GAUGING TRANSDUCERS

user leaflet
Product Description
Solartron Metrology Gauging Transducers are high precision measurement probes intended for all gauging
applications demanding high accuracy and a high degree of repeatability. The one piece parallel body houses
a precision linear ball sleeve bearing assembly, anti-rotation guide and the choice of either a half bridge
or a L.V.D.T. winding, a combination which adds up to an extremely versatile, accurate and cost effective
measurement solution.
Installation Recommendations
Location & Clamping
L.V.D.T. gauging transducers generally are a reliable and proven technology that is well established in all
areas of manufacturing and quality control. The majority of the associated problems experienced with their
application and use are totally avoidable, particularly if sufficient thought is given during the initial design
stages of equipment, to the position and clamping methods employed for these measuring elements.
L.V.D.T.’s being of inductive nature are susceptible to some degree to the influence of magnetic fields and
therefore should be positioned well away from electric motors, relays and permanent magnets, where this is
not possible then magnetic shielding should be considered as an alternative.
Clamping of the probe body should be carefully considered, ideally the body of the transducer should be
clamped in a pinch or yoke type clamp, if this is not possible then the introduction of a load spreading bush
between body and clamp is a preferred alternative.
Irrespective of clamping method care must be taken not to overtighten retaining screws as distortion of
the body may prove damaging to the integrity of the transducer and adversely affect the geometry of the
installation.

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Part No. 501382 Issue 13.1
Product Description
Where single point screw clamping is adopted then the tightening torque employed should be limited to that
which will give a maximum of 50 Kg point load.
The typical maximum torque for an M5 x 0.8 mm or a 10-32 UNF screw would be approximately 0.27 Nm.
Tip Tightness
Standard measuring tips are factory tightened to a torque of between 0.18 Nm and 0.22 Nm, this is sufficient
to prevent loosening of the tip in use, but well within the damage threshold of the anti-rotation mechanism. It is
recommended that replacement tips are tightened to the prescribed torque limits with the shaft fully retracted.
A proprietary thread locking anaerobic sealant may be used sparingly if desired.
Zero Adjustment
This is best achieved by first positioning the gauge master, zeroing any electrical offset control, selecting the
coarsest gain and moving the gauging probe into contact with the master until the reading comes onto the
scale. Gently tighten the clamp until it is just possible to ”fidget” the probe manually towards the zero indication.
As zero is approached, the instrument gain may be increased; when the zero point is within the range of the
zero offset controls the clamp must be fully tightened. Any standard Solartron probe used over the whole of
its rated stroke should be mechanically set to within 0.10 mm of true zero, if the measuring range is less than
the rated stroke then the setting tolerance may be increased proportionally to within the limits of the available
electrical offset.

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Part No. 501382 Issue 13.1
Product Description
Cable
The transducer cable is specially manufactured to Company specification to achieve the optimum balance
between flex life, flexibility, chemical resistance, abrasion resistance and electrical characteristics such as
electrostatic screening.
The following precautions will minimise transducer failure due to cable damage.
Cable runs should be positioned well clear of moving components and vulnerable working areas. If the cable
is in a flex situation then a minimum bend radius of 150 mm should be maintained, the vacuum and pneumatic
options should not be flexed from the transducer cable entry, but should be anchored separately at a position
of 50-75 mm from the end cap.
All non-pneumatic probes with the exception of the AX/0.5/S and A6G, are provided with a cable strain
relief spring as standard (the AX/0.5/S and A6G may be provided with strain relief as a standard option).
This feature allows the user to retrospectively install a right angle cable outlet to aid space or cable routing
restrictions.

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Part No. 501382 Issue 13.1
Product Description
Pneumatic Option (AX//P & AT//P Series) 30
8.0Φ
The gauging tip of pneumatic probes is normally biased
in the inward direction and extension of the tip is
achieved by applying air pressure to the probe nozzle.
Air pressure may be varied within the specified limits to 8.5
achieve the desired tip force at zero. To maximise the
working life of the probes the air supply should be both
clean and dry; i.e. filtered to better than 5 microns and
with a relative humidity of less than 60 %. Dimensions mm
AX//P - The pneumatic probes are designed to be leak
free and of small volume to minimise the air flow requirements and maintain a consistent tip force. Care must
be taken not to damage the bellows seal, as the satisfactory operation of the probe is entirely dependent on
this component. A working clearance around the bellows equivalent to a 9.5 mm dia. hole is desirable.
Operating Pressure Range for Standard AX//P Products :
0.4 Bar (5.8 psi) to 1.0 Bar (14.5 psi)

