How Does Gottak Make 10K Selector Switches a Day For Your Ovens, Stoves, Hobs, Cookers?

Oven selector switches are vital components in kitchen appliances, providing users with the ability to choose different cooking modes. These switches not only control the appliance’s functionality but also play a significant role in its overall performance. They are also used in other appliances as well, such as washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, heaters, stoves etc.

My new video series delves into the complexities of selector and rotary switches. For this reason, I recently visited the Gottak factory in Barcelona, a leading producer of high-quality selector switches, manufacturing over 10 million annually.

I was invited to meet the owner in Berlin at the IFA trade show. He has a strong desire to see more quality in the world, rather than the subpar products produced by some manufacturers. I was amazed to observe how some manufacturers focus on saving money on components instead of investing in durable products, like the switches at Gottak. It seems that the only concern for these manufacturers is to purchase components that will last just long enough to meet the warranty period. The accountants, or "bean counters," are undermining some of the greatest names in the appliance manufacturing industry, all in the name of saving a few cents while trying to improve profit margins.

Enough of this satire! In this post, I’ll be explaining to you what makes Gottak’s manufacturing process so unique and why these little components are not only essential but also much more sophisticated than most people realize. You can also check out the full video for a detailed tour of Gottak’s selector switch and rotary switch facility. Let’s break it down!

The Backbone of Modern Appliances: What Is a Selector Switch?

First off, if you're not already familiar, a selector switch is a component that controls the operation of various household appliances, from cooker ovens to washing machines. It manages multiple functions like temperature settings and cooking modes, allowing the appliance to adjust to your needs.

In stoves, for example, a selector switch might control the heat intensity for different cooking zones or change between different modes (bake, grill, fan, etc.). This functionality depends on the precise operation of the switch itself, and the design is critical to ensuring your appliance works as expected every time you use it.

The Gottak Factory: A High-Tech Marvel

When you step into the Gottak factory, the first thing that strikes you is how efficiently everything operates. With over 10 million switches produced annually, Gottak’s production process is a marvel of precision and automation. Every year, they also manufacture more than 25 million separate components, ensuring that there is a constant supply of parts for different switches, catering to a global demand.

But what’s even more impressive is the speed and scale of the operation. For instance, the factory can produce 1 switch every 2 seconds under normal conditions, and some machines can turn out an astonishing number, more than 10,000 switches in just 24 hours, with the help of a couple of operators working in shifts.

But don’t be fooled, the process isn’t just about speed. It’s about quality control, and that’s where Gottak truly shines.

From Raw Material to Finished Product: The Manufacturing Process

The production of a selector switch at Gottak begins with raw materials, which are carefully selected for their durability and heat resistance. Polyamide and Bakelite are the two primary materials used. Polyamide for lower temperature applications (up to 150°C) and Bakelite for higher temperature needs (up to 200°C).

1. Drying Process: The journey starts with drying the raw materials to eliminate any moisture. This step ensures that the plastics used in the production process don’t have any water content that could interfere with the injection molding.
2. Injection Molding: Once dried, the material is heated and injected into molds. This is where the magic happens. The factory uses state-of-the-art injection molding systems to create the essential components, such as the cam (which moves and adjusts the positions of the switch) and the body (which houses the electrical contacts).
   As the molded pieces are created, any excess material is broken off, reground, and reused. This recycling process not only saves costs but also minimizes waste — a key part of Gottak’s commitment to sustainability.
3. Assembly Line: After molding, the components move on to the assembly phase. Here, robotics play a key role in assembling the switches with precision. For example, a robot cuts and configures the springs that are critical for the switch's functionality. These springs allow the contacts to move up and down as the switch is rotated, ensuring the correct connection at each position. Some of the robots are even named. They have Tom & Jerry in the factory who are part of the assembly process that puts the cam into the selector switches. Tom picks up the part and passes it to Jerry, and Jerry assembles it into the selector switch. They make a really great team at Gottak.
   Furthermore, the assembly line uses turntable systems, which automatically rotate the parts and ensure that the correct contacts are placed at the correct points. The assembly process is incredibly precise and efficient, largely due to the automation systems in place.

