Encapsulated Coils
Encapsulated coils are electric coils that have been enclosed in a silicone rubber, polyester, liquid, or thermoformed epoxy casing.
Quick links to Encapsulated Coils Information
Applications of Encapsulated Coils
Similar and sometimes synonymous to molded coils, encapsulated coils are a type of electric coil.
They are an essential component in many different devices, including:
- Solenoid Valves
- Transformers
- Transducers
- Circuits
- Electric Motors
- Various Electronic Household Appliances
Encapsulated Coil Design and Function
Made from conductive metal wire wrapped or coiled into a specific diameter, encapsulated coils, like all electric coils, are electromagnets or magnets that are only activated to magnetism when introduced to an electrical current. Electric coils provide either movement or electric current transformation through electromagnetism. An outer casing is used on electric coils that require protection from harsh environmental conditions, such as moisture, salt, oil, or vibration. With nothing to protect delicate copper coils from the elements, an electric coil's conductivity might be easily lost. Encapsulated coils and molded coils solve this problem in overlapping ways: molded coils are enclosed in injection molded or thermoplastic coverings that seal the entire coil unit, while encapsulated coils more often use liquid or thermoformed polymer epoxies. While these two overlapping types are often the same, molded coils often refers to coils encased in hard, hollow thermoformed or injection molded plastic casings; encapsulated coils are often molded into liquid or thermoformed epoxies, causing the coil to become one with its casing.
Benefits of Using Encapsulated Coils
Encapsulated coils often offer better protection from harsh weather, oil, and vibration than molded coils, since encapsulated coils are often dipped or thermoformed into sealing liquid epoxies; epoxies like silicone rubber offer vibration protection that injection-molded casings do not. Encapsulated coils can also be heat-treated after production, a process that sinters the encapsulating plastic part with the molded coil inside, providing superior protection to the coil.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing Encapsulated Coils
While many encapsulated and molded coils can be cost-effective alternatives to larger, more complicated structures, the tooling costs of manufacturing thermoformed or injection molded plastic casings often rise above the costs of impregnated coils, which have wire directly encased in an epoxy or laminate before it is wound; impregnated coils have no need for outer casings and require little or no tooling. Manufacturers are able to choose whichever coil best fits the application and manufacturing process at hand, whether it is the molded coil, encapsulated coil, impregnated coil, or a custom coil.