Support for European student group space rocket mission.

Elara Aerospace, an academically led initiative founded at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), is being supported by Thomson, with precision linear motion technology for its liquid-fuelled Methalox rocket. The Elara team is seeking to become the first student group worldwide to develop a liquid-propelled rocket capable of exceeding 100 kilometers in altitude while being fully reusable and have space for up to 100 kg of scientific experiments. As part of a joint partnership with its Regal Rexnord sister brands Boston Gear and Kollmorgen, Thomson is providing key actuation components that will support active engine positioning and critical flight control functions.

28kN Methalox Engine

The system will use two Thomson PC Series precision linear actuators integrated with Kollmorgen AKM13D servo motors and dual-axis drive systems, along with Boston Gear Micron NemaTRUE™ planetary gearheads. Together, the components form a coordinated motion solution tailored to the application’s performance requirements.

In the Elara rocket, the actuators will support engine gimbaling, enabling controlled movement within a narrow ±5 degree operating range. The PC Series actuators were selected for their compact design, ball screw-based construction and ability to deliver accurate, repeatable motion in space-constrained applications.

“Rocket control applications leave very little room for uncertainty. Every commanded movement must be predictable, measurable and easy to verify,” said Anders Karlsson, Business Development Manager for Regal Rexnord’s Linear Motion Division. “For us, the value of this partnership is not only in supplying components but in helping Elara build confidence in the actuation approach before the system moves into flight use. Working closely with the team helped us ensure the motion package fits cleanly within the overall engine control architecture.”

The actuators were supplied as individual components, giving the Elara Aerospace team flexibility in system design and testing. The motion system is currently being validated on development platforms for use in the rocket’s engine control system.

“For an academically led team working on active engine control, it was important for us to use components that were not only technically capable but also practical to work with,” said Tom Luca Reinhardt, Founder and CEO of Elara Aerospace. “Thomson’s guidance gave us a clear path for the thrust vector control design without adding unnecessary complexity.”

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@Thomson_Ind @RegalRexnord @Elara_Aerospace #Aerospace #PAuto 

Direct drive linear motors.

Performance, versatility and simplicity for machine builders in Europe, North America and Asia.

An addition to its Kollmorgen's IC Ironcore DDL motor family has been announced. This expands beyond 230 VAC products with a new capability to support 400/480 VAC-powered applications. The new direct drive linear motor delivers a continuous force range up to 8,211 N and peak force up to 13,448 N. When powered at higher bus voltages, the motor is inherently capable of delivering its rated force at higher speeds, making it ideal for applications like machine tools, semiconductor manufacturing, battery production and industrial automation that require rapid and precise movement of heavy loads.

“We’re proud to greatly expand the size range, power range and versatility of our direct drive linear motor portfolio with the addition of the high-voltage IC Ironcore DDL,” says Chris Cooper, senior director of product management. “This latest Kollmorgen product enables machine builders to achieve an entirely new level of linear motion performance that differentiates their designs in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.”

Simpler, lighter, more compact machinery.
In environments with a 400 or 480 VAC bus voltage, the IC Ironcore DDL may eliminate the need for a transformer that would otherwise be required to run a motor with a lower voltage rating. In addition, a motor that runs at a higher voltage can perform a given amount of work at a lower amperage level. This lower current draw in a higher-voltage environment may allow for the use of a smaller drive amplifier and a lighter cable set.

With smaller drives, lighter cables and no transformers, machine builders may be able to use a smaller control cabinet with lower cooling requirements. In addition, the IC Ironcore DDL motor also offers a water-cooling option that increases continuous force output by up to 40–60%, potentially allowing specification of a smaller-size motor. All of these advantages support a lighter, more compact, and sustainable machine design that’s simpler and more affordable to build and delivers greater value to both OEMs and their customers.

