Sensors & transducers
Top 10 questions to consider when selecting a measurement sensor
Why do sensor suppliers ask detailed questions when it comes to solving a measurement task? With different measurement technologies and thousands of sensor variants to choose from, the answers to these questions help suppliers decide which sensor is best for the application, says Glenn Wedgbrow, business development manager at Micro-Epsilon UK.
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hen it comes to solving a measurement task, sensor suppliers will often need to ask detailed questions about the application. Whether
you need to measure distance, deflection, position, gaps, edges, temperature, surface profile or colour, there will be different measurement technologies and thousands of different sensor variants available to choose from. By asking detailed questions about the measurement task, a supplier
1. What are you trying to measure? Can you describe the application? Do you have a drawing? When you call a supplier, it can often be difficult to imagine exactly what you want to do, especially over the phone. Pictures, drawings and photos can help the supplier to understand the requirement you have.
2. Why is it important to make this measurement? What is the benefit in acquiring the measurement? Understanding the need of the measurement is crucial. It could be that the supplier ends up
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can use these answers to work out which technology and sensor are most appropriate for your application. Here are the top 10 questions you should consider
when enquiring about a sensor to solve your measurement task. At Micro-Epsilon, we always ask customers these questions because we want them to receive the right solution from us. Perhaps you should check whether your suppliers are doing the same?
recommending a sensor or system over and above what you first imagined. However, if the implementation of a solution leads to your company saving thousands of pounds or tens of thousands of pounds per year, then surely it would still be worth considering?
3. What are the technical requirements? How far can the target move, how fast does it travel and what tolerance needs to be achieved? As a supplier, our sensors measure displacement – changes in position, thickness, etc. We also measure temperature and
detect/monitor colour. Understanding the boundaries of the measurement helps to identify the possible sensor technologies. Tolerances are probably the most important information you can provide to the supplier, as these ultimately define the real accuracy required in the application.
4. What is the target material and its surface condition? If a supplier knows they are measuring against metals, plastic, glass, rubber or other materials, this will again help define which sensor technologies could be used. You should also
May 2021 Instrumentation Monthly
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