AC-LVDT Position Sensor LA-19-A Series

Why the LA-19 Series Remains the Go-To Choice for Industrial Position Sensing

The LA-19 Series AC-LVDT position sensor has earned its reputation as the industry workhorse through decades of proven performance in demanding applications worldwide. This 19mm diameter sensor combines optimal size, exceptional durability, and versatile configuration options to solve linear position measurement challenges across virtually every industrial sector. Engineers consistently specify the LA-19 Series when reliability, accuracy, and long-term value matter most.

Unlike specialized sensors designed for niche applications, the LA-19 Series provides balanced performance characteristics that excel in diverse environments. Its robust construction withstands industrial abuse while maintaining laboratory-grade accuracy. This versatility explains why maintenance departments stock LA-19 sensors as universal replacements for critical position feedback applications.

Core Design Features That Define Reliability

Understanding what makes the LA-19 Series exceptional requires examining its fundamental construction. The 19mm diameter housing provides optimal wall thickness for mechanical strength without excessive weight. This dimension represents decades of refinement, balancing robustness against installation flexibility in standard industrial equipment.

The stainless steel construction resists corrosion from industrial fluids, cleaning chemicals, and atmospheric contaminants. Welded assembly eliminates potential leak paths while maintaining structural integrity through millions of operational cycles. This proven design philosophy prioritizes longevity over cost reduction, resulting in sensors that routinely exceed 20-year service lives.

Electrical Performance Specifications That Matter

Industrial applications demand consistent electrical performance across varying conditions. The LA-19 Series delivers ±0.25% linearity as standard, with enhanced options achieving ±0.1% for precision applications. Temperature coefficients below 0.02%/°C ensure measurement stability despite environmental variations common in industrial settings.

Output options accommodate diverse system requirements. Voltage outputs from ±5VDC to ±10VDC interface directly with data acquisition systems. Current loop variants providing 4-20mA signals excel in electrically noisy environments and long cable runs. This flexibility simplifies system integration without requiring external signal conditioning.

Mechanical Configurations for Every Application

The LA-19 Series offers extensive mechanical customization to match specific installation requirements. Stroke lengths from 5mm to 500mm cover most industrial applications. Metric and imperial thread options ensure compatibility with global equipment standards. Rod end configurations include male threads, female threads, and specialized connections for unique applications.

Industries That Depend on LA-19 Reliability

Manufacturing facilities across diverse industries standardize on LA-19 sensors for critical measurements. In steel mills, these sensors monitor roll gap positions despite extreme temperatures and contamination. The robust construction survives mill scale, coolant spray, and mechanical shock that destroys lesser sensors.

Hydraulic system manufacturers embed LA-19 sensors within cylinders for position feedback. The pressure-resistant design withstands system pressures exceeding 5000 PSI while maintaining measurement accuracy. Contamination-resistant seals prevent fluid ingress that causes premature failure in competitive products.

Installation Guidelines for Maximum Service Life

Proper installation techniques ensure LA-19 sensors achieve their full reliability potential. Mechanical alignment between sensor and measured motion prevents side loading that accelerates bearing wear. Using appropriate mounting brackets and flexible couplings accommodates misalignment without inducing measurement errors.

Environmental considerations influence installation decisions. While the IP67 rating provides excellent protection, avoiding direct high-pressure spray extends seal life. Strategic mounting positions minimize exposure to cutting fluids and abrasive particles. Simple shields or deflectors provide additional protection in severe environments.

Wiring Best Practices for Industrial Environments

Electrical installation quality significantly impacts system reliability. Using shielded cables prevents electromagnetic interference from variable frequency drives and welding equipment. Proper shield grounding techniques eliminate ground loops that introduce measurement errors. Industrial-rated connectors ensure reliable connections despite vibration and temperature cycling.

Cable routing deserves careful attention. Separating sensor cables from power wiring by at least 12 inches prevents induced noise. Flexible conduit protects against mechanical damage while allowing equipment movement. Service loops near connections prevent strain-induced failures.

Predictive Maintenance Strategies

While LA-19 sensors require minimal maintenance, implementing predictive strategies prevents unexpected failures. Monitoring signal stability identifies developing issues before they impact production. Gradual calibration drift indicates seal wear permitting contamination ingress. Increased signal noise suggests bearing wear or electrical connection degradation.

Establishing baseline performance data enables trend analysis. Recording initial calibration values provides comparison references for future checks. Annual verification confirms continued accuracy while building historical performance data. This information predicts remaining service life for planned replacement scheduling.

Common Issues and Field Remedies

Understanding typical failure modes accelerates troubleshooting. Complete signal loss usually indicates cable damage or connector failure rather than sensor problems. Intermittent signals suggest loose connections aggravated by vibration. Gradual accuracy degradation typically results from bearing wear in high-cycle applications.

Field repairs often restore full functionality. Connector replacement resolves most intermittent signal issues. Cable replacement addresses insulation breakdown from chemical exposure. These simple repairs avoid sensor replacement costs while minimizing equipment downtime.

Value Proposition Through Total Cost of Ownership

The LA-19 Series demonstrates exceptional value through reduced lifecycle costs. Initial purchase price comparisons miss the complete picture. Extended service intervals, minimal maintenance requirements, and exceptional reliability reduce total ownership costs below initially cheaper alternatives.

Standardizing on LA-19 sensors simplifies inventory management. Common spare parts across multiple applications reduce stocking requirements. Maintenance technician familiarity speeds installation and troubleshooting. These operational efficiencies compound direct cost savings from improved reliability.

The LA-19 Series AC-LVDT position sensor represents the culmination of decades of refinement in industrial measurement technology. Its balanced combination of performance, reliability, and versatility makes it the automatic choice for engineers who understand that position feedback quality directly impacts equipment performance and profitability. When measurement failure isn't an option, the LA-19 Series delivers consistent, dependable results that justify its position as the industrial standard.