Enabling versatile solutions for customers worldwide.
Another key benefit of the IC Ironcore DDL motor is that it enables OEMs to serve global markets without significantly redesigning their machines for each region. The 230/400/480 VAC bus voltage rating meets the needs of most customers across North America, Europe and Asia. The motor is UL and CE Certified — plus RoHS and REACH Compliant — simplifying the approval process for selling machines in each target market worldwide.

The IC Ironcore DDL motor joins Kollmorgen’s complete lineup of direct drive linear motors including the ICD Ironcore Low Profile DDL and the IL Ironless DDL. When paired with AKD® or AKD2G servo drives, these motors offer ultimate precision, smoothness and reliability for demanding applications. AKD2G dual-axis servo drives can even synchronize two motors — for example in an x/y table application — while saving even more space in the control cabinet.

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@AboutKollmorgen @mepaxIntPR #PAuto

Acquisition adds harsh duty position sensing and switching technologies.

Variohm Holdings Ltd has acquired the USA based precision switching and linear position sensor producer CPI™ (Control Products, Inc.).

Graham Pattison, Variohm Holdings’ managing director, welcomed the CPI acquisition and the substantial opportunity it delivers for the Variohm Group’s manufacturing capability and potential sales growth. “This latest acquisition perfectly complements our vision and demonstrates discoverIE’s continued investment in The Variohm Group. By realising this increased synergy between our now eight members, we can deliver an increasingly more compelling offer to our valued customers”.

CPI’s specialist range of standard and ATEX/IECEX/SIL2 rated draw-wire position sensors and its waterproof switch and thermal switching technologies perfectly suit harsh duty application areas where the ISO9001 registered manufacturer has over seventy years’ experience in demanding control tasks in aerospace, construction, off-highway, agriculture, mining, subsea, oil & gas, and many other challenging fields. CPI develops, designs, and manufactures its comprehensive product range from its purpose-built facility in East Hanover, New Jersey and has the bold company strapline “Is your equipment tough enough for our sensors”.

This extensive range of linear position sensors was first developed over 15 years ago to meet the challenging demands for large hydraulic cylinders and accumulators used in the harsh environments faced by the construction equipment and materials handling industries. Rather than rod style in-cylinder position sensors which were prone to repeated failure, CPI took the basic principles of draw wire sensors in a patented configuration that replaced fragile potentiometers and encoders with either LVDT or a short rod magnetostrictive transducers as the core sensing technology. This long-life and non-contacting design offers numerous advantages including significant improvements in protection for heavy shock and vibration conditions and reliable operation in extreme temperature ranges from -40 to over 120 ⁰C. They can be located in-cylinder or externally mounted and find applications in many demanding positioning tasks beyond hydraulics. With absolute positioning and no need for homing on power-up, standard signal conditioning outputs include CAN Bus, analogue, and digital in single channel or redundant configurations. Models are available with full ATEX, IECEX and SIL2 approvals. CPI sensors are the only linear position sensors suitable for telescoping hydraulic cylinders up to 15 metres.

The Group

As Variohm Holdings continues to expand, this latest acquisition brings the Variohm Group to eight engineering companies and a total staff of more than 400 specialising in sensors, switches, motion control and systems – each with a high degree of autonomy but with complete access to the Group’s shared expertise and resources. 

CPI joins the German/Hungarian manufacturer Limitor GmbH (temperature control components),
USA based Phoenix-America – (magnetic encoder and magnetic sensors),
and British based companies Variohm EuroSensor (sensor and transducer supplier and manufacturer),
Herga Technology (switching and sensing solutions),
Ixthus Instrumentation (specialist measurement systems),
Heason Technology (motion control components and custom engineered systems), and
Positek Limited (specialised linear and rotary inductive displacement sensor technologies).

