Linear Position Sensors for Automation Applications

Low-Cost LVIT Technology for Precision Motion Control

Factory Automation
Modern factory automation systems demand precise, repeatable, and reliable position feedback to maintain throughput, accuracy, and uptime.  LVIT linear position sensors deliver high-resolution measurement for motion control, dimensional gauging, press control, material handling, and automated inspection processes. Their contactless technology eliminates mechanical wear, ensuring long service life in high-cycle environments while maintaining consistent performance. Designed for industrial reliability, these sensors help manufacturers improve process stability, reduce scrap, and maximize equipment efficiency.

Packaging Equipment
High-speed packaging machinery requires fast, accurate feedback to synchronize motion across multiple axes and stations. LVIT linear position sensors provide dependable feedback for carton forming, filling, sealing, labeling, and palletizing equipment, even in harsh washdown, vibration, and temperature-variable environments. Their compact form factors and flexible mounting options allow easy integration into space-constrained machinery while delivering the precision needed to maintain tight tolerances, reduce downtime, and sustain high production rates.

Assembly Machinery
Precision assembly operations rely on accurate linear feedback to control pressing, fastening, welding, insertion, and alignment processes. LVIT linear position sensors deliver real-time measurement of tool position, part displacement, and fixture alignment, enabling closed-loop control and in-process verification. Their rugged construction ensures reliable performance in continuous-duty cycles, helping manufacturers achieve consistent product quality, improve yield, and maintain compliance with strict quality control and SPC programs.

Robotics and Motion Systems
Advanced robotic systems require high-resolution, low-latency position feedback to execute complex motion profiles with speed and accuracy. LVIT linear position sensors provide precise stroke measurement for robotic arms, end-effectors, actuators, and servo-driven positioning systems. Their non-contact design ensures smooth, repeatable motion and long-term reliability, supporting high-speed automation, collaborative robotics, and demanding industrial environments where precision and uptime are critical.

LR, LRS, and LZ Series — Economical, Rugged, and Built for Automation

Designed by engineers with decades of experience in factory automation, motion control, and industrial measurement systems, the LR, LRS, and LZ Series LVIT linear position sensors deliver precision, durability, and cost-effective performance across a wide range of industrial applications. These contactless, inductive sensors provide high-resolution position feedback without mechanical wear, ensuring long service life and consistent accuracy in high-cycle environments.

• LRS Series: Spring-loaded design with a compact profile and standard M18 threaded body enables fast, simple installation in dimensional gauging, packaging machinery, and automated inspection systems. Ideal for space-constrained applications requiring reliable, repeatable contact measurement.
• LR Series: Rod-eye configuration with an almost one-to-one stroke-to-length ratio provides exceptional flexibility for integration into tight machine envelopes, making it ideal for automation equipment, assembly fixtures, and robotic actuation systems.
• LZ Series: Miniature LVIT position sensors engineered specifically for factory automation and assembly machinery where space is at a premium. These ultra-compact, contactless inductive sensors deliver precise, repeatable measurement in confined installations, enabling high-performance motion control, precise tool positioning, and compact machine designs without sacrificing accuracy or reliability.

Together, these sensor families provide a versatile portfolio of rugged, high-precision, and space-optimized linear position feedback solutions for demanding industrial automation environments. 

                             Frequently Asked Questions

What is an LVIT linear position sensor?

LVIT stands for Linear Variable Inductance Transducer. An LVIT linear position sensor measures the position or movement of a component along a straight path using contactless inductive technology.

LVIT sensors provide precise, repeatable position feedback for applications such as factory automation, motion control, dimensional gauging, press control, material handling, automated inspection, packaging, assembly, and robotics.

How do LVIT linear position sensors work?

LVIT sensors use inductive sensing technology to determine the position of a moving element without mechanical contact within the primary sensing mechanism. The sensor converts linear movement into an electrical output that can be used by a control system to monitor or control machine movement.

The contactless design helps eliminate mechanical wear associated with contacting sensing technologies, making LVIT sensors well suited for high-cycle industrial applications.

What are LVIT position sensors used for in factory automation?

LVIT linear position sensors can provide position feedback for a wide range of automated processes, including:

• Motion control
• Dimensional gauging
• Press control
• Material handling
• Automated inspection
• Tool positioning
• Assembly machinery
• Packaging equipment
• Robotic systems
• Servo-driven positioning systems
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Why is position feedback important in automated machinery?

Accurate position feedback allows an automation system to determine where a machine component is located and how far it has moved. This information can be used for closed-loop control, process verification, positioning, and dimensional measurement.

Reliable feedback can help manufacturers maintain repeatability, improve process stability, reduce scrap, and maximize equipment efficiency.

What are the advantages of contactless LVIT technology?

Because LVIT sensing is contactless, there is no mechanical friction between the primary sensing elements. This eliminates a source of mechanical wear and makes the technology well suited to equipment operating through frequent or continuous cycles.

