Geeplus, a supplier of solenoids and small actuators used in several space-related projects, is extending their range of products now classed as low outgassing solenoids, by NASA standards. This classification is achieved by using materials that don’t react to conditions of either high temperature, low pressure or both.
Finding solenoids to use in space is a major problem for engineers working on space-based equipment,
Source: Geeplus specifically due to vapors created in certain materials and released through sublimation when used in high vacuum environments and extreme temperature changes. These can condense into liquid and migrate onto nearby equipment such as camera lenses, fragile sensors in probes or, worse still, circuit boards, rendering them inoperative.
Outgassing can affect a wide range of application areas in electronics, including medical equipment where it is particularly problematic when trying to maintain a sterile environment. The Geeplus range of low outgassing solenoids and other components include voice coil motors, bistable rotary solenoids, open frame solenoids and push/pull solenoids, all of which are available in a wide range of sizes and operating specifications.
