Linear position sensors

What advantages do our linear position sensors offer?

• High protection class (up to IP69k)
• Resistant against environmental influences
• Long service life
• Easy to use
• Temperature stable
• Contactless measurement possible (induction sensors)
• Models with ATEX & IECEx or CSA certification available for use in demanding environment

Understanding Linear Position Sensors

Linear position sensors are devices that measure the displacement or position of an object in a straight line. These sensors convert mechanical motion into an electrical signal, allowing for precise monitoring and control in a wide array of industrial processes. They find applications in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and robotics.

Althen linear position measurement technology

We offer linear position measurement technology for a wide range of applications requiring travel, distance, or position measurements. Our linear position sensors include conventional inductive sensors and displacement sensors, but also specialized sensors that are suitable for OEM applications. Cutting-edge contactless eddy current sensors round off our portfolio. Althen linear position sensors are based on different physical principles. This enables us to provide the ideal sensor for your application. Our linear position sensors can be divided into contacting and non-contacting position sensors. We also supply intrinsically safe EX position sensors for Ex II 1G, Ex II 1GD, and Ex i/II M1/1GD hazard zones. These position sensors are available in various configurations. Machine equipment requires heavy duty sensors. The sensors need to be reliable, durable and accurate. Our linear & rotary sensors will help you save (maintenance) costs and can be part of your automation and digitalisation program. Whether the production is small scale or mass production, manufacturing quality goods, requires quality equipment. Our sensors are designed for heavy duty applications, while also offering you long-lasting life expectancy, exceptional repeatability, high linearity, and customizable lengths for various applications.

Contacting linear position sensors

They usually involve a direct mechanical connection between the sensor and the moving part. Potentiometric sensors are a common type of contacting linear position sensor. They use a resistive element and a wiper that makes physical contact with the surface. As the object moves, the wiper slides along the resistive element, creating a variable voltage output.

Advantages 

• Simple design and construction;
• Generally lower cost;
• Suitable for applications where physical contact is permissible.
  

Disadvantages

• Wear and tear due to mechanical contact can lead to a limited lifespan;
• Prone to inaccuracies and signal degradation over time;
• Not ideal for applications where non-contact measurement is essential.

• Linear variable differential transformers (LVDT sensors)
  Within their specified measurement range, LVDT sensors provide excellent linearity. They are capable of detecting very small changes in position and have virtually unlimited resolution. As a result, LVDT sensors are also suitable for measuring high accelerations and high measurement cycles.

• Linear inductive position sensors
  Linear inductive position sensors are durable, long-lived, and especially stable under temperature fluctuations. That means they are ideal for measuring linear travel in almost any industrial setting – especially with hydraulic or pneumatic applications.

• Draw-wire sensors
  Draw-wire sensors (also called string pot displacement sensors) can measure distances at up to 0.01 mm accuracy. They measure the position and movement of an object by means of a flexible steel cable that is fed from a spring-loaded spool. The linear movement at the end of the cable is thus transformed into a rotational movement.

• Linear potentiometers
  Linear-motion potentiometers (potentiometric sensors and displacement sensors) are based on electrical resistance. Their resistance can be altered mechanically (by rotation or transposition). These sensors are primarily used as continuously adjustable voltage dividers. Althen linear potentiometers are highly compact and lightweight, and they come in various configurations.

• Hall effect sensors
  Sensors based on the Hall effect are used to measure the strength of magnetic fields. Their primary applications are in longevity and stress testing as well as for measuring magnetic fields or the thickness of layers. Our Hall sensors are also available in several modified versions for special requirements.

Non-Contacting Linear Position Sensors

Rely on various technologies to detect the position without direct contact.

Advantages

• Longer lifespan due to the absence of mechanical wear;
• High precision and accuracy;
• Suitable for applications where physical contact is undesirable or impractical.

Disadvantages

• Typically more expensive than contacting sensors.
• May require more complex technology and calibration.

• Eddy current sensors
  Eddy current sensors are contactless position sensors available for measurement ranges from 0.5 to 60 mm. These sensors are not influenced by media such as oil, water, or dust in the measuring gap.

• Laser triangulation sensors
  Even critical surfaces such as hot metals can be measured using our contactless laser triangulation sensors. They use a laser dot to determine the travel, distance, or position of an object (laser distance sensors).

• Magnetostrictive linear position sensors
  These robust sensors measure the distance between two points. They consist of a fixed base, a waveguide, a movable permanent magnet and a transducer that converts a mechanical vibration into an electrical signal. These sensors are suitable for a wide range of applications, even under extreme conditions. They are largely resistant to temperature, shock, vibration and contamination.

Choosing between contacting and non-contacting linear position sensors depends on the specific requirements of the application, including factors such as precision, environmental conditions, and the durability needed for long-term use. Contacting sensors are often used in applications where cost is a critical factor, and physical contact is permissible, while non-contacting sensors are preferred for high-precision applications and environments where wear and tear need to be minimized.

Future of Linear position sensors

As technology continues to advance, the demand for accurate and reliable linear position sensors will only grow. Althen Sensors & Controls remains at the forefront of this industry, providing innovative solutions that empower industries to achieve precision and efficiency in their operations. Whether in automotive, manufacturing, or aerospace, the use of high-quality linear position sensors is a testament to the ongoing evolution of industrial automation and control systems.