Europe’s leading supplier of switches and solenoids, Yorkshire-based NSF Controls, has strengthened its well-established product portfolio with the development of a unique mechanically latched bi-directional tubular solenoid. Based upon the company’s highly successful tubular solenoids, the latest addition to the range has been developed in direct response to an existing customer’s demand for a bi-stable high-performance solenoid, capable of operating in areas where traditional permanently magnetically latched solenoids are unsuitable.

The solenoid will be used in a high-tech military application requiring a non-magnetic latching mechanism which will not interfere with compass and guidance systems. Light-weight and highly reliable, the solenoid is capable of 25 million actuations in each direction and has a far longer lifespan than comparable open-frame magnetically latched solenoids. The wide range of applications which might benefit from the use of NSF’s innovative new solenoid include the manufacture of medical and surgical equipment, together with security industry applications such as the switching of night-vision filters on remotely operated CCTV cameras.

NSF Marketing Manager, Roy Whitaker, explained, "NSF’s considerable design and manufacturing expertise has led to the development of a unique and highly versatile component which will prove a major benefit to number of different applications. The solenoid’s development reflects NSF’s ability to create practical and affordable solutions which address the specialised needs of customers representing a wide range of industries".