Solenoid Question

[tired_dad]

Hi all,

I just had a quick question about the push/pull solenoid in the Adafruit store (http://www.adafruit.com/products/413). I am making a very small project that will toss a dice into the air using the "return" or push force of a solenoid to launch a platform upwards, the effect should simulate a dice roll. Does the spring in the linked solenoid produce enough push force to accomplish said task. The platform that the dice will sit on is 6x6inch square of black plexiglass 1/4 inch thick.

Thank you for your help.

[adafruit_support_bill]

I think the return spring might be strong enough to lift the platform, but I doubt that your dice would become airborne. The solenoid shaft extends out the back of the unit. If you flip it around you will get a "push" when energized. This has a lot more force than the return spring.