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What do race cars, off-highway vehicles (OHV) and any other high-performance machine or system have in common? They are only as good as the instruments you find under the hood. In fact, something as small as the pressure sensing device can have a big impact on the success or failure of meeting your equipment’s operational expectations. As an equipment builder, you expect your OEM pressure measurement instruments to be accurate. That’s a given. But even if it’s not top of mind immediately, what you want even more than accuracy is long-term repeatability. Ashcroft has been manufacturing pressure measurement instrumentation since 1852. So, we understand how challenging it can be to find high-quality, accurate and cost-effective instruments that go the distance to deliver consistent performance over the long term. This is especially relevant for sensors used in tough conditions involving exposure to wide temperature ranges, high cycle life expectations and vibration. Each of these could affect the accuracy and repeatability of critical pressure measurements. This article will explain the elements of an OEM pressure sensor, clarify the difference between repeatability and accuracy, and show you what makes a sensor accurate and repeatable over time. When you are done reading, you will know the key factors to look for when purchasing a high-performance pressure sensor for demanding cycle life conditions which can be common to many applications.

Your pressure sensor is a vital component of your equipment or system. When properly specified your system will operate safely and to expected performance levels over the design life of the system or equipment, but only if you have the right sensor that’s appropriate for your application. The wrong pressure sensor can result in equipment damage, worker injury or out-of-specification measurements. So, how can you ensure you choose the right one?

Hydraulic machinery exceeds nearly every other mechanical form of power transmission when it comes to working in extreme environments. Excavators, tree harvesters, mining and tow trucks and other hydraulic vehicles perform the harshest tasks on uneven terrains with heavy loads that apply tremendous forces on hydraulic systems. These tasks can generate extreme shock and vibrations, as well as dramatic changes in temperature, dust and moisture. In addition, pressure spikes/impulses generated within hydraulic systems can present a significant challenge to the reliability of internal components like pressure instruments. So, how can you optimize the performance of your mobile hydraulics against hazards?

There is a wide range of pressure transducers on the market today, with a range of costs to match. I’ve been in the pressure sensor/transducer industry for over 20 years in various product management and sales roles, and in that time I have learned first-hand the many factors that influence price. This article provides insight into the cost drivers for the Industrial User & Industrial OEM market to help you understand how much your transducer will cost.