Position Sensors

Position Sensors

Inductive Sensors:

Inductive sensors are nowadays indispensable for industrial applications. As compared to mechanical switches they offer almost ideal conditions: non-contact operation free from any wear and tear, high switching frequencies and accuracy. In addition, they are insensitive to vibration, dust and moisture. Inductive sensors detect all metals without contact.

Capacitive Sensors:

Capacitive sensors are used for the non-contact detection of any objects. In contrast to inductive sensors, which only detect metallic objects, capacitive sensors can also detect non-metallic materials.
Typical applications are in the wood, paper, glass, plastic, food, chemical and semiconductor industries.

Photoelectric Sensors:

Automation technology can no longer be imagined without photoelectric sensors as "artificial eyes". They are used where a reliable and non-contact detection of the exact position of objects is required. The material of the object to be detected is of no importance. Compared to inductive sensors, photoelectric sensors have a much greater sensing zone.

Magnetic Sensors:

Magnetic sensors are used for the detection of positions without contact or wear and tear. They are used where very long sensing ranges are required. Since magnetic fields penetrate all non-magnetisable materials, the sensors can detect magnets through walls made of stainless steel, aluminium, plastic or wood.

Ultrasonic Sensors:

Ultrasonic sensors are used for reliable position detection and precise continuous distance measurement of solids, powders and liquids. They transmit and receive sound waves in the ultrasonic range. The object to be detected reflects the sound waves and the distance information is determined via time-of-flight measurement. Blister packages in packaging technology or transparent plastic bowls in the food industry, for example, can be reliably detected.

Valve Sensors:

In industrial processes where liquids, air or gases are used, valves are needed for dosing and control. Pneumatic valve actuators are normally used for mechanical positioning. The valve position must be monitored electronically.

Cylinder Sensors: 

Cylinder sensors are used for position detection of pistons in pneumatic cylinders. They are directly mounted onto the cylinder. The ring magnet attached to the piston is sensed through the housing wall of non-magnetisable material (e.g. aluminium, brass or stainless steel). They can be fixed to almost any T-slot, C-slot, clean-line, tie rod, integrated profile or trapezoidal slot cylinder.