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case study Food and Packaging | Test & Measurement Solutions

Optimizing dough thickness control with a linear position sensor

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Efficiency in baking machinery

When a UK subsidiary of a leading multinational food and beverage equipment manufacturer sought to upgrade its automated dough thickness adjustment system, it turned to a P103 series short-stroke linear position sensor. The goal was to simplify machine integration while ensuring precision in measuring the gauge roller gap position, a critical factor in biscuit production.

Streamlining measurement and calibration

In continuous biscuit production, dough is flattened to a precise thickness by gauge rollers before being shaped and baked. Maintaining a consistent dough sheet thickness is vital for product quality, material cost control, and efficient production changeovers. The company’s existing solution relied on an older LVDT sensor, which posed several challenges:

  • Complex signal conversion: The LVDT sensor required an additional electronics module to interface with the machine’s PLC;
  • Extensive calibration needs: Significant electrical adjustments were necessary to compensate for signal non-linearity before product changeovers;
  • Bulky design: The sensor’s long length and large diameter added unnecessary bulk to the gauge roller assembly.

Short-stroke linear position sensor

Our P103 sensor provided a pre-calibrated, plug-and-play alternative that streamlined installation and eliminated the need for extensive electrical adjustments. This is a compact, high-accuracy, and cost-effective solution. Built from stainless steel with IP65 sealing (IP67 available on request), the sensor withstands harsh food production environments with a wide operating temperature range of -40°C to +125°C. It's a durable and efficient choice for precision measurement applications.

  • Direct PLC integration
    standard two-wire 4-20mA output simplifies wiring and removes the need for additional signal conversion modules.
  • Accuracy & stability
    Linear response to within ±0.25% of the travel range and an extremely low-temperature coefficient, the sensor ensures long-term signal reliability
  • Fast & simple installation
    Requires only a single mechanical adjustment using a Vernier gauge screw upon installation.
  • Compact design
    At just 35mm. in diameter, the sensor’s housing is compact, eliminating overhanging components in the gauge roller assembly.

Customer results

By integrating the P103 sensor, the manufacturer experienced greater consistency in dough thickness, ensuring uniform biscuit quality and reducing material waste. The simplified installation and direct PLC integration eliminated the need for time-consuming electrical adjustments, leading to faster product changeovers and increased production efficiency. The sensor’s compact, durable design helped streamline the gauge roller assembly, reducing maintenance needs and improving machine reliability. 

Discover how the P103 linear inductive position sensor can enhance your industrial automation applications. Contact your technical expert on our sensor solutions tailored to your needs.

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Sander van der Elst

Sales Engineer