We provide fast turnaround times during all stages of development from prototype to full production. The purpose of incorporating a sensor into a product is to add measuring capabilities to monitor and/or control a process or activity. To accomplish this objective, Sensing Systems’ methodology includes a comprehensive approach utilizing one of the following options:
INCORPORATING A STANDARD SENSOR
Using a standard sensor is usually the simplest approach to adding measuring capability to a product and may be the best option. However, this approach is not necessarily the cheapest or most efficient. Standard load cells come in fixed geometries and sizes requiring that fixtures or adapters be added to the system to mechanically interface the sensor to the rest of the product. Sensing Systems will recommend this approach if the costs, reliability, and accuracy requirements surpass those offered by the other two options. In some cases standard units do not match the project requirements. When this occurs, we recommend sensors manufactured by other companies if they fit the application. One benefit of this approach is that no development program is usually required.
INCORPORATING A CUSTOM SENSOR
In some cases incorporating a non-standard or custom sensor is the superior alternative. This occurs when the sensor required has a non-standard shape and the accuracy requirements are very specific to the application. Sensing Systems specializes in designing and manufacturing custom and non-standard sensors see Custom Load Cells and Custom Torque Sensors. Most OEM applications can be satisfied by performing modifications to standard load cells or torque sensors. The changes result in a custom product with the same performance specifications and production costs as standard units.
MODIFYING EXISTING PARTS INTO SENSORS
This option may potentially yield the lowest production costs and has the main advantage that no additional parts have to be manufactured. In order to make a sensor out of an existing part, a careful analysis of the part and drawing must be made. Typically, a sensing element is added to the existing part and the material may be changed to a higher strength alternative. The resulting part is identical in form and function as the original but now includes measuring capability. This approach usually requires a development program to ensure that the required performance is obtained from the selected part. Sensing Systems performs all of the required activities from design of the sensing element, to testing and full production. Development of a new part from design to pre-production runs may be accomplished in as little as two weeks.