Their thermal switches are used for demanding military and commercial temperature control applications and are available in three primary electromechanical design categories: snap disk, bimetal, and rod and tube. Each type offers a differing sensitivity and temperature profile that suit a very wide range of harsh environment applications. The snap disk ‘Snapstats’ range uses a bimetallic snap disc that provides shock and vibration immunity and a broad temperature differential over an operating temperature range from around -18 to 148 ⁰C. Available configurations include surface mount with or without probe, thread mount, clamp mount, hermetically sealed, and dual setpoint. The bimetal ‘Plugstat’ series are slow-make and -break devices which provide tight tolerance temperature sensing over a small range with a working range from approx. -18C to 345 ⁰C. They are applied extensively in aircraft ECS, plastic extruders, wind turbines, and various military vehicle systems. The rod and tube design suits set-point temperature ranges from around -18C to 955 ⁰C and are well proven in harsh environment applications such as aircraft engine overtemperature, refinery process control, and engine exhaust monitoring.

CPI manufactures an extensive range of waterproof switch products that as a minimum meet IP68 protection levels and for some tasks are completely long-term submersible. Characterised by the same high levels of durability and ruggedness of other CPI products, switch configurations include normally open, normally closed and SPDT with neoprene covers to MS39058 for military applications and Santoprene™ covers for industrial switching. Electromechanical design includes momentary, maintained contact, limit. ball types, plungers, rockers and more. Available as single components or combined in switch panels they offer long life endurance ratings as high as 5 million cycles and temperature ratings from -55 to 205 ⁰C.

“discoverIE and The Variohm Group is a really perfect fit for us,” notes Mac Stuhler, General Manager of CPI. “With their long and successful history of managing companies that produce the same kind of highly differentiated components that we manufacture, we are really looking forward to working within the Group and the new market opportunities offered”.

All the CPI products can be adapted as custom designed specials for applications outside standard product offerings, and UL approvals are widely available.

@Variohm @mepaxIntPR #CPI-NJ #PAuto 

Expanded linear position sensors.

Ixthus Instrumentation has expanded its range of linear position sensors with the new heavy-duty, inductive technology equipped ILT series for measurement stroke length from 25 mm to 600 mm. An exceptionally durable and compact 35 mm diameter anodised aluminium casing offers IP67 / IP69K environment rating whilst integrated sensor electronics allows a wide choice of industry standard voltage and current outputs without the need for signal conditioning. 

These non-contacting and therefore long-life sensors feature absolute position output on power-up for calibration-free measurement with an effectively infinite resolution and linearity error of +/- 0.25%. The ILT series is particularly suitable for harsh environments in industrial and agricultural machinery or for special vehicle construction.

The technology offers many advantages other non-contact sensors including superior accuracy, robustness and a generally more compact stroke to overall length. Furthermore, the interfacing electronics offers high EMC protection and adaptability for a wide range of electrical I/O options to flexibly suit customer requirements.

The sensor boasts impressive environmental specifications. The operating temperature range is specified up to -40° C to +125° C. Full specifications are available in an Ixthus datasheet – available on request or download here, and full technical and application support is of course available from Ixthus.

The ILT series is offered in measurement stroke lengths of 25 mm and 50 mm, then 50 mm stroke increments up to 300 mm with 100 mm increments to 600 mm. The sensor is available with steel or plastic 8 mm diameter rod ends or M8 female threads at both ends. The minimum distance between rod ends for the longest (600 mm) stroke option is 810 mm whilst the 25 mm stroke version has a 185 mm dimension. The standard electrical interfacing option is 2 m screened cable. OEM customers can specify custom stroke length, and alternative mountings or electrical interfacing on application to Ixthus.

@IxthusInst @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Agriculture

Resolving electric versus pneumatic dilemma in linear motion tasks.

Machine builders can resolve the age-old dilemma of whether to deploy electric or pneumatic technology for linear motion tasks by adopting a more application-led approach and deploying hybrid solutions claims Warren Harvard of Festo.

Warren Harvard

He explains: “Many machine builders think they need to make a decision between electric automation and pneumatic drives. Some claim that electric actuation is cheaper, more energy efficient and easier to work with. Others feel pneumatic technology is far more rugged, simpler and has a higher power density. But this ‘one or the other’ approach isn’t always helpful in meeting the needs of the application. It’s clearly better to have an efficient overall system rather than to focus on the efficiency of individual components.”

