CARY, N.C. (February 27, 2008) - MTS Systems Corp., Sensors Division's Temposonics® linear-position sensors can generate up to 20 simultaneous position outputs along a given sensing element, making them a cost-effective replacement for the traditional array of proximity sensors. This inherent capability of magnetostrictive linear-position sensors to provide multiple axis feedback along the same plane of motion make them ideal for applications such as injection molding machines, paper and film slitters, winder machinery, multi-platen presses, printing rollers and machine tools.

"To meet the demand for lower overall cost and more productive machinery, machine designers and controls engineers must continually develop innovative methods to control their products and processes," said Temposonics Marketing Manager, Matt Hankinson. "Now, multi-position linear sensors are being used to further reduce per axis feedback costs while potentially increasing the benefits gained from application of smart fieldbus-based sensors."

In the past, according to Hankinson, discrete or open-loop control was sufficient for many applications. Now, with the need for more process flexibility and faster cycle performance along with cost reductions, the demand for continuous linear position feedback has never been greater.

Magnetostrictive sensors are particularly well-suited for multiple-magnet applications because they are capable of stroke ranges greater than 5000mm, but can also provide resolution as small as 1 micron.

Magnetostrictive position sensors are sonic wave sensing devices that use a high-resolution clock to determine accurate absolute position between a fixed reference point and a moving magnet. One return signal is created for each magnet, so if additional sensing magnets are added, there is an additional return signal generated for each subsequent magnet from the single interrogation pulse.

The benefits of using MTS Temposonics fieldbus-based multi-position magnetostrictive sensors include:

· Multiple tool, platen or cartridge positions from a single sensor mean lower per tool cost of feedback;

· Tool or cartridge positioning automation significantly reduces changeover time, allowing for a higher number of set-ups and, therefore, machine productivity;

· Use of smart programmable R-Series fieldbus sensors means set-ups can be stored and recalled directly at the PLC/HMI for even faster set-up times;

· Superior resolution and accuracy of the magnetostrictive position feedback results in more precise control, better process quality and less wasted product;

· Advanced diagnostics available as a standard feature in smart fieldbus sensors means less downtime due to maintenance and troubleshooting;

· The availability of multi-magnet sensing with longer, flexible sensing element sensors can help simplify shipping and installation, as well as eliminate the need to use overlapping shorter rigid sensors, reducing overall cost.

The multiple magnet capability is available in select MTS Sensors' R- and G- Series sensors.

The R-Series sensors are smart sensors for fast, high-precision, and synchronized position control applications, available with SSI, DeviceNet, CANbus, Profibus, EtherCAT and dual output analog outputs.

The G-Series sensors are programmable sensors with built-in diagnostics for applications that require analog, start/stop and PWM outputs.

The E-Series sensors are designed for applications that require simple and economical position feedback.