Measuring Hydraulic Cylinder/ Actuator Travel and Tank Level

While many sensors, especially those based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, get increasingly smaller, some measurements dictate the need for a large or sufficiently long sensor. This is the case when measuring the position of moving machine parts in applications such as paper and pulp mills, injection molding machinery, turbine blades and process level management. These are the types of applications addressed by a new series of sensors from Macro Sensors. The MLW Series of Long Stroke Linear Position Sensors are designed for highly accurately absolute position measurement of displacements up to 1.2 meters.  

The sensors use magnetostrictive technology and operate by transmitting a current pulse through a tube that is reflected by a moveable permanent magnet.  The output signal is based on a time of flight measurement by the sensor that determines the position of the magnet on the tube. 

For more information about Macro Sensors MLW Series of Long Stroke Linear Position Sensors, click here.

Balluff’s Linear Position Transducer Fits Into Small Spaces and Small Budgets

Designed to fit into small spaces, Balluff’s Micropulse PF-series linear transducer has a profile of less than 1-inch high.  The low profile design targets plastic injection and blow molding; woodworking and metalforming; material handling and more.

Using magnetostrictive sensing technology, the unit has a measurable range of 51 to 4572 mm (2 to 180 in) and a scalable, absolute, analog output (0 to 10V, 4 to 20 mA, 0.1 to 20 mA or -10 to 10V). The non-linearity for a stroke length of less than 500 mm is ±200 µm and for a stroke length greater than 500 mm, it is ±0.04% of full stroke. Based on the use of time-tested, field-proven technology, the company claims the units sell for an “economical price.”

For more information about Balluff’s Micropulse Perfect Fit linear position transducer, click here.

Slim Line Magnetostrictive Sensors from ASM

ASM launches the new PCFP25 series of slim line Magnetostrictive sensors to compliment the existing “POSICHRON®” range. The PCFP25 is a slim, non-contact linear position sensor using Magnetostrictive sensing technology which has been specifically designed for harsh applications with limited space. With a profile of only 8mm x 28mm it can fit into areas that were previously inaccessible.

The PCFP25 is an industrial grade sensor which has been designed to be maintenance free due to the non-contact Magnetostrictive sensing technology which is also highly resistant to shocks and vibration. Due to the very small profile of the sensors they can also be used for safety critical applications where two PCFP25 units can be mounted together, either vertically or horizontally to provide two totally independent redundant outputs.

POSICHRON® represents a complete family of non-contact linear position sensors and the addition of the new PCFP25 extends the application ranges to areas with limited access or that are safety critical. This series of sensors offer a range of absolute analogue outputs of 0-10VDC and 4-20mA as well as CAN-bus versions and can be supplied in stroke lengths from 100mm to 5500mm in increments of 10mm.

ASM UK
www.asm-sensor.co.uk