MTS Sensors' Demonstrates Linear Position Feedback at International Trade Shows
September 8, 2008
Magnetostrictive sensors provide the precision needed in linear motors
and actuators...
CARY, N.C.- (September 8, 2008) - MTS Systems Corp., Sensors Division is
demonstrating the features and benefits of magnetostrictive sensor technology with a
linear actuator demonstration at its booth (D3227) at the 2008 International Manufacturing
Technology Show. The demo, which features an RMC controller from Delta Computer
Systems and MTS Sensors' Temposonics® R-Series linear position sensor with SSI
output, shows how dynamic linear actuators solve drive and transport tasks with high
performance by utilizing magnetostrictive technology in the measurement system.
"The linear system converts energy from the rotary motor into linear motion using
a linear actuator such as a belt-drive or ball screw," said Matt Hankinson. "By adding our
absolute, linear position sensor on the output, we can compensate for mechanical transmission
errors and disturbances at the load rather than relying on the rotary encoder on
the motor."
The Temposonics technology by MTS Sensors provides non-contact, absolute
position feedback that is highly robust to shock and vibration as well as contamination.
According to Hankinson, these features make the magnetostrictive sensor technology
ideal for applications such as machine tools, cutting machines, handling and assembly
robotics or packaging machines. "Due to positioning accuracy, durability and reduced
maintenance requirements, the linear position measurement system improves the quality
and efficiency of the production line."
The balloon demo on display at IMTS operates by allowing the user to move a
dart on a carrier towards a balloon attached by a second carrier to a linear actuator
system. As the dart approaches the balloon, a position sensor for the balloon carrier
enables it to quickly move it out of harm's way. The position of both the balloon and dart
are updated every 0.5 milliseconds by an MTS R-Series SSI sensor with 1 micron resolution.
The position feedback is provided to an RMC75E motion controller from Delta
Computer Systems which uses a target generator in the position control loop to determine
the desired trajectory for the balloon. The motion controller then sends a signal to the
servo drive to command the desired position in the servomotor at a velocity of up to 10
feet/second.
The R-Series sensor with SSI output in the demo offers a resolution as low as
one micron. With measuring rates up to 4 kHz and baud rates up to 1.0 MBd, the sensor
ensures superior performance in the linear system. The precise position control is enabled
by a repeatability of 0.001% and linearity of 0.01% of the full stroke. A linearity of 20
microns independent of stroke length can be achieved if using the linearity correction
option.
Recently, a similar demo was a popular attraction at the Hannover Fair in Germany.
That demonstration featured a direct linear drive developed by EAAT GmbH (Chemnitz,
Germany) as well as MTS Sensors' Temposonics R-Series linear position sensor
with SSI output. In that demo, a linear motor converted electrical energy directly into
linear motion without mechanical linkages. The winding was fitted on a firmly mounted
stator while the considerably shorter magnetic conductor plate slid over the horizontal
inductor. The speed curve of the traveling magnetic field and of the magnet plate was
synchronous over a segmented length of 1,800 mm.
Prior
to selecting the MTS sensor for this linear motor, EAAT evaluated the
Temposonics technology in comparison to other manufacturers of magnetostrictive
sensors. The MTS sensors were chosen for the linear motor because they out-performed
similar sensors in terms of reliability and resistance to noise. Unlike other magnetic-based
technologies, the performance of the MTS magnetostrictive sensor was not impacted by
interference from the linear motor.
Both of these demonstrations served to highlight key features and benefits of MTS
Sensors' magnetostrictive technology, including absolute position measurement and noncontact
(and thus wear-free) operation.
MTS Sensors, a division of MTS Systems Corp., is the global leader in the development
and production of magnetostrictive linear-position and liquid-level sensors.
Based on MTS' patented Temposonics® technology, the Sensors Division is continually
developing new ways to apply magnetostrictive sensing technology to solve critical applications
in a variety of markets worldwide. With facilities in the U.S., Germany and
Japan, MTS Sensors Division is an ISO 9001 certified supplier committed to providing
innovative sensing solutions that deliver customers with reliable, cost effective sensing
devices.
For over 25 years, Delta Computer Systems has been a supplier of motion controllers,
color sensors, and other industrial products that enable OEMs and integrators to
build better machines and get to market quickly. For more information contact Bill
Savela, Delta Computer Systems, Inc. 11719 NE 95th Street, Suite D, Vancouver, WA
98682. Phone: (360) 254-8688, Fax: (360) 254-5435, or E:mail: bsavela@deltamotion.
com.
For more information on Temposonics Sensors, please contact: MTS Systems
Corp Sensors Division 3001 Sheldon Drive, Cary, NC 27513 Phone: (919) 677-0100
E-mail: info@mtssensors.com or visit their web site at www.mtssensors.com.
Matt Hankinson
Marketing Manager
919-677-2347
matt.hankinson@mts.com
Patricia Staino BtB Marketing
Public Relations Executive
919-872-8172
patricia@btbmarketing.com
