A range of low pressure sensors (top picture) has been developed by Kistler Instruments specifically to meet the needs of foam injection moulding where the cavity pressure can be as low as 40 bar, a tenth of the pressure when moulding solid materials. Using HighSens technology, the low pressure sensors are four times more sensitive than standard pressure sensors making them ideal for cavity pressure monitoring when moulding foam materials. Three diameters are offered: 2.5mm, 4mm and 6mm, each providing reliable resolution of the pressure profile down to 40 bar. All types are compatible with existing wiring and electronic equipment.
Meanwhile, the company's new piezoelectric torque sensors (lower picture) have an extremely wide measuring range and are adaptable to match most configurations. They are available with measuring ranges ±1, ±10, ±25, ±200 and ±1,000Nm and all will measure torque as low as 0.001 Nm. The torque sensors are supplied calibrated for 100 % and 10 % of the measuring range with additional calibration ranges available as an option.
Installation is very flexible as each sensor has an end flange with four or six threaded mounting holes and a centering seat for precise coaxial installation. A central hole allows a shaft to pass through the sensor. The high sensitivity, extremely rigid construction and compact dimensions of the sensors make them particularly suited to monitoring applications in assembly processes and product testing where rotary movements are involved. Typically, screw, bolt or nut tightening to specific torque, rotary potentiometer and switch testing and screw cap fitting.
As piezoelectric sensors are immune from fatigue and wear when properly used, their service life is virtually unlimited making them especially suitable for use as calibration sensors as well as for general torque measurement in both manufacturing and R&D applications.