For factory automation, packaging, assembly, and robotic applications, this can contribute to long sensor service life and consistent measurement performance.

Are LVIT linear position sensors suitable for high-cycle automation?

Yes. LVIT sensors are well suited for applications involving frequent and repetitive movement. Their contactless sensing technology eliminates mechanical wear in the primary sensing mechanism, making them an effective solution for demanding, high-cycle automation environments.

Can LVIT sensors be used in packaging equipment?

Yes. LVIT linear position sensors can provide position feedback for high-speed packaging machinery, including equipment used for carton forming, filling, sealing, labeling, and palletizing.

Their compact form factors and flexible mounting options can also simplify integration where machine space is limited.

Can LVIT sensors be used in automated assembly machinery?

Yes. LVIT sensors can measure tool position, part displacement, and fixture alignment during automated assembly operations.

Applications can include pressing, fastening, welding, insertion, and alignment. The resulting position feedback can support closed-loop control and in-process verification.

Are LVIT sensors suitable for robotic and motion-control applications?

Yes. LVIT linear position sensors can provide precise stroke measurement and position feedback for robotic arms, end-effectors, actuators, and servo-driven positioning systems.

Their contactless design makes them well suited to applications requiring repeatable motion and long-term reliability.

What is the difference between the LR, LRS, and LZ Series?

The LR, LRS, and LZ Series provide different mechanical configurations to accommodate a variety of automation and industrial measurement requirements.

• LRS Series: Features a spring-loaded design and compact M18 threaded body. It is well suited for dimensional gauging, packaging machinery, and automated inspection applications requiring repeatable contact measurement.
• LR Series: Features a rod-eye configuration and an almost one-to-one stroke-to-length ratio, providing flexibility when integrating the sensor into tight machine envelopes. It is suited to automation equipment, assembly fixtures, and robotic actuation systems.
• LZ Series: Provides a miniature LVIT configuration for factory automation and assembly machinery where installation space is limited. Its compact design is suited to confined installations requiring precise and repeatable position measurement.
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Which LVIT sensor is best for space-constrained applications?

The LZ Series is specifically engineered for applications where available installation space is limited. Its miniature design allows engineers to incorporate linear position feedback into compact automation and assembly equipment without sacrificing the benefits of LVIT technology.

The LR and LRS Series can also provide compact solutions depending on the mechanical requirements of the application.

When should I choose a spring-loaded position sensor?

A spring-loaded sensor can be a good choice when the sensor needs to make contact with the component being measured rather than being permanently mechanically coupled to it.

The LRS Series uses a spring-loaded design and is particularly suited to dimensional gauging, automated inspection, packaging machinery, and other applications requiring repeatable contact measurement.

When should I choose a rod-eye position sensor?

A rod-eye configuration can be advantageous when the sensor needs to be mechanically integrated with a moving component or actuator.

The LR Series features a rod-eye configuration with an almost one-to-one stroke-to-length ratio, providing flexibility when installing a sensor in a space-constrained automation system.

How do I select the right LVIT linear position sensor?

Sensor selection depends on the mechanical, electrical, and performance requirements of the application. Important factors include:

• Required measurement range or stroke
• Required accuracy and repeatability
• Available installation space
• Mechanical mounting configuration
• Whether spring-loaded or mechanically coupled measurement is required
• Operating speed
• Environmental conditions
• Control-system requirements
• Duty cycle

Selecting a sensor based on the complete application helps ensure reliable and repeatable position measurement.

Can LVIT sensors support closed-loop motion control?

Yes. LVIT linear position sensors provide continuous position feedback that can be incorporated into a machine's control system.

The measured position can be compared with the desired position, allowing the control system to monitor and adjust machine movement. This makes linear position feedback valuable for precision motion control, automated assembly, robotics, and other applications requiring accurate positioning.

Can LVIT sensors be used for dimensional gauging and inspection?

Yes. Linear position sensors can measure the displacement or position of a component and provide an electrical signal to a measurement or control system.

The LRS Series, with its spring-loaded configuration, is particularly suited to applications requiring contact measurement, including dimensional gauging and automated inspection.

What makes ASG LVIT sensors suitable for industrial automation?

Alliance Sensors Group's LR, LRS, and LZ Series sensors combine contactless inductive sensing with mechanical configurations designed for different automation requirements.

The product families provide options for applications requiring compact installation, spring-loaded measurement, mechanically coupled position feedback, and precise, repeatable measurement in demanding industrial environments.

How can I determine which ASG sensor is right for my application?

Every automation application has different requirements. If you are unsure which sensor best fits your machine, Alliance Sensors Group's experienced application engineers can help evaluate your requirements and identify an appropriate solution.

Need help selecting an LVIT linear position sensor? Have a question about a product?

Call H.G. Schaevitz Alliance Sensors Group at 856-727-0250 to speak with an experienced application engineer, or contact us on our website for assistance with your application.