MTS Temposonics non-contact position sensors are now able to measure up to 30 positions along a common axis using only one sensor and an appropriate number of position magnets that all generate individual signals. Each magnet is firmly assigned to a mobile machine part.
Simultaneous detection of multiple positions permits considerable savings compared with conventional displacement sensors and rotary encoders. Due to a reduced number of position measurement systems and the compact construction of the Temposonics sensor, the costs of displacement measurement and space requirements are lower.
Multi-position measurement is available for all sensors with fieldbus interface, with Canbus and Profibus sensors able to measure up to 30 positions simultaneously. The version with Ethercat output provides measurement of up to 20 positions in one cycle in the asynchronous mode, or five positions and five velocities during the synchronous mode (distributed clock). For high application versatility, the sensors are available in profiled or rod-shaped versions, with detached electronics or a flexible sensing element. With linearity better than +/-0.01 per cent full scale and a repeatability of less than +/-0.001 per cent full scale, measurement lengths of up to 20m are available.
The field of application for multi-position measurement includes mainly quick, precise adjustment of cutting width, such as in the paper, ceramics, metal, textile or wood industries. Each cutting tool has its own position magnet on the sensor that is mounted in parallel to the motion axis and travels independently. The advantages of multi-position measurement are also said to be unbeatable for materials handling, plastics machinery or production monitoring.
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