![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/CS_misumi_k002.jpg\")
<\/a>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
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/workpiece-shape-for-contact-switches.png\")
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 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 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 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 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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/P11_misumi_k002.jpg\")
Contact Switch Installation Considerations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Compatibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Output Signal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.misumiusa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/NO-NC-output-signal-for-switches.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Difference Between Mechanical vs. Electrical Switches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n