(NewTek Sensor Solutions: Pennsauken, NJ) --  NewTek Sensor Solutions has designed a custom linear variable displacement transformer (LVDT) position sensor for resistance spot welding machines used in automotive plants to detect missing or misaligned parts in nut and stud welding. Cars contain hundreds of welded nuts and studs that hold them together. Properly securing the right nut and stud to different car components is critical to safe operation.

Working in conjunction with resistance weld control equipment, the NewTek custom LVDT detects and reports different conditions including weld pin extended position, double part, misloaded part, incomplete weld, weld pin retraction, upside-down nut, wrong or missing part. Based on programmed system spec limits, the position sensor will trigger a go/no go response with each pass.

Designed to fit inside the weld body of the machine, the AC-operated LVDT sensor has a high stroke-length ratio and excellent repeatability that is critical to the application. Remote signal conditioning allows the LVDT to fit inside the small space while being resilient to high levels of shock. With extremely high measurement resolution of ~0.0009 in. (0.02 mm), the position sensor detects minute changes in process conditions.

 …