Die Sensor Fundamentals: Die Sensing for Part and Die Components

If a die requires the stock (flat sheet or tube) to be inserted into the die by
a set amount, then either type of sensor could be used.

End Stop
Pierced Hole Feed Direction

Tube

Mandrel

Digital Sensor Part Dimension

Analog Sensor

Analog Sensor
Reading

Figure 1-24. Tube Position for Hole Piercing

The figure shows a steel tube, which has to be slid over a mandrel and
into the die, for a hole to be pierced. In this example, an analog sensor can
determine how much material has been fed into the die, while the digital sensor
could be mounted as an integral part of the backstop.

Both sensors will work in this application, however, the analog sensor will
ensure that the correct distance for the hole from the end of the stock is always
maintained. The digital sensor may become troublesome due to dirt or oil being
pushed against its face.

1-36 © 2003 by Forming Technologies Inc. All rights reserved.

Rev 0 – 30 Sept 03
 Die Sensor Fundamentals: Die Sensing for Part and Die Components

Another example is shown here:

Probe (Normal Position)

Correct Angle

Open Angle
Digital Sensor

Sensor Contact Closed Angle

Sensor Contact

Figure 1-25. Sensing Flange Angle with a Probe

In this example, the sensor is used to check the angle of a flange. If it is

intended to be used as a simple “go” “no-go” gage, then the use of a digital
sensor would be the preferred choice. However, as the analog sensor has the
ability to sense distances, there is another type of application which it can fulfill,
apart from determining the simple travel of something fed into a die. That
application is in the newly developing areas of self-adjusting dies, where using
analog output sensors are better suited. Instead of simply rejecting bad parts,
the ability to self-adjust helps to eliminate the production of bad parts in the first
place.

© 2003 by Forming Technologies Inc. All rights reserved. 1-37

Rev 0 – 30 Sept 03