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Part No. 501382 Issue 13.1
Product Description
AT//P - AT//P series pneumatic probes are designed to operate pneumatically without the need for a rubber
gaiter, the benefits derived over the AX//P series are a greater range of air pressure, and hence tip force, and
are less susceptible to failure due to mechanical damage.
The features that must be considered when applying AT//P probes is that air loss through the probe can by
specification, be up to 150 ml/min; and the exposed portion of the probe shaft cannot be allowed to become
contaminated by viscous substance.
Operating Pressure Range for Standard AT//P Products: 0.3 Bar (4.4 psi) to 2.0 Bar (29 psi).
Vacuum Option (AX//V Series)
The gauging tip of the vacuum operated probes is normally biased in the outward direction and retracted
by the application of negative pressure within the specified ranges at the probe nozzle. Care must be taken
not
to damage the bellows' seal, as the satisfactory operation of the probe is entirely dependent on this
component. Probes may be operated from a pumped system or individually from a hand operated bulb.
Operating Pressure for Standard Products : 0.27 Bar (4 psi) maximum

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Part No. 501382 Issue 13.1
Product Description
Adjustable Pretravel Option (AX//S & AT//S Series)
The option for adjustable pretravel is provided to maximise probe life and minimise component damage where
side application of the gauged component is necessary. Pretravel should be adjusted for minimum lift of the
probe tip necessary for a satisfactory gauging operation within the tolerance of the gauged component.
Pretravel should only be adjusted using the spanner provided.
The pretravel adjustment is not provided as a means of fine mechanical zero control, although it is possible
to be used as such, excessive use of the facility for zero adjustment can result in loss of electrical datum,
resulting in possible damage to the internal stops.
Environmental Considerations
All non-pneumatic gauging probes are specified to operate from -10 °C to +80 °C and all pneumatic probes
from +5 °C to +80 °C, at the low temperature extremes it may be necessary, due to stiffening, to remove
the rubber gaiter to achieve satisfactory operation, in this case the atmosphere must be both clean and dry.
However, continued operation without the gaiter is not recommended due to the damage caused by the
ingress of dirt. Use of the transducer without the gaiter invalidates warranty. Solartron Metrology probes
are designed to withstand the rigors of in-process gauging and will operate satisfactorily in the presence of
copious amounts
of coolants and cleaning solvents.

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Part No. 501382 Issue 13.1
Product Description
Quadrature Resistor
These are supplied, where necessary, to minimise residual voltage at null and should be fitted as follows:-

L.V.D.T. : Between yellow and white or yellow and green depending on phase (see calibration
sheet for details).Yellow wire is not connected in optional factory fitted plugs.
Half-Bridge : Between yellow and red or yellow and blue (see calibration sheet for details).

Electrical Connections for Standard Solartron Probes

Connector : Lumberg 5 pin 240° DIN

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Part No. 501382 issue 13.1
Product Description
Electrostatic Screen BLACK (optional link)
The black wire link is provided as an optional ground CABLE SCREEN
connection to the body of the probe and can prove BLUE

beneficial when connected to the instrument ground LVDT + WHITE Plug

View into Pins
in providing electrostatic screening, particularly in 3
4 2
hand held single point fixture applications. YELLOW
5 1
GREEN
-
Care must be taken in multi-point fixturing that Case RED

multiple ground loops are not introduced and also

BLACK (optional link)
that the black wire is not the sole ground connection
CABLE SCREEN
for fixtures incorporating any mains operated
BLUE
components. Half +
Bridge
Plug
3 View into Pins
4 2
YELLOW

5 1
RED
Case -

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Part No. 501382 Issue 13.1
W-Series Application Notes
When applying these probes the following pertinent points need to be observed in order to maintain the
specification and to maintain continued reliable operation:

1) Air supply must be clean and dry, ie. Max 60% RH and filtered to particle size of 0.1 mm.

2) The operating environment must be clean and dry. Viscous materials contaminating the probe
shaft can inhibit operation and/or negate the properties of the low viscosity synthetic
lubricating oils employed.

3) Replacing a contact tip should be approached with caution, the bearing assembly by default is
delicate and any undue force can potentially damage the unit resulting in loss of free move-
ment. Maximum tightening torque is 12–15 cNm. It is advised that Solartron replace or fit
custom tips, this ensures that the probe after testing will operate to specification, also if the
mass of the tip differs from standard then any variance to the specification can be advised.

4) It is not recommended that the W-Series probes are subjected to side loading, as this can
considerably shorten the useful working life.

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