This principle is driving new advances in linear motion, with product manufacturers seeking to combine the advantages of both pneumatic and electric drives in a single solution. For example, the Simplified Motion Series (SMS) from Festo offers an affordable option that is easy to install and operate. There is no need for external servo drives installed in control cabinets because the whole device is mounted directly on the machine.

Their simplified set-up and operation makes SMS electric drives perfect for simple motions between two mechanical end positions, without having to sacrifice electric drive motion characteristics such as pre-defined speed, gently cushioned movement into end positions and selectable force for pressing or clamping functions. They can be simply and securely combined mechanically with other SMS actuators using more advanced electric axes from Festo, or the vast range of pneumatically-driven guided actuators using standardised interfaces and centring rings for accurate positioning and load transfer.

Festo’s free online sizing tool gives added assurance, not only enabling users to select and size their linear motion solutions quickly and accurately, but also to generate the required documentation and drawings for incorporation in their overall machine design.

Furthermore, these drives are equipped with IO-Link® as standard so they can be integrated seamlessly into fully digitalised environments: supporting predictive maintenance regimes and smart air consumption to make a full contribution to optimising production and energy efficiency. 

In conclusion Warren Harvard says, “Each industrial application has its specific requirements with regards to technical criteria: such as speed, acceleration, load capacity and force required, cycle time, holding duration, power to weight ratio, accuracy, control behaviour, torsional rigidity, efficiency or robustness. Pneumatic and electric drive solutions have traditionally offered specific advantages and disadvantages, but the advent of improved solutions such as the SMS Series mean that machine builders can opt for an alternative, more application-led, approach to finding a solution.”

@festo_global @Publitek #PAuto

In-cylinder position sensor.

Novotechnik’s TM1 series linear position sensors are specifically designed for straightforward and direct integration within hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder pressure chambers. This recently announced sensor is available with full support from Variohm EuroSensor, this exceptionally durable sensor series is offered with CANopen or CAN SAE J1939 interfaces. 

With a wide choice of existing analogue current and voltage signal outputs, the TM1’s 2 metre working range and absolute positioning resolution of 0.1 mm combines with its excellent EMC and industry standards conformance to suit even more position and speed sensing control tasks in mobile construction and agricultural machinery, commercial vehicles and many other heavy engineering actuator applications.

The compactly designed TM1 offers installation flexibility for fast and straightforward integration in single- or double-acting cylinders. With a working range from 50 up to 2000 mm in 25 mm-steps, a choice of plug-in or screw flange mounting is available with an innovative connector system for closed or open bore cylinders featuring M12 connectors and various length cables - without the need for additional wiring. For in-cylinder applications, a protection rating of up to IP67 is offered with high-pressure resistance up to 350 bar nominal and up 450 bar for pressure peaks. A working temperature rating from -40 °C to +105 °C ensures widespread use in the harshest environments whilst the non-contacting operation of the magnetostrictive position measurement technology guarantees long and trouble-free working life.

The CAN interface options join a comprehensive list of impressive specifications for the TM1 series which also includes conformity to EN 13309 for construction machinery and to ISO 14982 for agricultural machinery. Engineered for use in applications with the highest EMC requirements, RF protection is up to 200V/m - meeting ISO 11452-2 and exceeding the E1 requirements of the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA). Various mechanically decoupled, passive ring-shaped or U-shaped position markers allow flexibility for cylinder integration whilst a floating position marker suits level measurement tasks.

 @Variohm @NovotechnikUS #PAuto

Linear guide selection tool.

An online tool has been launched by Thomson Industries that simplifies the selection and purchase of their wide range of profile rail linear guide components. Using the tool’s intuitive interface, design and system engineers can reach their optimal profile rail solution in a matter of minutes, eliminating potentially hours of research and analysis.

