Advantages of Non-Contact Linear Sensors

Linear sensors have many uses, they can be either contacting or non-contacting and within the two different types there are different technologies used.

Contacting and non-contacting linear sensors can be used within the same applications and essentially take the same measurements. 

What are the advantages of using non-contact linear sensors?

There are many advantages to using non-contact linear sensors. Many of these are due to the fact they are wear free;  

• Long life  
• More resistant to elements such as dust and dirt   
• Consistent excellent performance  
• Fast response  
• Well suited to a range of environments  
• Dependable accuracy and reliability   

Non-Contact Linear Sensor Technologies  

Non-contact linear sensors are suitable for different applications and the type of application will help to determine which type of non-contact technology should be used. 

Eddy current is an inductive measurement method which uses the extraction of energy from an oscillating circuit. It uses alternating magnetic currents to determine the position of the given object. Eddy current sensors are relatively small so this measuring method is suited for applications with limited space. They are able to operate in a high temperature range which is another factor when choosing a sensor for your application. For more information on this type of non-contact linear sensor take a look at our sister company Ixthus Instrumentation. 

Inductive sensors work on a transformer principle and use alternating currents to measure linear position. They are well used in high dynamic positioning tasks for a variety of industries. They are unaffected by magnetic fields. Find out more about Inductive Sensors here. 

LVDTs (linear variable differential transformer) use metal coils and a metal core. They can measure movements as small as a millionth of an inch up to several inches and further depending on the range of the sensor. Find out more about LVDTs here. 

Positek PIPS is a patented technology from our sister company Positek. PIPS ( Positek Inductive Position Sensor Technology) is similar to the LVDT principle but it only uses one coil which gives a better stroke to length ratio. A high frequency coil is used as the sensing element enabling fewer coil turns than that of an LVDT which also improves durability. Find out more about PIPS here. 

Applications for Non-Contact Linear Sensors 

Non-contact linear sensors are often used in the following applications;  

• Factory automation  
• Process and control  
• Materials testing   
• Pressure chambers  
• Weight sensitive applications   
• Manufacturing  
• Engineering  
• Injection moulding  
• Automation   
• Intrinsically safe applications   

Non-Contact Linear Sensors from Variohm 

Take a look at all of the non-contact linear sensors we have available here. We have a range of LVDTs and Inductive sensors; see Positek non-contact linear sensors here. 

If you would like more information on any of the products we can offer or products from Positek or Ixthus please contact us.