distance sensors
What is a distance sensor?
A distance sensor or displacement sensor is used to determine the distance between two objects. This device is sometimes also referred to as a distance sensor or displacement sensor. It plays an important role, especially in industrial automation, because here distances and distances have to be measured with very high precision. distance sensors In practice, also determine positions, lengths or fill levels.
What does a distance sensor do?
The automation of production processes is progressing rapidly in most industries. Therefore, distance sensors are gaining in importance overall. You can determine the change of a specific height or diameter, as well as deviations in length and thickness. If the measured value deviates from the specified setpoint. Then, for example, production can be stopped automatically to prevent the collision of two machines or parts.
In which areas of industrial production are distance sensors used?
Distance sensors are used, for example, in the context of positioning systems. These are systems that, for example, move tools or workpieces to exactly where they are needed. However, distance sensors are also used in the area of quality assurance and in the monitoring of ongoing processes in industrial production.
What types of distance sensors are there?
A comparatively simple form are distance sensors that work according to the cable pull principle. These models work with a rope that is wound on a roll. After such a displacement sensor can also be used in rather difficult environments. In industry, however, non-contact sensors are usually used, for example laser distance sensors or magnetostrictive displacement sensors. They use much more complex processes and therefore work more precisely and efficiently.
How do industrial distance sensors work?
Laser distance sensors are available in numerous designs and sizes. The accuracy of the results depends on the device type and the measured distance. Some devices measure at very short distances, their deviation can be in the micrometer range. However, other devices are used for large or very long distances of several hundred meters. Then there can also be deviations of millimeters or even centimeters. In contrast, magnetostrictive distance sensors determine the distance using magnetic fields. This process is very insensitive to environmental influences.