Pencil Probe Provides LDVT Measurement with High Accuracy

The KurtSmart Probe from the Kurt Industrial Products Division combines the advantages of a linear variable differential transducer (LDVT) with the accuracy of a linear scale in a more affordable package, according to the company. The pencil probe provides spring-extend- and pneumatic-extend-type actuation, outputting a linear value over the entire stroke of the probe. LVDT stroke length options include 2.0, 5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 mm in spring and pneumatic extend models.

The probe requires 5 V of power for operation and can quickly run stand-alone measuring and sorting of parts based on feature size. Onboard input and output ports support the triggering of the measurement and action to be taken based on the measurement results. The device’s five small LEDs can be programmed to visually show measurement results, without connecting to a computer. It can also be used computers or other USB-compatible devices to provide complete and accurate results to computer-based data collection systems.  

The KurtSmart Probe enables user programming for specific operations with the company’s configuration software, available as a free download on its website. Additional features include 14-bit precision with accuracy to 12 bits, pre-calibration to ensure all devices measure identically over the full stroke, onboard dynamic scans (MAX, MIN, TIR, AVG), programmable LED indicators to fit a tolerance range, onboard I/O for stand-alone operation, USB-to-COM-port interface and compatibility with standard USB hubs enabling multiple probes per system. The probe is also nameable for consistent identification by the software.