Novotechnik U.S. is now offering a line of linear position transducers for harsh operating environments, the LWX Series.

These sensors feature a corrosion-resistant, all-metal design that enables them to withstand use in applications exposed to high-pressure washdowns, grease, dust and vibration. This makes them well suited for applications such as steering cylinder in mobile machinery like construction equipment as well as industrial machinery applications.

A key feature of the LWX Series position transducer is its pressure equalization technology with Gore seal. As Novotechnik explains, movement of a sensor's actuating rod can create pressure changes inside its housing, also referred to as a “pump effect.”

The pressure equalization technology prevents this from occurring which could otherwise cause sensor performance to degrade when used in repetitive applications such as mechanical, vehicle, automation and robotics.

Additional features of the LWX Series include:

• direct, absolute displacement measurement
• IP67 rating, including during rod movement
• optional protective stainless-steel sleeve for added durability
• double-bearing actuating rod and low-backlash pivot-head mounting support position measurement where the linkage moves through an angle
• pivot heads permitting up to ±12.5-degree of angular movement
• stroke lengths from 75-750 mm
• independent linearity which varies by measurement range, reaching ±0.04% for 750 mm version
• 0.01 mm repeatability and resolution better than 0.01 mm
• electrical ranges from 50-750 mm, with cable or M12 connector options
• operating temperatures from −30 to 100 C (-22 to 212 F)
• ability to withstand vibration up to 20 g and shock of 50 g for 11 ms
• service life exceeding 50 million movements, depending on the application.