Robots and robotic arms rely on sensors to determine range of motion or force applied to an object. "Attached to a robotic arm, a Macro Sensors miniature LVDT linear position sensor can detect position change when an actuator moves the robotic arm, providing an analog voltage signal proportional to the amount of motion, to a controller that makes appropriate adjustments based on programmable set points," said a company spokesperson. "With the data provided by the sensor, the controller can determine when the robotic arm should stop or slow down.
"For example, on a pick and place machine, if the robotic arm exceeds its travel distance, it could drive right through the board it intended to populate. Miniature LVDT linear position sensors evaluate the robotic arm movement for optimum performance.
"The compact size and accurate output of the Macro Sensors CD 375 series of miniature LVDT sensors make the linear position sensors ideal for providing displacement feedback in different robotic applications.
"In addition to industrial robots, the miniature LVDTs are suitable as an integral part of devices such as hydraulic actuators, servo valves, medical equipment and other small mechanisms. A compact 3/8 inch diameter design and lightweight low mass core make the contactless position sensors ideal for applications having high dynamic response requirements, such as ATMs, copy machines, plastic injection molding machines and automatic inspection equipment.
"Vented versions of the CD 375 sensors are designed to withstand high pressures and temperatures in applications where space is at a premium and the environment is hostile. The coil assembly of the sensor is vented to equalize pressure inside and outside the LVDT linear position sensor, allowing units to withstand a combination of high pressure and temperatures, shock and vibration. Since vent holes in the housing expose the coils inside, fluid must be electrically non-conductive and chemically benign.
"In the oil and gas industry, these compact LVDTs are ideal for position feedback control of downhole drilling equipment, such as bore scopes that measure the I.D. of the drilled hole."
For more information contact:
Macro Sensors
7300 US Route 130 North
Building 22
Pennsauken, NJ 08110-1541
856-662-8000
positionsensors@macrosensors.com
www.macrosensors.com