MTS Sensors Improves Linear-Position Sensor Vibration Tolerance

CARY, N.C. – MTS Systems Corp., Sensors Division has further improved the design of its Temposonics linear-position sensors to increase the sensors’ longevity in high-vibration applications like those in the wood industry. The High Vibration Resistance option (HVR) increases the vibration tolerance from 15g to 30g (10-2000 Hz) in MTS’ R-Series Analog, R-Series SSI, and G-Series sensors, and further increases the longevity of the sensors. These developments, in addition to the rugged durability of their non-contact magnetostrictive technology, make MTS’ Temposonics linear-position sensors ideal for wood industry applications including all types of sawmill machinery, plywood and veneer equipment, portable mills and tree harvesting and processing attachments.

The wood industry requires a wide range of machinery that must operate under harsh conditions while providing accurate performance. Downtime and lost productivity are expensive, and linear-position sensors are critical components in maintaining an efficient operation.

The robustness and reliability of MTS Temposonics R-Series and G-Series linear-position sensors can greatly reduce maintenance costs, and quite often, can be used to extend the life of older machines. R-Series and G-Series linear position sensors provide a cost-effective solution for applications that demand tough, low-maintenance position sensors that ensure accuracy and production efficiency.

MTS’ Temposonics linear-position sensors employ non-contact, magnetostrictive sensing technology, which, by eliminating wear, provide users with much higher durability and output reliability than other technologies such as potentiometers or optical encoders.

The changes made to MTS’ Temposonics R- and G-Series linear-position sensors are designed to increase the longevity of the sensors’ High Vibration Resistance (HVR) option, which doubles the prior vibration resistance of 15g. The improved linear-position sensors can survive impact forces of 100g and continuous vibration of up to 30g (from 10-2000 Hz), which significantly increases their longevity, especially in harsh environments and high-vibration applications.

MTS’ R-Series sensors are rugged, industrial sensors that provide absolute, linear-position measurement with high-performance output protocols. With linearity down to +/- 20 microns or better, resolution of 1 micron, and repeatability within 0.001%, these sensors are ideal for applications that require accuracy, reliability, and consistency.

G-Series sensors are rugged, industrial sensors that provide highly accurate measurements in either analog or digital outputs, offer enhanced diagnostics and programming capabilities, and are designed for backwards compatibility with legacy Temposonics products.

Both series are easy to install and are preset with individual parameters according to order specifications to avoid time-consuming on-site calibration.

MTS Systems Corp
www.mtssensors.com

Magnetostrictive Sensors Meet Off-Highway Requirements

For off-highway equipment, the influx of electro-hydraulics, electronic controls, and computer controls has increased automation opportunities. But you can’t simply shoehorn industrial sensors into these applications, noted Brian Cox, product manager, MTS Sensors. “It’s not that industrial sensors are inferior, they simply offer different functions than off-highway needs. Fine resolution, for example, is unnecessary. We stripped down our sensors to the base level and built them back up with respect to the requirements of the off-highway marketplace.” 

The needed features include non-contact operation, absolute measurement, repeatability, reliability and durability. A couple of these features are crucial. Repeatability serves several purposes. “What is important in off-highway,” said Cox, “is that the equipment can return to a specific location quickly.” For example, when digging a trench, the operator must position the digging tool where it left off. Operators can do this, but it is much easier on them, and faster, if the equipment can find its last position automatically. Also, enabling equipment to handle this task takes stress off of operators and reduces job fatigue. 

“Taking out the complexity of sensors used in this market reduces cost and size,” noted Cox. “It allows us to package sensors into the smaller environment of the electro-hydraulic cylinder.” The mobile sensors are designed to be fully embedded into welded cylinders. Access is generally not an issue in these applications. 

Each off-highway application is different and requires sensors with specific features.  

It is crucial to understand the application. Steering, positioning, and location through GPS tracking are just some of the applications off-highway sensors suit. 

MTS Sensors
www.mtssensors.com