{"id":13331,"date":"2024-10-08T07:33:49","date_gmt":"2024-10-08T12:33:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/?p=13331"},"modified":"2025-01-07T11:12:40","modified_gmt":"2025-01-07T17:12:40","slug":"contact-switch-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/contact-switch-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing the Right Contact Switch for Industrial Applications"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Many types of contact switches are used in our everyday lives. From the doorbell that signals your arrival to the elevator that stops at the right floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With these examples in mind, one would understandably be frustrated with a doorbell taking a few minutes to ring because it was too hot outside or even missing your floor completely because someone was tapping their foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are in machine building, automation, or robotics, choosing the right contact switch can make a significant difference in your operation\u2019s performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some key factors to consider when a high level of precision is necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Application Requirements for Contact Switches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From environment conditions to angle of contact, the first thing to consider is the application\u2019s requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Metrol Contact Switches – Positioning CS\/CSJ\/CSK\/CSP\/CSS Series<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Environmental Conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Industrial environments vary widely, from machinery reaching temperatures of over 40\u00b0C, to high levels of vibration over a period of runtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When micron-level accuracy is necessary, it is important to understand how the conditions of your application could impact a measurement. The benefits of a quality position switch will stop any expansion or contraction due to temperature change, as well as prevent any false trigger due to vibration and shock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Workpiece Shape<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The type of contact, flat-type or ball-type, is dependent on whether the contact surface of your workpiece is curved or flat. In order to keep accuracy from fluctuating, remember to keep flat-type to curved surfaces and ball-type to flat surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Source: Metrol | In-depth Explanation of Positioning Touch Switch Selection and Terminology<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Angle of Contact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The angle a workpiece will be measured at will have an impact on the type of bearing, plain or ball, that is selected. For applications using a straight-on approach, both plain bushing and ball bushing bearings can be used. If using an angled approach, or the potential of the workpiece tilting is a concern, ball bushing bearings should be used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waterproof Construction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some machinery may have liquids, such as water or coolant, that can splash all over. When working in conditions like these, the potential for water damage causing a failure could result in damaged machinery and extended downtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A method of accounting for this would be to consider the IP Rating of the switch. For example, Metrol offers high-precision position switches that include an IP Rating of up to IP67, allowing it to perform at a high repeatability<\/a> of half a micron without being water-damaged<\/a> or affected by harsh environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Metrol Contact Switches, MT-Tough, High Precision, P11 Type<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Contact Switch Installation Considerations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before choosing a contact switch, keep in mind the installation process, such as compatibility and how much space is available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compatibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is a wide range of <\/a>cylindrical<\/a> and rectangular<\/a> switches to choose from when selecting a position switch. Depending on the space available, the right switch will make building, testing, and maintenance on a machine significantly easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Output Signal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With both options of Normally Open (NO)<\/a> and Normally Closed (NC)<\/a> available in a contact switch, it\u2019s necessary to communicate with your controls team to see what your system will require. The previously mentioned doorbell is an example of a NO output, while an emergency stop is an example of a NC output.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Difference Between Mechanical vs. Electrical Switches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mechanical switches<\/a> are lower cost and simpler builds, consisting of only mechanical components, and are less likely to be affected by environmental conditions. Due to the physical nature of a mechanical switch\u2019s sensing, it can potentially deform the workpiece if not used correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electrical switches<\/a> can offer greater precision and detect a workpiece without the chance of deforming it but could result in large signal variations if placed in an environment not suitable for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MISUMI is a great source of position switches, with access to brands like Metrol, Omron, and Halder. Click here to explore a catalog of precision contact switches<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Improve accuracy, efficiency, and reliability with the right contact high-positioning switch.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":13341,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1136],"tags":[1449],"class_list":["post-13331","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mechanical-design","tag-contact-switches"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t