OverviewThe bistable rotary solenoid is an electromagnetic actuator that rotates between two stable positions. It requires power only to change state; after switching the rotor remains latched without continuous current, enabling low power consumption and reduced heating — suitable for battery-powered and energy-sensitive systems.
How it worksA coil receives a pulse or a polarity-switched pulse to move the internal rotor/armature to a preset angle (common options: 20°, 25°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°). A permanent magnet or mechanical latch holds the rotor after the pulse. Typical switching times range from 10–50 ms, with high-performance variants below 10 ms.
Main characteristics and benefits- Low power consumption: short pulse required to switch; no continuous holding current.
- Reduced thermal buildup compared with continuous-current rotary actuators.
- High reliability and long operational life (typical mechanical/electrical life ≥1,000,000 cycles).
- Fast response suitable for high-speed switching applications.
- Compact size and simple electromagnetic structure with few moving parts.
- Quiet operation and stable latched holding force.
Common applications- Banknote counters and currency sorting machines (diverter gates, flaps).
- Vending machines and dispensers (release/locking mechanisms).
- Smart locks and security latching systems.
- Industrial automation: switching mechanisms, positioning devices, robot end-effectors.
- Medical devices: sample selectors, valve actuators, optical switching elements.
- Ticketing machines, gaming machines, camera modules and precision switching equipment.
Advantages- Energy savings due to pulsed operation and magnetic/mechanical latching.
- Position memory: maintains state without power.
- Low thermal dissipation thanks to brief coil energization.
- High switching speed and small footprint.
- Suitable for battery-operated and embedded systems.
Limitations / Disadvantages- Limited rotation range compared with continuous rotary motors (fixed angles only).
- Lower continuous torque than motors or geared actuators; not for high-torque continuous rotation.
- Typically only two preset positions; not suitable for multi-position continuous control without additional mechanisms.
- Requires a pulse drive/control circuit capable of delivering correct pulse shape and/or polarity changes.
- Mechanical wear on springs or stops may occur over very long life; performance depends on voltage stability and environment.
Datasheet summary and usage notesFor WL0616 selection key parameters include rotation angle, torque output, coil voltage and pulse-drive capability. Consider response time, duty cycle and mounting constraints when integrating into counters, vending devices, locks or medical instruments.
Technical specifications- Model: WL0616
- Product dimensions (typical): 39 × 32 × 16 mm
- Rotation angle (example): 20° (options: 20°, 25°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°)
- Starting torque: ≥2 N·cm
- Nominal coil voltage (example): DC 24 V
- Pulse power (example): 28.8 W
- Current (at 24 V example): 1.2 A
- Coil resistance (example): 20 Ω
- Operating life (mechanical/electrical): ≥1,000,000 cycles (typical)
- Typical working cycle (example): 0.03 s ON, 0.12 s OFF
- Typical switching time: 10–50 ms (high-performance variants may be <10 ms)
- Typical torque ranges for selection: small gates 0.05–0.2 Nm, medium 0.2–0.5 Nm, heavier diverters up to ~0.5–1.0 Nm
- Drive method: pulse drive with polarity switching or specified pulse waveform; requires appropriate driver electronics
- Key selection parameters: rotation angle, output torque, response time, coil voltage, duty cycle, mounting size and environmental conditions