When the micro or nanostructure of a surface needs to be measured, an atomic force microscope (AFM) is frequently used. The sharp-tipped silicon AFM can measure the magnetic structure of a surface if it magnetized creating a magnetic force microscope (MFM). For improved measurement capability, NT-MDT uses a thinner coating of the magnetic layer in its […]
Sensing Innovation in Manufacturing Applications
by Randy Frank, Contributing Editor A look at five new options in the world of industrial sensors The term continuous improvement is frequently insufficient to describe the changes from one generation of a product to the next—especially when totally new aspects or features are integral to the component. Defining a new performance category, providing remote […]
Absolute, Inductive Rotary Encoder Targets Electric Motors
If an encoder has a small enough profile, it can fit in many electric motor control applications. That is the goal of the ECI 119 absolute, inductive rotary encoder from HEIDENHAIN. This encoder has low profile (height of 19 mm, outside diameter 92 mm) and large through shaft (50, 38, or 30 mm), while offering […]
Sensing and Concussion Reduction Therapy (CRT)
By Natasha Townsend… There has been a lot of discussion about aggressive sports and head injuries. These conversations are pertaining to the rising concerns of traumatic brain injuries resulting from forceful hits in contact sports. For males, football (US) is the most common sport causing concussions; while for females, soccer (US) is the most common […]
Scaling Shrinks Flow Sensor
When a design works well and is widely accepted in the marketplace, it makes sense to take advantage of its capabilities but modify the design to meet new requirements. By scaling its thru-FlowT Pressure Transducer technology, DJ Instruments maintained the 100% swept ID surfaces but significantly shrunk the size of a transducer that is used […]
Fingerprint-activated Protection for Firearms
Computer manufacturers have offered fingerprint detection as a biometric means of protecting the contents of computers from unauthorized users for many years. One company boasts over 100 million users of its fingerprint technology worldwide. Similar technology can offer protection for gun owners and provide additional security for those who choose to own guns. In at […]
Interface Box Converts Encoder’s Output
With the EIB 2391S interface box, HEIDENHAIN absolute encoders’ EnDat 2.2 output is converted to Siemens DRIVE CLiQ. Developed for use in safety-oriented applications, the interface box increases encoder compatibility with Siemens controls. The compact assembly with its IP 65 rating has an 8-pin M12 connection making it suitable for any industrial environment and accessible […]
The Industry’s First Miniature Metal Photoeye
At 4.5 mm thick, Keyence claims its PR-M/F Series is an industry first. In addition to a SUS316L stainless steel body, the unit’s resin-filled “hybrid structure” allows the photoelectric sensor to withstand approximately five times greater shock than conventional models. The sensors’ housing with both IP67 and IP69K enclosure ratings is also highly resistant to […]
Semiconductor Sensors for Light and Color Analysis
LED lighting and colorimetry tasks in industry, medicine and cosmetics, and also analytics applications can require special sensing tools. For these requirements and more, MAZeT GmbH developed a color sensor, signal conditioning circuit and evaluation kit. The MTCSiCF color sensor for photometry and colorimetry integrates XYZ filters with standard spectral value function characteristics for eye-precise, […]
Use Multi-wavelength IR Temperature Sensors in Tough Industrial Environments
Temperature measurements in many industrial applications pose significant challenges for thermocouples and resistance temperature devices (RTDs) especially in metal forging, casting, milling, finishing and heat treating as well as boilers, incinerators, kilns and glass forming. In these and other applications, infrared (IR) temperature sensors can overcome accuracy, response time and implementation issues. Williamson Corporation’s Pro […]