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Capacitive sensors operate at high speed

Micro-Epsilon UK’s new range of non-contact, wear-free capacitive displacement measurement sensors that offer extremely high resolution and speed, making them suitable for use within production plants for in-process quality assurance and other demanding industrial measurement applications.

Micro-Epsilon’s capaNCDT sensor system is claimed to be in several areas. The system uses a ‘guard ring’ principle that is said to provide three specific technical advantages for customers when compared to competing sensors currently on the market.

First, it enables earthing through the sensor rather than the target, which means the target does not have to be electrically grounded. This means it is easier to install, especially on rotating or fast-moving components.

In addition, the sensor can be used to measure plastic sheets or film, although the plastic must have a stable and consistent electrical resistivity.

Second, it means the measurement output has a very high linearity, so users do not have to calibrate the sensor against the target when it is delivered from the factory.

Third, if the customer has to replace a damaged sensor or plug in another sensor with a different measurement range – for research and development, for example – users can do this without having to recalibrate or make any adjustments to the sensor electronics.

The capaNCDT sensors can measure a variety of features and characteristics, including: vibration; amplitude; clearance; run-out; displacement; distance or position; elongation; deflection; deformation; waviness. They can also be used for dimensional inspection, parts recognition, tolerance checking and sorting.

Micro-Epsilon’s capaNCDT (capacitive Non-Contact Displacement Transducer) 6300/6310 series is a compact, single-channel sensor system that comprises a capacitive displacement sensor, a sensor connecting cable and signal conditioning electronics.

For more information, visit www.micro-epsilon.co.uk