Why a cheap sensor will cost you more in the long run Everyone loves a bargain, but don't confuse a bargain with cheap, especially when looking at sensors. Today's blog, clarifies why it pays to spend a little more. It's a common cost-saving exercise that everyone does in their daily lives we choose the cheaper option and hope that it's as well made as the more expensive version and will last just as long, or taste just as good. We tell ourselves that we're only paying for fancier packaging, a brand name or a gimmick and that the product inside the fancy box is exactly the same as the cheaper one next to it. On purchasing the product, we feel smug, like we've seen through the marketing facade and picked the better option, but eventually buyer's remorse strikes when those shoes fall apart, the food tastes bland or the battery life lasts half the time we would expect. At this point we have to face up to the fact that quality is worth paying for. While the cheaper option saves you money at the point of purchase, having to replace the item because it's not fit for purpose means yet another trip to the shop, another financial outlay and more time without the item in question.This thought process is seen all too often in sensor choice when a customer has done half their homework about what type of sensor they need, but not considered the long term impact of buying the very cheapest one that fits the criteria instead of the more expensive, but longer lasting one. Very often a contact reliant sensor type is chosen for the lower price without a full understanding of the expected lifespan of these sensors when compared to a contactless solution. Replacement of worn out sensors costs more money in parts, and the downtime experienced while waiting for the replacement to arrive ends up costing money as well. Of course, you could keep a stock of the cheap sensors on site for quick replacement when they wear out, but if there is the money to buy lots of cheap sensors surely that capital would be better spent on a more appropriate sensor to start with?In some manufacturing processes the sensor feedback is responsible for quality and specification control, providing control over the shape or size of the item being made. As a sensor degrades slowly it affects the quality of the item that is manufactured, something that is not always picked up immediately. Shipping out poor quality items can seriously damage the reputation of a business and lead to cancellation of orders and long term agreements, and if the poor-quality items are noticed and replaced before they leave the factory, there is the added cost of re-producing the items to fulfil an order. Increased wastage and putting time towards making a second batch of the item in question also costs money through reduced productivity.It is a wise move to invest more time into the research and decision making process before making a choice, rather than invest badly in cheap sensor technology that will cost a lot more in the long run. Non-contact sensor technology is a great place to start looking, as already the lack of contact and subsequent associated degradation rules out these issues with cheaper sensors. Positek employ non-contact technology in all our sensors, from linear ones that can replace resistive potentiometers to rotary and tilt sensors that outperform their rivals in lifespan, maintenance requirements and accuracy.Furthermore, this contactless technology is ideal for environments where vibrations and other environmental factors negatively affect the accuracy of contact reliant sensors, including underwater, in humid factories and in heavy industrial manufacturing. We have a sensor for almost everything, and while they may cost you more initially than some others on the market, the improved performance means no nasty surprises further down the line. Article published on: 28/03/2017 Article last updated on: 28/03/2017