Unique switch technology adds to group expertese.

The Variohm Group is continuing its strategic product range expansion, manufacturing capacity and application solving capability through the recent acquisition of the high-performance magnetic switch and sensor manufacturer, Magnasphere Corporation.^*

Magnasphere was founded over twenty years ago, successfully launching its patented high security switching technology as a replacement for security-vulnerable reed switches which are easy to defeat using simple magnets. Whilst competitors had developed expensive and complex alternatives, Magnasphere’s solution offered a low-cost and non-defeatable solution with similar magnetic field strength, product size and with much improved durability over reed switch-based security contacts. Other advantages included higher temperature extremes, no power source required, and excellent resistance to EMI and surge voltages.

Magnasphere’s patented switch technology

The basic principle behind the Magnasphere high security switch involves a magnetic ball held within a durable, hermetically sealed metal housing. In its open state, the ball attaches to a ferro-magnetic base within the housing and is drawn magnetically to a contacting ‘closed’ position when a magnet is moved within an activation zone outside of the housing. This ‘tamper and defeat-resistant principle’ also works where the magnetically charged ball is drawn towards a ferrous target – allowing a very low-cost proximity sensor. This principle also forms the basis for Magnasphere’s low jitter, non-mercury tilt switches – an environmentally safe and competitively priced solution. Magnasphere’s technology perfectly suits high security applications, and its cost and durability also makes it a compelling alternative for reed and Hall Effect switches for industrial and commercial OEM applications.

A comprehensive range of products of security contacts and switches, available in a wide variety of installation configurations and sensing zone alternatives, include recessed and surface mounted variants with single and multiple switch capability. Magnasphere’s products comply with UL -634, Levels 1 and 2 and CE listed equivalents. Magnasphere also manufactures smart motion detectors based on FMCW radar technology.

Variohm EuroSensor provides full technical and commercial support for Magnasphere’s products throughout Europe. Magnasphere’s acquisition brings The Variohm Group to nine sensing, switching and motion control manufacturing companies, offering highly differentiated components and systems across almost all areas of industry. With a total staff of more than 500, including 25 engineers, each Group member has high degree of autonomy but maintains complete access to the Group’s shared expertise and resources – this synergy promises a service and expertise level that is more than the sum of its parts.

As the Variohm Holdings Group expands with this latest acquisition Graham Pattison, Variohm Holdings’ managing director, is looking forward to the opportunities offered. “This latest acquisition further reflects Variohm Group’s collected vison and reinforces discoverIE’s continued investment. Now, with an even more diverse range of products and an increased application capability across the Group, we can extend a more progressive and comprehensive service to our valued customers”. 

Joseph Hedeen, Magnasphere’s general manager is anticipating great things from the increased market opportunities The Variohm Group will present. “We are looking forward to working with our new sister companies in The Variohm Group and the cooperation and opportunities on hand from the diversified range of sensing and switching products available”.

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*Magnasphere joins the Variohm Group with fellow USA-based members Control Products Inc., from New Jersey (harsh duty position sensing and switching technologies) and Indiana based Phoenix-America (magnetic encoder and magnetic sensors). In Britain are 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). The European mainland manufacturer Limitor GmbH (temperature control components) completes the line-up and Variohm EuroSensor also has a German subsidiary and Variohm Group products are extensively served by global distributors.

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Thermistors for tight tolerance instrumentation.

Building upon its growing range of NTC thermistors, Variohm EuroSensor has launched a new specialist 10k variant aimed at mid-range temperature sensing tasks for tight tolerance instrumentation in non-condensing moisture environments. The ENTC-EI-10k9777-02 thermistor is based on a Stycast epoxy encapsulated core with Kynar insulation for maximum durability across a -40° C to 125° C temperature range. 

Its high sensitivity specification of 10kOhm at 25°C and +/- 0.2°C resistance tolerance over 0°C to 70°C delivers precision sensing for HVAC, power and utilities equipment, renewables, industrial and laboratory instruments, and many other areas.

