Standard Sensors for Industrial Applications
Almost all industrial plants and vehicles, but also many consumer devices contain pressure sensors. The mechanical and electrical interfaces of such sensors are largely standardized and the market is covered by numerous manufacturers with different specializations. For example, depending on the application, sensors with piezoresistive technology, thick film on ceramic or thin film on steel are offered. Senstech is specialized in thin film technology and our simple housing and contacting solutions are not suitable for standard pressure sensors. We therefore do not offer such sensors; for an overview of relevant manufacturers, please refer to the AMA Industry Guide "Sensors and Measurement Technology".
OEM Pressure Sensors
The development and production of OEM sensors for pressure measurement and monitoring is part of our range of services. In particular, we have co-developed sensors for various Medical Technology Applications and have been manufacturing some of these sensors as series products for over 20 years.
Coating of Measuring Bodies with Thin Film Strain Gauges
Senstech has many years of experience in coating pressure sensing elements for industrial and medical applications. For example, a well-known sensor manufacturer which supplies mainly the railway and shipbuilding industries had pressure transducers coated by Senstech over a period of more than 10 years. For another internationally active premium sensor manufacturer, we coat various measuring bodies, some of them only a few millimeters in diameter.
Advantages of Thin-Film Technology for Pressure Sensors
- Wide Temperature Range: Industrial range from -40 to 125°C achievable without special precautions; high temperature sensors for 200°C or more can be manufactured with special processes
- Flexible Pressure Range: With metal diaphragms, measuring ranges from approx. 0..1 bar to 0..4000 bar can be covered. Lower pressures can be measured with the aid of bending beams.
- Compact Dimensions: Our laser-based thin-film processes make it possible to place a strain gauge full bridge on membrane bodies as small as 4 mm in diameter. Bonding wires can be used for contacting such miniature sensors.
Diaphragm-Type Sensor (Series Product)
The surface of this diaphragm was coated with a thin film structure. The sensitive strain gauge zones are covered with silicone rubber. Contacting is done by soldering or wire bonding.
Diaphragm With 4 mm Diamater
Even the smallest diaphragms can still be coated with a strain gauge full bridge and the necessary contact points.
Pressure Surveillance in Infusion Pumps
In Arcomed infusion pumps, a sensor produced by Senstech monitors the pressure in the hose. The picture shows how the pressure acts as a force on the tip of the sensor.