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Turck Introduces Linear Position Sensor
Designed for packaging machinery and assembly systems
Charles J. Murray, Senior Technical Editor -- Design News, September 23, 2009
Turck, Inc. yesterday showed off a compact magnetic field sensor for determining the position of a piston magnet on any kind of pneumatic cylinder.
Known as the WIM45, the new sensor is said to be more accurate than indirect analog monitoring with potentiometers or linear positioning sensors. Applications include packaging machinery and assembly systems.
"In a packaging machine, it can give you feedback to ensure that the human operators moved the guide rail when they changed from a standard-sized cereal box to a jumbo-sized," noted Peter McHugh, territory manager for Turck.
The sensor works by sensing linear movement of a magnet and producing an analog signal. It is available in cylinder-mount and bracket-mounted versions.
The WIM45 is said to offer advantages over potentiometer-based systems because it doesn't require the addition of special mechanisms or linkages. Moreover, it reportedly offers advantages over encoder-based systems because it employs a solid state design.
"Moving parts wear out faster than solid state parts," McHugh said. "And unlike an encoder, it has a water-tight seal against the outside environment."
Turck demonstrated the new sensor at the Design & Manufacturing Midwest Show in Rosemont, IL, on Tuesday.