High-Quality Control: The Heart of Gottak’s Success

Now, here’s something that truly sets Gottak apart from many other manufacturers: quality control. While human operators double-check the quality of each component, there’s also a highly sophisticated computerized system that monitors production in real-time. If the system detects any abnormalities or rejects any part for not meeting the required standards, it flags it immediately and alerts the engineer on duty. This ensures that every part that leaves the factory is up to their high standards.

The use of high-quality materials is another reason why these switches stand out. For example, Gottak uses pure silver in the production of their contacts, the silver comes from mines in Mexico which is where the best silver comes from, Silver is known for its excellent conductivity. Did you know that this company uses 1 kg of pure silver every eight hours? This is just one of the many ways Gottak ensures their switches are not just functional but also durable and long-lasting.

The Need for Speed and Flexibility in Production

While efficiency is critical, Gottak also needs to be incredibly flexible. The company receives orders ranging from 500 units to as much as 1 million switches per order. And because client demands often change, Gottak’s systems need to be adaptable. For instance, changing the production run for a different switch design can take between 10 to 20 minutes. However, once the system is reconfigured, it’s ready to churn out high-quality components in no time.

This flexibility is essential, especially considering the large-scale demand from appliance manufacturers worldwide. In fact, Gottak’s commitment to quality has made them a preferred supplier for several major appliance brands, many of which have strict agreements with the company to maintain confidentiality about their production processes.

A Look at the Bigger Picture: Why Quality Matters

At the end of the day, what impressed me most about Gottak Rotary Switches Factory wasn’t just their technological prowess or their impressive production speeds, but their commitment to quality over cost-cutting. Many manufacturers in the appliance industry focus on saving money by using subpar components, which may work fine during the warranty period but fail over time. Gottak, on the other hand, prioritizes long-lasting, durable parts. They believe in investing in quality and their switches are a testament to that.

This mindset was reinforced during my conversation with Gottak’s director. As he said, there’s a growing trend in the industry where accountants (the "bean counters") push for cheaper components to improve profit margins. However, this often compromises the quality and longevity of the products. Gottak’s approach is different, and it’s clear that their philosophy is built around creating products that stand the test of time.

Conclusion: A Visit to Remember

After nearly 50 years in the domestic appliances industry, I can confidently say that Gottak’s approach to manufacturing and quality control is among the best I’ve seen. From the precision of the injection molding machines to the careful hand assembly and meticulous quality checks, every step of the process is geared towards ensuring that the switches they produce are nothing short of perfect.

Gottak is a shining example of how advanced manufacturing techniques, coupled with a dedication to quality and sustainability, can lead to the creation of products that consumers can trust. Whether it’s in your kitchen or your living room, the next time you turn that oven dial or adjust your cooktop, just remember: it’s likely powered by a Gottak selector switch, a small but crucial part that helps make your appliance work flawlessly.

Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to check out the full video for a detailed tour of Gottak’s Barcelona facility, and leave a comment if you have any questions about the production process. Stay tuned for more insider looks into the world of domestic appliances!

When You Watch the Full Video You Will Learn More About:

👉 Selector switches for home appliances
👉 Rotary switches for domestic use
👉 Multi-position rotary switches
👉 Selector switch types
👉 Mini oven
👉 Battery chargers
👉 Compressors
👉 Infrared heaters
👉 Home heaters
👉 Fans
👉 Medical equipment
👉 Welding machines
👉 Rotary switch functionality👉 Oven selector switches
👉 Cooker selector switches
👉 Stove selector switches
👉 Cooktop selector switches
👉 Washing machine selector switches
👉 Microwave selector switches
👉 Refrigerator selector switches
👉 Tumble dryer selector switches
👉 Dishwasher selector switches
👉 Vacuum cleaner selector switch
👉 Lightning control selector switches
👉 Selector switch for thermostat control