NCTE Torque Sensors: Magnetostrictive Series Catalog

NCTE Torque Sensors: Magnetostrictive Series Catalog

Catalogue · NCTE

Reverse magnetostrictive0.5 to 15,000 NmAccuracy ≤ ±0.1%0-10 V / 4-20 mA / CAN-Bus / USB7300 IP65
Quick responseNCTE develops contactless torque sensors with magnetostrictive technology that measure torque, force, shear, and deflection. The magnetized shaft itself acts as a sensor: when it is distorted by the torque, its magnetic field changes and is detected without contact. The standard range includes the 2000, 2300, 3000, 4000, 5000, 7000, and 7300 series. 0.5 Nm to 15,000 Nm and accurately from ≤ ±1% to ≤ ±0.1%.

Operating principle

The technology is magnetoelastic and measures without contact, even in extreme environmental conditions. The metal shaft is directly magnetized. When the torque distorts the shaft, its magnetic field is distorted accordingly (inverse magnetostrictive principle). These changes are detected and measured without direct physical contact with the shaft, and an output signal is generated showing the torque, rotation, and direction.

Magnetic field distortion of the shaft under torque
Magnetic field distortion of the shaft under torque

If space is limited, the machine shaft can become part of the sensor, depending on the material (DIN 1.2767, 1.5752, 1.4021, 300M).

5-step sensor manufacturing

PassedOperation
1Ultrasonic cleaning and demagnetization of the shaft
2Generation of the magnetic field on the axis
3Electronics assembly, including coil integration
4Sensor calibration
5Ultimate casing
Sensor calibration diagram
Sensor calibration diagram

Comparison with strain gauges and optical sensors

In NCTE technology, the shaft itself becomes the primary sensor, and a magnetic field is used instead of an additional component on the shaft. The document states that it is maintenance-free and remains stable over time even when not in use, is easy to integrate, and offers weight savings.

FeatureStrain gaugeReverse magnetostriction
Robustness (thermal, mechanical, chemical)LimitedVery high
Useful life (thermal, mechanical, chemical)LimitedVery high
Quick response to torque changeHalfVery high
Electromagnetic susceptibilityLimitedLimited
Variety of axle materialsHighLimited
AccuracyVery highHigh
TechnologyLimitations cited
Optical sensorsSensitive to dirt, dust, steam, and humidity; limited stability over time
Strain gauge sensorsSensitivity to temperature and chemical agents, external forces and vibrations; mechanical hysteresis; installation and maintenance, even if not in use

Standard series: technical data

SeriesMeasurement range (Nm)PrecisionRotation speedExit signalsOutput frequency
20002,5; 5; 7,5; 15; 17,5; 60; 75; 140; 175; 250; 400; 500≤ ±1 %≤ 5000 rpm0-5 V1000 Hz
23000.5; 1; 2.5; 5; 10; 20; 50; 100 (bidirectional)≤ ±0.5 %≤ 10,000 rpm0-5 V / 4-20 mA / CAN-Bus / USB1000 Hz
3000Round axle: 50; 100; 250; 500; 1000; 2000. Square axle: 50; 250; 1000 (bidirectional)≤ ±0.2%≤ 10,000 rpm0-10 V / 4-20 mA2500 Hz
4000Round axle: 50; 100; 250; 1000. Square axle: 50; 250; 1000 (bidirectional)≤ ±0.1 %≤ 10,000 rpm0-10 V / 4-20 mA2500 Hz
500010,000; 15,000 (bidirectional); customer-specific calibration > 15,000 Nm on request≤ ±0.5 %≤ 2500 rpm0-10 V / 4-20 mA2500 Hz
70003000; 5000 (bidirectional)≤ ±0.5 %≤ 3500 rpm0-10 V / 4-20 mA / CAN-Bus / USB2500 Hz
73003000 (bidirectional)≤ ±0.5 %≤ 1100 rpm0-10 V / 4-20 mA / CAN-Bus / USB2500 Hz
2000 Series Sensor
2000 Series Sensor
2300 Series Sensor
2300 Series Sensor
7300 Series Sensor
7300 Series Sensor

Use cases by series

SeriesUse cases
2000Torque wrenches, poultry feeders, industrial uses
2300Fine manufacturing, friction torque measurement, end-of-line testing
3000Electric motors, end-of-line testing, motorsports
4000End-of-line testing, laboratories, motorsport
5000Drilling wells, valves, cranes
7000External machinery with power take-off shaft, pumps, valves, operation and testing
7300Overload protection, power distribution, stability testing, harvesters, balers, rotary harrows, trucks, mining, pumps

7300 Series for power take-off shaft

  • Designed for harsh agricultural environments, IP65.
  • Small and lightweight.
  • Connectable directly to the power take-off (PTO) shaft, without additional bushings or flanges.
  • Analog and digital output signals: volts, mA, USB and CAN.
  • Connects directly to a PC via USB; cable included.
  • Its compact design reduces vibration on the shaft and takes up minimal additional space in the machine.
  • No downtime for sensor maintenance during the planting and harvesting season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does an NCTE sensor measure torque?

The metal shaft is magnetized. The torque distorts the shaft and its magnetic field changes (reverse magnetostrictive principle); this change is measured without contact and generates a signal that shows the torque, rotation, and direction.

What torque range do the standard series cover?

From 0.5 Nm (2300 series) up to 10,000 and 15,000 Nm (5000 series), with customer-specific calibration above 15,000 Nm available upon request.

Which series has the highest accuracy?

The 4000 series, with accuracy ≤ ±0.1% and ranges from 50 to 1000 Nm.

What exit signals do they offer?

According to the series: 0-5 V, 0-10 V, 4-20 mA, CAN-Bus and USB.

What level of protection does the 7300 series have?

IP65, designed for harsh agricultural environments, with a rotation speed ≤ 1100 rpm and a range of 3000 Nm.

What are the steps involved in manufacturing the sensor?

Ultrasonic cleaning and demagnetization of the shaft, generation of the magnetic field, assembly of the electronics with the coil, calibration and final casing.

Related

Below, the original PDF document is available for viewing or downloading.

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