The ENTC-EI-10k9777-02 thermistor has a fast time constant value of 1.5 seconds in liquids and other notable specifications include a Beta Value 25/85 constant of 3976K +/- 0.5%. and a dissipation factor in still air of around 2 mW/°C. Measuring just 2.4 mm at its widest point and with 250 mm long white Kynar insulated silver-plated copper leads (28 AWG), straightforward installation is guaranteed.

The expanding ENTC series also includes other hermetically sealed, glass or epoxy encapsulated NTC thermistors. With a wide choice of optimal measurement temperature ranges, operating temperatures, tolerances, and time constants etc. application areas include but are not restricted to automotive, refrigeration, industrial instrumentation, medical equipment and more.

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Hydrogen fuel development.

As the market for innovation in hydrogen fuel generation develops in line with the growing need for low carbon energy, Variohm EuroSensor offers a range of pressure and temperature sensors that fulfil safe measurement and monitoring of hydrogen processing, storage, and transportation systems. With pressure ranges from 1.0 bar to 1000 bar, both the EPT31H2 and SMO31H2 series pressure sensors have EC79/2009 and EC406/2010 type-approvals for hydrogen processing and storage systems whilst the SMO31H2 also has European E1 automotive type-approval to comply with the required standard for mobile pressure monitoring applications on transportation vehicles. Furthermore, the SMO31H2 is designed to meet requirements for use in PL:d/SIL2 systems. 

These H2-ready pressure sensors are complemented with Variohm’s ETP21H2 series temperature sensors - specifically designed for hydrogen processing tasks where aggressive, pressurised gas or liquid media requires accurate and reliable temperature measurement.

All EPT31H2, SMO31H2 and SMO31-Pl:d series pressure sensors feature high-grade 316L stainless-steel wetted parts for extreme resistance to hydrogen embrittlement and permeation with IP67 protection as standard and IP69K optionally available. Internally, a piezo resistive sensing element coupled with the latest ASIC circuitry assures excellent accuracy and high resistance to shock and vibration across an operational temperature range of up to 125°C. Several pressure range options from 1.0 bar to 1000 bar are available for gauge or vacuum measurement (EC79 approval is limited to 700 bar for all model lines). A choice of four pressure ports include ¼ NPT, M16x1 Male, 7/16“- 20 UNF 2A Male, and 3/8“-24 UNF2A. Further application flexibility is ensured with optional 600 mm cable connection, M12x1 round connector or Packard Metri-Pack connector. All sensors feature a 4 - 20 mA output from a 10 - 32 VDC supply voltage whilst the EPT31H2 also includes a 0.5…4.5V ratiometric output from a 5V DC supply. With room temperature accuracy specified at less than 0.5% of range, the sensors are rated for more than 10 million pressure cycles.

Variohm’s ETP21H2 hydrogen temperature sensor is built to the same exacting quality as the H2 pressure series with its stainless-steel housing protecting a PT100 sensor element that has a measurement accuracy to greater than +/- 1.0 % at RT. A choice of output options cover 10…32 VDC for 4…20 mA, or 5 VDC for ratiometric 0.5…4.5 V, and the same electrical connection options as their pressure sensing counterparts ensure straightforward installation where required. Specifically targeting hydrogen powered fuel cell applications on mobile vehicles, the sensor’s low current consumption of just 7.5 mA will suit battery powered use. A working temperature range from -40 to +125 °C enables wide application flexibility whilst short-circuit and reverse voltage protection provides security.

Variohm EuroSensor’s hydrogen process pressure and temperature sensors are based on well-proven sensor design technologies developed over several year’s extensive use and application success in demanding automotive, agricultural, construction and industrial measurement tasks. They have been specially adapted and certified where appropriate for precise measurement tasks across hydrogen production, processing, storage, and distribution logistics.

@Variohm @mepaxIntPR #transportation #PAuto 

Submersible tilt sensor.

The non-contacting linear, rotary, and tilt displacement sensor technology from Positek* is well proven for its durability, long life, and exceptionally reliable operation in industrial, marine, and scientific applications. 