Thomson on-line tool

“Thomson offers the broadest line of profile rail linear guides in the motion control industry, and we now make it super easy for designers to quickly view their options and match a solution to their applications,” said Markus Brändle, Product Line Specialist – Linear Bearings and Guides at Thomson. “The new selector tool is part of our commitment to bringing online industrial buyers the same levels of convenience and decision support they get when working closely with Thomson application engineers.” 

The Thomson profile rail offering includes the next generation 500 Series ball and roller linear guides, 400 Series, AccuMini, compact MicroGuide®, and lightweightT-Series. It is a complete family of rails and carriages in a broad range of styles, sizes and unique features produced to industry standard dimensions for easy retrofitting into existing applications or designing into new ones.                   

From an intuitive menu displaying the main types of profile rail linear guides, users reach a list of recommended solutions for their application in only a few clicks. They can then filter on parameters such as load, length, carriage style, accuracy and required corrosion resistance. Up-front pricing and lead times, and user-prompted live assistance are also accessible – all without leaving the original page.

The whole selection process typically takes less than five minutes to get the user to the optimised profile rail that meets their requirements. Once the configuration is complete, they can either add it to a shopping cart for immediate purchase, download a 3D model into their CAD program or access a PDF containing product features, benefits and technical specifications. 

@Thomson_Ind @bcm_pr #PAuto

Linear & rotary sensors.

Positek Limited has recently been acquired by The Variohm Group. The world-wide supplier of linear, rotary, tilt and intrinsically safe position sensors becomes the fifth member of the expanding Variohm Group; joining Variohm EuroSensor, Herga Technology, Ixthus Instrumentation for and Heason Technology.

Positek Limited brings its highly specialised linear and rotary voltage displacement sensor technologies (LVDT/RVDT) and customised design expertise to the Variohm Group as well as expand the overall production and customer support capability; taking the Group head count over 190, including 20 engineering staff operating across Europe and with world-wide distribution in major industrial markets. Furthermore, Positek is to benefit from a much broader sales and technical capability through the shared customer base and extensive synergy that is encouraged and prevails throughout the Variohm Group - headed by managing director, Graham Pattison.

Further expanding Positek’s potential for extensive growth and success through the acquisition, the Variohm Group is a member of the LSE-listed discoverIE Group plc (LSE: DSCV) - an international group of businesses that designs, manufactures and supplies innovative components for electronic applications.

Positek Limited was established over 25 years ago and today operates as an ISO9001:2015 certified designer and manufacturer of linear, rotary and tilt sensors with several specialist quality standard certifications including ATEX, IECEx, and CSA for both sensors and galvanic isolation measurement amplifiers. The Company has developed its own patented non-contact inductive position sensor technology and enjoys a high reputation for its fast-turnaround standard range as well as customised sensors and transducers that are extensively used in intrinsically safe, hazardous, automotive, submersible and other challenging environment measurement tasks. The extremely robust and highly accurate technology allows linear position measurement up to 1500 mm or more with angular position measurement capabilities from between 5° and 160° - notably in very compact form-factors. Application areas include, but are not restricted to, oil & gas, mining, medical, marine, hydraulic & pneumatic cylinder position feedback, tilt sensing on construction and heavy machinery, and more.

Commercial director Mark Spreadbury and production director Robert Munn will continue to manage the team at Positek, reporting to Graham Pattison who is delighted with the expansion of the Variohm Group: “The acquisition substantially boosts our design and manufacturing capability, and brings exciting new products and sales channels for both Positek and the existing Group members. We very much look forward to developing and enhancing our application-solving competencies by promoting the Group’s products through Positek and vice versa.”

@Variohm #PAuto @positekltd

Safe fun at the fair! !

Force Engineering, based near Loughborough (GB), develops and manufactures customised Linear Induction Motor (LIM) based motion systems, serving a wide base of industries with applications as diverse as medical scanning equipment and baggage handling conveyors.

