Automated industrial manufacturing is a complicated industry with many moving parts. In these industrial applications, a linear potentiometer is essential.
Deciding which tool will make the most impact for the right cost is the core of success in any manufacturing industry. When working with such a complex set of tools, industrial manufacturing can't settle for a random tool to get the job done.
Sensors are one of the many tools that can make or break automated industrial manufacturing. Despite the older tech, a linear potentiometer can provide the right level of functionality at the perfect price.
Let's break down what a linear potentiometer can do for your automated industrial setup.
The Impact of a Linear Potentiometer on Industrial Manufacturing
Potentiometers are small devices that use electromechanics to provide measurements of rotary and linear motion. For years, these simple devices have been the cornerstone of many industrial manufacturing works.
With the rise of digital sensors and more advanced technology, it would seem like a logical step to retire the linear potentiometer. While its digital competitors have a few edges, several boosts to the linear potentiometer have kept it at the forefront. Even today, linear potentiometers are a common and practical sight for many industrial manufacturing setups.
How a Linear Potentiometer Works
There are several types of linear potentiometer that can help in an automated environment. For refreshers, here are the basics of potentiometers. Let's explore the different types of linear potentiometers.
There are a variety of linear potentiometers that cover a range of stroke motions and sensitivity. Many require contact with the element you need to measure, but some can provide contactless readings through basic sensors and digital recognition.
Due to their simple mechanisms, you will often need to be specific with how and where you can install your linear potentiometers. For their cost, though, they provide all that you need and more.
The Automated Applications of Linear Potentiometers
Moving from the what to the why let's look at what applications linear potentiometers excel at.
The stroke movement of your hydraulic cylinders helps to run at a safe and practical measure. You can install the linear potentiometers either externally or internally into your hydraulic cylinders. They produce a measured target stroke movement and helps to keep your pistons at the right pace.
Safe power shifting is another potent application in an automated system. A proper sensor will ensure that your pistons and motors switch to the right pace. They can help you calibrate your automated system, giving you a clear and simple reading and control of your machines to switch duties without being intrusive or costly.
Debating the Alternatives
The other major alternatives, such as encoders and LVDTs, both have advantages over the basic linear potentiometer. You can finetune all of them to specific applications and measurements. On top of that, both the encoders and LVDTs can last far longer than the linear potentiometer.
The big key factor that puts the linear potentiometer ahead is the cost. The potentiometer runs at very low electricity, has little to no overhead costs, and can even recover better from power outages. The ability to keep pace with other alternatives combined with its low price gives the linear potentiometer a massive boost to its overall performance!
Getting the Most From Your Sensory Devices
When you are designing and modifying your setup for industrial manufacturing, don't forget the power of the simple sensor. A linear potentiometer can provide all of these benefits shown here and cost you a lot less next to more modern designs.
To get the most out of your industrial manufacturing sensors, we here at HGSI have the expertise and wide product base to get you going. Contact us today for more information!