Position Sensors

Position sensors

Position sensors are nowadays indispensable in industrial applications to reliably detect positions on machines. As compared to mechanical switches, inductive, capacitive and magnetic sensors offer almost ideal conditions: operation without contact and wear as well as high switching frequencies and accuracy. In addition, they are insensitive to vibration, dust and moisture. Cylinder sensors are used for position detection of pistons in pneumatic cylinders. In industrial processes where liquids, air or gases are used, valves are needed for dosing and control. Valve sensors reliably signal the positions of valve actuators, valves, slides and flaps. Photoelectric sensors as "artificial eyes" are fundamental to the automation technology. 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, capacitive and magnetic sensors, photoelectric sensors have a much greater sensing zone. Laser sensors are used for the detection of very small objects. In combination with time-of-flight measurement, even long distances can be measured reliably.