As a world leading expert and innovator in the field of LIM technology, a large part of Force Engineering’s activities centres on the amusement ride industry - adding heightened levels for thrill-seekers through ride launch and in-ride acceleration to 1.2 g, and equally rapid braking performance along roller coaster tracks. To help ensure the extreme levels of electrical safety and performance required for these high power systems which typical run from very high current three-phase supplies, Force Engineering embed temperature controls in its LIM winding assemblies and has chosen Variohm EuroSensor as its main supplier of customised wiring harnesses that include glass encapsulated NTC thermistors configured as temperature probe assemblies.

Fully sealed in copper tube housings

The special temperature probes are similar to standard components available as stock items from Variohm EuroSensor, however with 10K3976 series thermistors which offer a higher temperature range and stability specification than the standard probe. With the NTC chip encapsulated in hermetically sealed glass packages, these thermistors - which are supplied to Variohm from TE Connectivity, the global sensor and measurement systems company - are in turn encapsulated and fully sealed in copper tube housings by Variohm EuroSensor.

Stainless steel housing 

The 10K3976 glass thermistor has a temperature range of -40 to +250 ⁰C and is specified in applications where a fast time response is required at high levels of thermal shock. Three special probes are each wired with different length leadwires and coloured insulated, all finished with rubber shrink-sleeving. Additional cabling, without thermistors, is also included in the harness to facilitate straightforward assembly into the LIM’s manufactured by Force Engineering.

Whilst Variohm stocks and supplies a comprehensive range of glass or epoxy coated thermistors with NTC and PT sensors as components, the specialist sensor manufacturer has developed many standard products like the probes for Force Engineering as convenient assemblies that may be integrated directly into the customer’s application.

Variohm’s ETP series temperature probes

These assemblies take the form of electrical ring terminals, hexagonal bolts and pipe clamps as well as cylindrical probes finished in PTFE, stainless steel, brass and other materials. These assemblies for instance help power amplifier manufacturers directly sense chassis or heatsink temperature through ring terminal probes. In this way the customer can overcome the potential problems of handling and installing tiny NTC or PT type temperature sensor, reduces components and suppliers from more streamlined production and reduces maintenance.

In addition to specialist temperature probe assemblies, Variohm also includes customised production by transforming other components from its wide range of sensors for linear and rotary position, pressure, load/force, and vibration etc. Modifications can range from alternative electrical connection or a modified mounting arrangement to integrating sensors with significant redesigns or combining multiple sensor technologies and other electromechanical components as fully tested sub-assemblies.

@Variohm  #PAuto 

High speed laser scanners for precision linear measurement.

With eight measurement ranges from 10 to 250 mm, a choice of red, blue or IR source versions and linearity to better than 0.05% FS, Riftek’s new 2D laser scanner combines with a comprehensive software development kit and service protocol to facilitate integration into high precision linear measurement tasks that include surface profile, displacement, dimensions, object recognition, flatness, volume, 3D model construction and more.

This is available with full support from  Ixthus Instrumentation, the smart RF627 series ARM-based laser scanner offers selectable sampling rates up to 6800 profiles/sec with fast inputs and outputs for event and multiple scanner synchronisation.

The RF627 series employs the optical triangulation principle to provide a base distance and a generous measurement range with a wide field of view. The new design has allowed a marked increase of twice the accuracy and four times the speed over previous Riftek 2D scanners for improved measurement precision and throughput. Optional red, blue and IR laser sources allow measurement on reflective materials, high temperature objects, organic materials and more. Multiple scanners with different wavelengths can also be supplied, offering the possibility to combine various materials in one measurement system.

