Buzzing of Reed Switches for Long-term Durability
In the world of precision manufacturing, the quality and stability of reed switches are crucial. One critical process in ensuring this reliability is buzzing—a technique designed to align and stabilise the contact surfaces of reed switches, ensuring optimal performance over time, both for low level signal loads as well as high current loads.
How It Works
Buzzing involves operating the reed switch at high frequency inside a specialized coil, without connecting it to a load. This helps stabilise the contact area by smoothing out any surface inconsistencies and correcting minute alignment variations in the blades.
Traditionally, buzzing has been essential for switches with plated contact surfaces. During plating, material builds more thickness along sharp edges, creating uneven surfaces. This process smooths these high and low points, resulting in better contact.
Buzzing and Proprietary Coatings
At our facility, we go a step further by using a sputtered Ruthenium coating, applied in Angstrom-level precision. This proprietary process creates a smoother, more uniform surface than traditional plating. However, buzzing is still essential for:
- Aligning the blades to maximize contact area during operation.
- Stabilizing contact resistance with fewer buzzing operations compared to plated contacts.
Why this is Important
Even slight misalignments can affect switching behavior, leading to higher resistance and operational inconsistencies. Buzzing guarantees that our products meet stringent quality standards, ensuring long-term stability, durability and smooth operation for our customers.
Final Thought
Buzzing plays a significant role in enhancing the durability and precision of reed switches. When combined with advanced coating techniques like sputtered Ruthenium, buzzing ensures that every switch performs at its best.
If you’re interested in learning more about our precision manufacturing processes or need advice on selecting the right switch for your application, contact us today!