Chinese suppliers are beefing up the performance of microswitches to improve their competitiveness.Rising demand from both traditional and emerging markets is expected to spur growth in the sector in the coming months.While China's microswitch industry is still dominated by entry-level and mid-range products, some companies are moving upmarket by introducing more models with higher electrical and mechanical properties and added value.
Current research and development efforts are focused on improving product durability, increasing rated current and voltage, reducing handling force and extending product life.In terms of opening and closing life of products, it is generally higher than 1 million cycles, and these companies aim to increase that to 2 to 3 million cycles.DV series micro switches can operate as low as 15gf, rated current up to 21A, suitable for high power devices.At the same time, they are also improving the water, explosion, dust and heat resistance of their products, and using metal seals.
In addition, Chinese suppliers are ramping up production of surface-mount (SMD) switches, which are suitable for compact designs and are increasingly being used in miniature electronics and portable products.Such switches now account for 10-20% of most manufacturers' production.Offering competitive prices is another strategy for local enterprises to compete against foreign manufacturers.For example, for the products with the same structure and specifications, the price of Dongguan Dewo Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. is 30% cheaper than the quotation from the German supplier.
The microswitch industry is fiercely competitive, with overseas manufacturers such as Honeywell, Omron, Alps and Burgess having an edge at the high end of the market.Still, local businesses are confident of high sales in the coming months.For example, Dewo Electronics in Dongguan expects revenue to grow 50 per cent this year, maintaining the growth rate of 2014.To cope with the increase in orders, manufacturers are buying new automatic equipment and adding foreign trade personnel.
The main reasons for the high sales of micro switches in China are as follows:
Products are widely used, so that China's micro switch industry to maintain vigorous vitality.While the growing popularity of touch panels is undermining demand in the computer sector, other sectors continue to bring orders to the microswitch industry.The product is most commonly used in household and commercial appliances such as ovens, washing machines and vending machines, water heaters, game controllers and vegetable cutters.
Microswitches are also integrated into sprayers, plumbing systems, industrial equipment, and some PCs and peripherals.The aerospace and automotive industries are also interested in the product, with aircraft, spacecraft, tanks, turnstiles and actuators for electronic parking brakes being major applications.
