New Spindle Travel Sensors – Precision Monitoring for Every Tool Change
In modern machine tool applications, accurate spindle drawbar position monitoring is essential for reliable tool handling, machine safety, and process efficiency. Traditionally, detecting the three critical drawbar positions requires multiple sensors and mechanical adjustments, creating unnecessary complexity and cost.
Today, we're excited to introduce our new Travel Sensor, an innovative solution designed to streamline drawbar position monitoring while improving installation flexibility and operational performance.
The Challenge with Conventional Systems
A spindle drawbar typically requires monitoring of three distinct positions:
- Open – ready for tool loading
- Armed and Locked – tool securely clamped
- Closed Without Tool – spindle closed but no tool present
Conventional systems achieve this by using three separate switching sensors. While effective, this approach presents several challenges:
- Multiple sensors increase system complexity
- Mechanical alignment and adjustment are required
- Installation and commissioning consume valuable time
- Additional hardware increases overall costs
- Larger installation footprint limits design flexibility
For machine builders and maintenance teams, these factors translate into higher expenses and longer setup times.
The Ideal Solution: One Sensor, Complete Position Control
Our new Travel Sensor replaces the traditional multi-sensor arrangement with a single compact sensing device capable of monitoring all required drawbar positions.
The sensor enables a significantly more compact integration into spindle assemblies while reducing mechanical installation effort.
Instead of configuring and aligning three individual sensors, users can define multiple switching points digitally, creating a simpler and more reliable system architecture.
Key Advantages
Accurate Drawbar Position Measurement
The Travel Sensor continuously monitors the drawbar movement and position, providing reliable feedback for machine control systems.
Single-Sensor Positional Control
One sensor replaces multiple switching devices, reducing components, wiring, and maintenance requirements.
Digital Teach Function
Configure up to three switching points digitally to represent:
- Open position
- Armed and locked position
- Closed without tool position
This eliminates time-consuming mechanical adjustments and improves repeatability.
Configurable Analog Curve
Users can tailor the sensor response to match specific application requirements, providing greater control and process optimization.
Fast Setup with PocketCodr
Configuration is simple and intuitive using PocketCodr, allowing quick parameterization and reduced commissioning time.
IO-Link Connectivity
Built-in IO-Link support enables advanced diagnostics, remote configuration, and seamless integration into Industry 4.0 environments.
Benefits for Machine Builders and End Users
By replacing three conventional switching sensors with a single Travel Sensor, manufacturers can achieve:
- Reduced installation time
- Lower hardware costs
- Simplified machine design
- Improved reliability
- Enhanced diagnostic capabilities
- Greater flexibility in spindle integration
The result is a smarter, more efficient solution that supports both productivity and long-term operational performance.
A Smarter Approach to Drawbar Monitoring
As machine tool technology continues to evolve, the demand for compact, intelligent, and easily configurable sensing solutions is growing. Our new Travel Sensor addresses these needs by combining precise position monitoring, digital configuration, and advanced communication capabilities into one powerful device.
Whether you're designing new machine platforms or upgrading existing spindle systems, the Travel Sensor offers a modern alternative to traditional multi-sensor arrangements—delivering simplicity, efficiency, and performance in a single package.
View the Smart Spindle Position Sensor product range page
