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Inductive sensor systems
Unmatched precision in distance, position and motion measurement, even in the dirtiest of environments.
Inductive sensors provide high resolution measurement for even the dirtiest environments. These advantages have made inductive sensors indispensable for many machine builders, production managers, or precision metrology applications.
Also know as Eddy current sensors, these sensors provide advantages including non-contact measurement, nanometer resolution and high-speed for the most challenging applications. As precision engineers, we can provide expert help and unique sensor solutions matched to your application. Whether you need to measure distance, thickness, in vacuum or wireless, to name a few requirements, we have solutions and expertise to match your needs.
At a glance
- Highest resolution at the highest bandwidth in the industry.
- High vacuum compatibility.
- Higher temperature environments.
- Long sensor cables
- Analogue and digital outputs.
- Tolerance of dirty environments.
- Customised systems.
Which inductive sensor system works for you?
How does inductive measuring work?
The primary functional piece of an eddy-current probe is the sensing coil. Alternating current is passed through the coil which creates an alternating magnetic field; this field is used to sense the distance to the target.
Eddy-current sensors use magnetic fields that completely surround the end of the probe. This creates a comparatively large sensing field resulting in a spot size approximately three times the probe’s sensing coil diameter.
For eddy-current sensors, the ratio of the sensing range to the sensing coil diameter is 1:3. This means that for every unit of range, the coil diameter must be three times larger. Thus a 5mm eddy-current sensor requires a 15mm target diameter. If your target must be smaller than the sensor’s spot size, special calibration may be able to compensate for the inherent measurement errors.
In some applications, the gap between the sensor and target can become contaminated by dust, liquids such as coolant, and other materials which are not part of the intended measurement. Unlike capacitive sensors, eddy-current sensors are not affected by non-conductive contaminants such as dust, water, and oil. Eddy-current probes are rated at IP67 and can even be used completely immersed in non-corrosive liquid.
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