Displacement Sensor Types

Displacement sensors are used to measure movement and position. Displacement is the movement of an object from one place to another whether this is in any direction and for any distance.

Displacement sensors are used to measure movement and position. Displacement is the movement of an object from one place to another whether this is in any direction and for any distance.

Displacement sensors are often used for shifts in position, measuring gaps or changes in gaps, monitoring and measuring expansions and contractions of objects, measuring inclines etc. They measure displacement by converting movement into electromagnetic, electrostatic or magneto electric signals which can be converted into a readable format for the user.

Our displacement sensors are used to measure either linear or rotary displacement.

Displacement Sensor Types

There are various types of displacement sensors; the two main types are rotary and linear. Within these types, there are many variations and types.

Rotary Displacement Sensors

Rotary Displacement Sensors are used to determine the position of objects in a rotary fashion; they are used to measure degrees of rotation in either clockwise or anti-clockwise directions.

Rotary displacement sensors are available in various technologies, these can be either contacting or non-contacting. Non contacting rotary displacement sensors contain no touching parts within the technology making them wear-free and giving them long life; this is the type of technology within our sensors.

Our rotary displacement sensors use our own PIPs technology; they can measure any rotary displacement up to a maximum of 160°, they offer high accuracy and long life. We also specialise in extreme environments; we have a range of rotary displacement sensors suitable for intrinsically safe environments with ATEX certifications. Another extreme environment we cater for is underwater, we have a range of rotary displacement sensors for this environment.

Linear Displacement Sensors

Linear displacement sensors are used to measure displacement along a single axis, in a straight line in any direction.

Linear displacement sensors, like rotary displacement sensors, can also be contacting or non-contacting and can use many different technologies.

Our linear displacement sensors use our own PIPs technology; they can measure linear displacement to 800mm, they are highly reliable and robust. Like our rotary displacement sensors, we have ranges of our linear displacement sensors which are suitable for intrinsically safe environments and underwater applications.

Displacement Sensor Applications

Displacement is something which is required for many applications in everyday life as well as in various industries. You may not realise that displacement sensors are all around us and you may come into contact with them every day.

Some applications which you may have come into contact with are;

• Ticket barriers
• Segway's
• Elevators
• Ramp and bridge positioning

Other applications include

• Special effect departments on film sets
• Wing positioning on aeroplanes
• Power turbines
• Machine automation
• Motorsport applications
• Manufacturing machinery

Displacement Sensors from Positek

We have a wide range of displacement sensors, both linear and rotary, all of which are non-contacting.

We have over 25 years' experience in working with position sensors for a wide range of applications. Our displacement sensors are designed and manufactured at our facility making them fully customisable to your application requirements and you can have them delivered within 1-2 working days.

For more information on displacement sensors or to discuss your application please contact us.