Unique switch technology adds to group expertese.

The Variohm Group is continuing its strategic product range expansion, manufacturing capacity and application solving capability through the recent acquisition of the high-performance magnetic switch and sensor manufacturer, Magnasphere Corporation.^*

Magnasphere was founded over twenty years ago, successfully launching its patented high security switching technology as a replacement for security-vulnerable reed switches which are easy to defeat using simple magnets. Whilst competitors had developed expensive and complex alternatives, Magnasphere’s solution offered a low-cost and non-defeatable solution with similar magnetic field strength, product size and with much improved durability over reed switch-based security contacts. Other advantages included higher temperature extremes, no power source required, and excellent resistance to EMI and surge voltages.

Magnasphere’s patented switch technology

The basic principle behind the Magnasphere high security switch involves a magnetic ball held within a durable, hermetically sealed metal housing. In its open state, the ball attaches to a ferro-magnetic base within the housing and is drawn magnetically to a contacting ‘closed’ position when a magnet is moved within an activation zone outside of the housing. This ‘tamper and defeat-resistant principle’ also works where the magnetically charged ball is drawn towards a ferrous target – allowing a very low-cost proximity sensor. This principle also forms the basis for Magnasphere’s low jitter, non-mercury tilt switches – an environmentally safe and competitively priced solution. Magnasphere’s technology perfectly suits high security applications, and its cost and durability also makes it a compelling alternative for reed and Hall Effect switches for industrial and commercial OEM applications.

A comprehensive range of products of security contacts and switches, available in a wide variety of installation configurations and sensing zone alternatives, include recessed and surface mounted variants with single and multiple switch capability. Magnasphere’s products comply with UL -634, Levels 1 and 2 and CE listed equivalents. Magnasphere also manufactures smart motion detectors based on FMCW radar technology.

Variohm EuroSensor provides full technical and commercial support for Magnasphere’s products throughout Europe. Magnasphere’s acquisition brings The Variohm Group to nine sensing, switching and motion control manufacturing companies, offering highly differentiated components and systems across almost all areas of industry. With a total staff of more than 500, including 25 engineers, each Group member has high degree of autonomy but maintains complete access to the Group’s shared expertise and resources – this synergy promises a service and expertise level that is more than the sum of its parts.

As the Variohm Holdings Group expands with this latest acquisition Graham Pattison, Variohm Holdings’ managing director, is looking forward to the opportunities offered. “This latest acquisition further reflects Variohm Group’s collected vison and reinforces discoverIE’s continued investment. Now, with an even more diverse range of products and an increased application capability across the Group, we can extend a more progressive and comprehensive service to our valued customers”. 

Joseph Hedeen, Magnasphere’s general manager is anticipating great things from the increased market opportunities The Variohm Group will present. “We are looking forward to working with our new sister companies in The Variohm Group and the cooperation and opportunities on hand from the diversified range of sensing and switching products available”.

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*Magnasphere joins the Variohm Group with fellow USA-based members Control Products Inc., from New Jersey (harsh duty position sensing and switching technologies) and Indiana based Phoenix-America (magnetic encoder and magnetic sensors). In Britain are Variohm EuroSensor (sensor and transducer supplier and manufacturer), Herga Technology (switching and sensing solutions), Ixthus Instrumentation (specialist measurement systems), Heason Technology (motion control components and custom engineered systems), and Positek Limited (specialised linear and rotary inductive displacement sensor technologies). The European mainland manufacturer Limitor GmbH (temperature control components) completes the line-up and Variohm EuroSensor also has a German subsidiary and Variohm Group products are extensively served by global distributors.

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