December 1, 2015 - Macro Sensors releases BBP LVDT position sensors that ensure proper operation of pneumatic cylinders. A spring-loaded LVDT is typically installed on the cylinder tip area to make measurements when the cylinder is fully extended.
The position sensors feature a probe that moves out and makes measurements only near the very end of the probe movement when it is almost fully extended and then retracts so the probe gets out of the way of damage.
These 3/8” inch diameter pencil type gaging probes measure the position of a target surface with a high degree of accuracy. Because probe measurement is made only near the very end of the probe movement, such as when it is almost all the way extended, a short range LVDT can be used to get high resolution. In this configuration, a short range LVDT linear position sensor (0.050” to 0.125”) that measures a short distance can be used to get highest resolution as the full range of the cylinder stroke often does not have to be measured.
Sensors use a linear ball bearing assembly precisely fitted to a hardened-and-ground, non-rotating probe shaft to minimize radial play and the effects of side loading. This results in the probes' exceptional repeatability of 0.000006 inch (0.15 μm).
The other end of the shaft is internally threaded to accept an interchangeable tungsten carbide contact tip for wear resistance and reliability. During measurement cycles, the shaft is extended by low-pressure (10-30 psi), clean, dry air supply, with a regulated flow, through a barbed fitting on the end of the unit for 1/8 inch I.D. hose. With the release of pressure, an internal spring returns the probe to its normal position.
The entire bearing, shaft, and LVDT assembly are enclosed in a 3/8 inch diameter stainless steel tubular housing.
BBP units are available in three standard ranges: +0.040” (+1.0 mm), +0.100” (+2.5 mm) and +0.200” (+5.0mm).
Gaging probes are available in a 3/8” diameter plain housing or one that is partially threaded with industry standard 3/8-40 UNS thread.