The company has now further expanded its tilt sensor range with the new S613 series that integrates the high-resolution inductive sensing technology in a fully sealed IP68-rated 10-Bar submersible housing design with a large tilt angle measurement capability. With factory setting of the customer’s tilt travel requirement between +/- 7.5° to +/- 80°, the S613’s calibrated angle output, which may be specified in a wide choice of voltage or current output options, has an independent linearity/hysteresis specification of less than +/- 0.25°.

Particularly suited to severe industrial and marine-based applications such as crane & hoist, construction machinery or drilling platforms, although competitively priced for use on less arduous measurement tasks, the S613’s 10 g shock and 40 g vibration rating (IEC 68-2) contributes to exceptional reliability over an operating temperature range of -20°C to +85°C. Positek’s ASIC control technology interprets the absolute position of embedded inductive coils to provide a proportional, high-bandwidth DC analogue output signal with essentially infinite resolution. In comparison to alternative LVDT/RVDT and magneto-strictive sensors, no further signal condition is required, and furthermore the space-efficient Positek sensor has a much smaller coil design, a superior stroke-to-length ratio and does not require the use of expensive magnetic materials. In this way, Positek sensors cost-effectively offers the simplicity of potentiometer-based sensors while its non-contacting LVDT principle, developed and patented by Positek, provides exceptionally long life (MTBF - 350,000 hrs at 40°C Gf).

The compact S613 features a robust and fully sealed 35 mm diameter by 44 mm long stainless-steel housing. An integral 60 mm diameter mounting flange with two wide mounting slots and a choice of input shafts facilitates straightforward mounting. A wide choice of output options include 0.5 … 4.5 V ratiometric from a 5V supply, several buffered DC voltage outputs and 2- or 3-wire, 4…20 mA current outputs from a nominal 24V DC input. Electrical connection is via a Pg7 gland and cable arrangement with customer specified length up to 50 cm. 

*Positek Limited was acquired by the Variohm Group in 2019.

@positekltd @Variohm @mepaxIntPR #PAuto 

Smart beekeeping!

ZEMIC Europe* are no strangers to extraordinary load measurement tasks as this latest application in beekeeping suggests.

Apiago is a French start-up company looking to help revolutionise the preservation of bees and promote biodiversity through a new-concept smart beehive which allows beginners with no beekeeping knowledge to install and maintain a beehive in their own garden. Apiago also supports businesses and communities in preserving pollinators by providing the food and shelter necessary for their presence. 

The Apiago beehive, visible to all, is the symbol of this initiative for biodiversity. The wall mounted autonomous, solar-powered hive, with its dedicated mobile phone app and internet integrated technology, includes a ZEMIC L6D 20 kg load cell that allows the bee colony’s weight gain or loss to be monitored as the bees pollinate the local area and the hive develops through the seasons.

Whilst load cell-based weighing systems have been extensively used for traditional hives by apiarists over many years, the patented Apiago hive brings beekeeping as a consumer-oriented product which can be installed in practically any garden or allotment setting and used without specialist knowledge.

ZEMIC’s L6D series load cell

For companies or cities, APIAGO solution is to use the Apiago hive as a symbol of the initiative engaged by the company or city in favour of biodiversity. APIAGO supports them to improve their green spaces to host more pollinators

ZEMIC worked with Apiago through a series of development trials and the 20 kg capacity L6D series load cell was selected as the best fitting and most cost-effective component for the application. The aluminium-alloy, IP65 rated single point load cell is OIML approved and has as a durable clear anodised finish. With a large selection of weighing ranges from 3 to 50 kg, it is widely used on commercial pricing, counting and bench scales.

* Variohm EuroSensor has a close association with ZEMIC dating back to 2008, providing comprehensive application support and a full sales service across its wide range of load and force sensors with capacities from a few hundred grams to more than 500 Tons. Product families include single point cells, compression cells, S-type, shear beam and spoke type load cells. Also available are complete weighing assemblies, separate strain gauge circuits, junction boxes, mounting accessories and electronics.

@ZemicEurope @Variohm #Food #Agriculture

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.

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