DC solenoids:

The switching frequency
The maximum switching frequency in DC solenoids is determined by the achievable times for the core motion from the switching point up to reaching the final / initial position.

The position of the core
DC solenoids may be operated without additional heating in any position of the core permanently.

The dynamism
DC solenoids pull in relatively slowly. Given a respectively good adjustment to the static counter force, a more or less constant speed may be reached. In this case, the dynamic behaviour corresponds more or less with that of a hydraulic drive.

The life
Thanks to the favourable dynamic behaviour, one may expect a long life for DC solenoids. For instance, there is no burning of the coil in case the core doesn't reach the final position.

AC solenoids:

The switching frequency
The switching frequency in the case of AC solenoids is determined by the mechanical life, the permissible heating of the coil and the permissible mean electric power, as power surges of up to 15 times the effective value of the half-current occur.

The position of the core
In the case of AC solenoids, the core has to be recoiled completely, as otherwise a loud noise and impermissible temperatures occur with every pull-in.

The dynamism
In case of AC solenoids, the core moves with a strongly accelerating speed and hits the core counter piece loudly. The increase in the static magnetic force enables altogether very short pull-in times. The switch-on depends on the current value of the applied voltage at the point of switching on.

The life
In case of AC solenoids, the core crashes onto the counter piece. Thus, the pole surfaces and the short-circuit ring wear out. If the core cannot reach its final position, due to mechanical failure or a drop in the mains voltage, the coils may quickly be overtaxed thermally and burn. This is accompanied by the clearly audible disadvantage of a loud noise.