Fast Push-Pull Solenoids

[mr_byte31]

Hi Folks,

I am look for fast Push-Pull Solenoids ( turns on-off) for my project. My requirements is to be able to reach 30-50 Hz (ON-OFF rate).

I don't have any requirements on stroke length. stroke length of 1cm shall be Ok for me.

The internet is full of Chinese solenoids as picture below :



I didn't find any datasheet for their maximum frequency. I only found one video that claims fast switching but this doesn't even come close to my 30Hz requirements.

I kept searching for other options and I found this product : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB17BLS7cMM
The actuator seems very promising but price is not affordable for my small project.


My question, did anyone had good switch-rate with the Chinese solenoids? what max frequency could you achieve ?

any cheap alternatives ?

[optikon]

Considering the very low cost of such devices, like you show pictured, if it were me, I would buy one and see how fast I can get it to work by trying it out.
Improving its speed, may be as easy as a brief overdrive pulse... you could just try one. These are crazy cheap.

[ur63]

30Hz, no requirements on stroke length - what's the intended application?
I have a hard time to envision that such cheap solenoid might be capable of fulfilling 30H-50z mechanically, and delivering "some" mechanical travel.

[PM3295]

You may use dither to help making solenoids switch faster.
By applying a dither signal, you help improve things like static friction, response time, positional accuracy and hysteresis effects.

Typical Ranges:

Hydraulic proportional valves: 50–400 Hz
Small fast-response solenoids: 200–1,000 Hz
Larger industrial solenoids: 20–200 Hz

The frequency and amplitude of the dither signal should be carefully chosen.

1/ The dither frequency should be high enough that it does not interfere with the solenoid’s main switching operation but low enough to effectively reduce static friction.
2/ If the amplitude is too high, the solenoid may oscillate excessively, leading to noise, heat, and wear.
3/ Often 5–15% of the full control signal voltage or current. These may need to be adjusted experimentally for best results.

Tuning:

1/ Start with a low amplitude (~5% of control signal) and a moderate frequency (~100–200 Hz).
2/ Gradually increase frequency until friction reduction is noticeable, but avoid excessive vibration.
3/ Adjust amplitude to find the minimum level that still provides effective dithering without unwanted oscillations.
4/ Monitor performance (response time, heat, noise) and fine-tune accordingly.

[mr_byte31]

@optikon
=======
overdrive pulse might help a little bit but wouldn't improve the speed that much. The return spring shall be changed to provide faster return to initial position.
It will be a complete redesign to the solenoid if it doesn't reach 30Hz naturally...

@ur63
====
I am planning to use it for laser galvanometer. this shall be a bang-bang control system for deflecting mirrors.

@PM3295
=====
I am not sure about what you exactly mean by dither. can you please provide some references?

[optikon]

@optikon
=======
overdrive pulse might help a little bit but wouldn't improve the speed that much. The return spring shall be changed to provide faster return to initial position.
It will be a complete redesign to the solenoid if it doesn't reach 30Hz naturally...

@ur63
====
I am planning to use it for laser galvanometer. this shall be a bang-bang control system for deflecting mirrors.

@PM3295
=====
I am not sure about what you exactly mean by dither. can you please provide some references?

By now, you could have one in hand telling us how fast you got it to cycle.. try one - they are very cheap. :-)