,000 actuations.

The open frame designs provide 50,000 to 100,000 actuations.
Power Requirements
Voltage applied to the solenoid must be matched to the coil wire size for proper operation. Solenoids are typically cataloged in coil awgs ranging from #23 up to #38 to accommodate your input power.

Refer to the individual model specification pages for coil wire awg recommendations. Many other coil awg sizes are available. Please feel free to contact our application engineering department for availability.
Options and Modified Designs
Even though many solenoid designs are in stock and available via distribution, our customers often require a product with unique features or performance capabilities. In fact, almost 80% of all solenoids that we make are either modified or custom built to meet our customers' exact application requirements.

So, if you don't find what you're looking for in the catalog, give us a call to discuss your needs with one of our application engineers.
Typical Examples of Custom Feature
Metric Products
STA® Tubular Magnetic Latching Selection Overview*

Solenoid

Package Dimensions
(mm)

Max Stroke

Nominal
Stroke

Force (N) @ Nominal Stroke
and Specified Duty Cycle

Size
Type
Dia.
Length
(mm)
(mm)
50%
25%
10%
STA 13 x 16
Pull
13.2
13.9
2.5
1.3
1.33
2.22
4.45
* All data is at 20°C coil temperature. Force outputs degrade with elevated temperatures.

Metric Products
Box Frame and C Frame Magnetic Latching Selection Overview*

Size

Frame
Type

Coil
Type(1)

Height
(mm)

Width
(mm)

Length
(mm)
Max.
Stroke
(mm)
Nominal
Stroke
(mm)
Force (N)
@ Nominal Stroke
and Specified Duty Cycle
B14M-L
Box
T
25.9
20.1
36.8
15.2
2.5
8.9
B16M-L
Box
T
12.2
9.9
25.1
3.8
1.3
0.7
B17M-L
Box
T
15.0
13.0
28.4
4.1
2.0
0.9
B22M-L
Box
OM
37.3
33.3
40.9
8.9
2.5
14.7
C5M-L
C
T
11.7
10.4
23.9
5.1
1.3
1.8
* All data is at 20°C coil temperature. Force outputs degrade with elevated temperatures.
Imperial Products
STA® Tubular Magnetic Latching Selection Overview*

Solenoid

Package Dimensions
(mm)

Max Stroke

Nominal
Stroke

Force (N) @ Nominal Stroke
and Specified Duty Cycle

Size
Type
Dia.
Length
(mm)
(mm)
50%
25%
10%
STA 1/2" x 1/2"
Pull
0.52
0.62
0.15
0.075
0.25
0.48
0.75
* All data is at 20°C coil temperature. Force outputs degrade with elevated temperatures.

Imperial Products
Box Frame and C Frame Magnetic Latching Selection Overview*

Size

Frame
Type

Coil
Type(1)

Height
(mm)

Width
(mm)

Length
(mm)
Max.
Stroke
(mm)
Nominal
Stroke
(mm)
Force (N)
@ Nominal Stroke
and Specified Duty Cycle
B14M-L
Box
T
1.02
0.79
1.45 0.6 0.10 2
B16M-L
Box
T
0.48
0.39
0.99 0.15 0.05 0.15
B17M-L
Box
T
0.59
0.51
0.79 0.16 0.08 0.2
B22M-L
Box
OM
1.47
1.31
1.61 0.35 0.10 3.3
C5M-L
C
T
0.46
0.41
0.94 0.20 0.06 0.4
* All data is at 20°C coil temperature. Force outputs degrade with elevated temperatures.

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