Advantages of Non-Contact Linear Sensors

Linear sensors or transducers are a common measuring instrument in many industries for a wide range of applications.

Selecting a linear sensor for the application in hand is an important process; one of the types of linear sensors is non-contacting linear sensors.

In many cases, a contacting or non-contacting linear sensor can be used for the same application to take the same measurements, however, non-contacting linear sensors have some advantages over standard linear sensors.

Advantages of Non-Contacting Linear Sensors

Most of the time a non-contacting linear sensor is selected for the following advantages;

• Long life - as they are non-contacting they are wear-free and therefore offer a longer life span.
• Fast response - giving faster readings than contacting linear sensors.
• They offer consistent excellent performance.
• Resistant to environmental elements - non-contacting linear sensors tend to be able to withstand harsher conditions than contacting sensors. They are more resistant to dust and dirt.
• They offer dependable accuracy and reliability.
• They are well suited to a range of environments.

Applications of Non-Contacting Linear Sensors

Non-contacting linear sensors are a popular choice for many applications because of the advantages they offer. Some areas where they are often used include;

• Factory automation
• Process and control
• Pressure chambers
• Manufacturing processes
• Engineering
• Factory automation
• Materials testing
• Injection moulding machines
• Automation applications
• Applications in intrinsically safe environments
• Satellites
• Nuclear reactors

Some more specific applications which Positek sensors have solved include;

• Measuring paper thickness.
• Measuring the thickness of biscuit dough in commercial bakers.
• For use in forestry logging machines.

Read more about these applications here.

Different Types of Non-Contacting Linear Sensors

There are different types of technology used within non-contacting linear sensors. Some of these technologies are;

Positek PIPS - our own technology (Positek inductive Position Sensor) is similar to the technology used within an LVDT. It uses a high-frequency coil but with fewer turns than that of an LVDT. PIPS also offers better stroke to length ratio than LVDTs. Measurements are highly accurate and reliable. Our sensors are suitable for a range of environments; we have an intrinsically safe range and a fully submersible range. Contact us to discuss your application.

LVDT - (Linear Variable Differential Transformer) use metal coils and core to take high accuracy measurements.

Eddy Current - this type of technology is an inductive measurement method using oscillating circuits and alternating magnetic currents to determine position. These sensors are small in size and so well suited to applications with space restrictions.

Non-contacting Linear Sensors from Positek

All of our own linear sensors are non-contacting. See our full range here.

For more information on our products or to discuss your application please contact us.