At Woodruff Engineering, solving extreme engineering challenges is what we do best, and our latest project is a perfect example. We’ve just completed the design and build of a high-performance 350,000 amp (350 kA) fast-closing mechanical switch, complete with a configurable low-inductance resistor and full instrumentation and control system.
This is no off-the-shelf solution. It’s a bespoke system, built from the ground up using our specialist electromechanical design expertise.
Built for High-Current Performance
The switch assembly is designed to operate at exceptionally high current levels, whilst maintaining safety, speed, and precision. The fast-closing mechanism ensures rapid response, while the low-inductance resistor has been carefully engineered to allow flexible configurations without compromising performance.
But this achievement goes beyond just hardware. The entire system, including its advanced control and instrumentation, has been developed in-house, demonstrating the depth of technical capability our team brings to every project.
Why It Matters
Delivering a system capable of handling 350 kA is a rare and demanding feat, not just because of the extreme current involved, but because of the immense electromagnetic forces generated, which actively try to destroy the switch itself. Achieving this requires expert knowledge of electromechanical systems, meticulous attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Our engineering challenge is to optimise the design for strength while minimising these repulsive forces, all within a compact and lightweight structure. That’s the level of precision we bring to every project, whether it’s for high-energy physics, advanced testing applications, or custom industrial systems.
What’s Next?
As we continue to grow our portfolio of complex high-current solutions, we remain focused on combining smart design with hands-on engineering expertise. Whether you need a single prototype or a scalable system, we’re ready to help you power what’s next.