The new laser scanner is designed for use in harsh environments. A durable aluminium housing and a novel high resolution glass lens system offers IP67 protection with shock and vibration resistance suitable for the most demanding tasks. Two compact housing styles cover the scanner geometry requirements for the smaller and the other measurement range models. Volume dimensions for the 250 mm maximum measurement range housing is 44 x 63 x 93 mm (w x d x h). Both have separate power/signal and Ethernet circular connectors rated for IP67. Working temperature is 0 to +40 °С as standard whilst an integrated heater option is available for -20 to +40 °С. A built-in heater and water/air cooled housing option offers a -30 to +120 °С ambient range. Supply voltage is 9 to 30 VDC

Ethernet connection and a web-browser interface facilitates set-up and programming whilst an integral reset button and LED status on the housing makes installation and troubleshooting straightforward. Synchronisation over RS422 covers three inputs and one output with a single hardware input for laser on/off. The laser scanner is supported with a comprehensive user manual and along with the free-of-charge software development kit, including examples for Windows, Linux, .NET, MatLab, and LabView®, is available from Ixthus Instrumentation.

The RF627 series has been designed as a new modular platform for rapid application development and updating of 2D scanners and 3D snapshot scanners. Over the coming months variants will be offered with longer working ranges, higher scan rates and video camera/encoder integration. Furthermore, customised models for weld seam inspection, 3D model measurement, tunnel scanning and more will be offered with compatible ready-to-run software for fast integration in the customer’s application.

Compact alternative for linear measurement.

Novotechnik’s TFD-4000 series short-stroke linear transducers, from Variohm, are an ideal and economic solution where minimal size, high environmental protection, extremely long life and high reliability are key factors for medium to high-volume OEM position control applications. Available from Variohm EuroSensor, they feature single or optionally redundant ratiometric output; a typical repeatability of +/- 0.1 % FS; a measurement range of 5 to 50 mm; and 12-bit resolution.

Based on Novotechnik’s well proven RFD-4000 rotary sensor, the two-part non-contacting assembly comprises Hall sensor electronics - encapsulated and fully potted in a compact housing - and a separate magnet. The housing protection class options are IP67, IP68 or IP69K. With nominal dimensions of only 40 mm x 27 mm and a flat profile of just 7 mm, the sensor can be discretely assembled on the moving or stationary side of the measurement platform and the tiny magnet easily embedded within the opposite platform for a very low-profile measurement solution. Two standard magnets options are available to provide 14 mm or 24 mm stroke lengths.

The encapsulated design and touchless Hall Effect technology used on the TFD-4000 offers extreme durability with exceptionally high shock and vibration ratings, as well as a mechanically unlimited life. A temperature rating of -40 ... +125 ⁰C and full EMC compatibility will satisfy a wide range of applications from industrial controls to mobile machinery where short-stroke position measurement or where linear movement verification is required. The sensor is available with a choice of single, partly- and fully-redundant (c/w rising) ratiometric output from a 0…5 V DC supply. The update rate is 2.5 kHz and the standard model is supplied with 0.5 m long leadwires.

Customisation options for volume applications include special output characteristics such as trapeze or parabolic profiles and a wide choice of connector options.

@Variohm  #PAuto @NovotechnikUS

Utra-compact high specification laser sensor.

A new matchbox-sized 2D laser triangulation sensor from RIFTEK, represented in Britain by Ixthus Instrumentation Ltd, combines a choice of red or blue laser sources with a power output of 0.95 mW for measurement ranges up to 500 mm and linearity to 0.05% of range. Easily adapted for measurement of thickness, dimension/displacement, form and profile as well as object sorting etc., the new RF602 series laser triangulation sensors are particularly aimed at applications where restricted space or minimal weight are important machine design requirements.

The new series includes six sensor models with measurement ranges from 10 to 500 mm and base distances from 20 to 105 mm. Full range resolution is 0.01% (0.02% for 105/500 version) and temperature drift is 0.02% of the range per °С. These laser safety class 2 sensors have a maximum sampling rate of 9.4 kHz that suits high speed/high throughput measurement. A red laser source is available for general use or an optional blue UV wavelength version is offered for applications where high temperature objects or organic materials are measured.

It joins a family of laser sensors from Ixthus that share a common PC-based service software platform. A wide range of configuration parameters allow flexible parameter set-up and digital measurement reading via RS232 for single sensors or RS485 for multiple sensors. Measured data output may also be can also be read through 4…20 mA and 0…10 VDC outputs.

