New Contactless Linear Position Transducer is a Game-changer
Gefran, Inc. introduces TWIIST to the North American market. This innovative multi-variable position transducer is in the Hall effect category, but what truly sets TWIIST apart is its unique helical magnetoelectronic design, its ability to take multiple measurements simultaneously, and its focus on improving operator safety. This patented technology is the result of a decade-long partnership between Gefran’s internal R&D department and the University of Brescia’s engineering department in Brescia, Italy.
“Gefran offers a complete bundle of electrical products—sensors, controls, instrumentation, etc.— for industrial machinery, but the TWIIST is perfect for mobile and industrial hydraulic applications,” says Ron Akers, Gefran’s business development manager for fluid power. “It allows for multiple types of measurement in one component. Signals for linear and angular positioning and temperature readings are all communicated at the same time. Furthermore, with the onboard electronics, TWIIST provides real-time velocity, acceleration, and tilt angle measurements to keep operators safer.”
TWIIST’s compact, air-tight design has a steel barrel with a diameter of 5/8 inch (16 mm), and it comes with a choice of two types of connection points, ball joints for swivel connections and rod ends with eyes for pivot connections. Available in full-scale (FS) strokes from 50 to 900 mm, it has typical linearity of 0.15% FS and typical repeatability of 0.05% FS. It can operate in a temperature range from -40°F to 185°F (-40°C to 85°C).
The TWIIST has an IP67 environmental protection rating as well, offering complete protection against dust and airborne particles, as well as protection against water and other liquids when submerged up to 39 inches (one meter) deep. This resistance to contamination makes it ideal for fluid power applications and extends the life of the part and equipment.
Available outputs are both analog and digital. With the CANopen fieldbus and IO-Link output capabilities, measurements related to process variables, such as position, speed, and inclination are digitally transmitted up to 1,000 times per second. With its integrated CPU, the TWIIST collects and analyzes operational data and provides a feedback loop to ensure equipment performance is optimized and operators are kept safe. These magnetoelectronic signals can also monitor process information related to vibration peaks, hours of operation, distance traveled, and more.
Designed with industry in mind, the TWIIST offers substantial benefits across the supply chain. OEMs can use one component while providing the same levels of input and output information. Controllers can reduce the number of line items on their bill of materials to reduce the number of parts needed while also reducing work and costs for purchasing. With fewer failure points due to the reduction of parts and the robustness of the TWIIST’s design, engineers and warranty departments benefit alike. For the end user, TWIIST offers a simplified proportional system that is easier to use and maintain. In addition, in keeping up with the changing pace of technology, if new firmware features and enhancements enter the market, Gefran will provide version updates that can be made onsite.
“The future for TWIIST is wide open. As we partner with more engineers and industrial designers, they will think of new ways to apply TWIIST technology to their own products,” says Tapan Mody, general manager at Gefran. “This is an innovative and exciting product.”
Gefran, Inc. is a U.S.-based manufacturer and subsidiary of Gefran S.p.A., headquartered in the town of Provaglio d’Iseo in Northern Italy. With more than five decades of experience and nearly 700 employees worldwide, Gefran designs, engineers, and manufactures sensors, controls, and components used in industrial equipment and operations management. Both original equipment manufacturers and end users rely on Gefran products for process control, automation, and equipment electrification for applications in fluid power, heat treatment, die-casting, packaging, plastics, glass, and more. In addition to standard product lines, Gefran’s vertically integrated supply chain gives the company the flexibility to customize products for its OEM customers.
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