The sensor is housed in a robust IP67 rated anodised aluminium housing with a high strength glass window for maximum durability. With a -10 to +60 ⁰C operational temperature range and vibration and shock ratings that will suit moving machinery applications, the RF602 is well suited to heavy industrial use but can be equally practical for less severe environmental conditions. Cable connection with flying leads is standard and the diminutive 30.5 x 45 x 17 mm (w x h x d) housing includes front fixing holes for straightforward mounting.

Ixthus provides a complete sales and technical support service for RIFTEK’s comprehensive range of optoelectronic 2D and 3D measurement devices and systems. The Towcester based sensors and transducer manufacturer works closely with other select distribution partners to offer high precision inspection and test systems solutions for its customers across industry and research.

@IxthusInst #Pauto

Eddy current sensor.

Kaman has announced a cost-optimised PCB version of its popular and well proven KD-2306 series eddy current linear displacement instrument for integration into volume OEM applications requiring precise linear measurement.

This instrument, available with full support from Ixthus Instrumentation Ltd, is factory configured and calibrated to specific customer requirements and paired for use with any of the comprehensive range of Kaman Eddy Current sensor models. Designed for straightforward installation and easy integration into the customer’s machine, the compact board includes connectors for single- or dual-coil sensors and front accessible course and fine calibration controls plus screw terminal I/O connections. Options include non-standard range/target material, temperature compensation, hermetically sealed cable connection and more.

Kaman’s eddy current sensor range includes over 30 dual and single coil models in shielded or unshielded designs for precision measurement from 0.5 mm to 60 mm and with typical resolution to 0.01% FS and linearity to 1% FS. These nanometre resolution displacement sensors can be selected for operation in air or through various non-metallic materials and to suit temperatures ranging from cryogenic to +200 ºC. A wide choice of cabling and connection options are available with further customisation available for volume applications.

Minimum specifications for the OEM-2306 will include a resolution of 0.01 %FS and linearity to less than 1 %FS. A 50 kHz frequency response ensures fast data measurement and output options of 0-10 VDC and 0-5 VDC ensure flexibility in use.

Kaman’s eddy current sensors and compatible signal conditioning electronics are a compelling and cost effective alternative to LVDTs, air gauges, dial indicators and micrometer measuring systems. With the ability to withstand the harshest of environments, the robust and durable sensors feature an inherently long life and require extremely low maintenance. Applications span research and industry from engine dynamics to machine tools and from semiconductor manufacture to packaging machines.

@IxthusInst  #PAuto @KamanSensors

Robust, non-contact distance measurement!

A new bearingless encoder for linear distance measurement has been introduced by Baumer. The MIL10 comprises a sensing head and an adhesive magnetic tape.The non-contact magnetic sensing method is wearfree and hence provides virtually unlimited service life.

Robust and wearfree: 

MIL10 for linear 

distance measurement

Magnetic tape encoding is by poles of 2mm width. Signal processing integrated in the sensing head allows for resolutions up to 5 µm. The fully encapsulated magnetic sensor provides IP 66 and IP 67 as standard protection. Used in conjunction with a masking tape of stainless steel, the system is even up to demanding environments with a high degree of soiling by dust, chippings, splints or oil. Operating temperature may range from -40°C to +85°C.

Sized 10 x 15 x 45,5 mm, the sensor is extremely compact. It withstands shocks and vibrations up to 500 respectively 30 g. The Polyurethan cable capable of flexible carriers and frequently changing bending radii is shielded and twisted in pairs - and in conjunction with the sensor’s robust metal housing the ultimate protection against electromagnetic interference.

The output frequency of max. 350 kHz allows for travel speed up to 25 m/s. MIL 10 is available with 5 VDC supply and TTL / RS422 compliant line drivers and as a 10…30 VDC variant with push-pull. Both output two inverted channels with 90° shift and generate an additional pole-periodic inverted index pulse.