"It became clear to us that the best solution for the off-highway market was an embeddable sensor design that could be fully integrated into the hydraulic cylinder," said Brian Cox, technical marketing manager, MTS Sensors.  "This configuration provides direct measurement of the actuation device and takes advantage of the mechanical protection that the hydraulic cylinder provides from the harsh environment which exists in the off-highway market. We realized that the best way to meet the OEMs' needs for a rugged, reliable and affordable embedded sensor was to partner with key cylinder manufacturers that share the same values of customer focus, application knowledge and problem solving that MTS has built its reputation on."

MTS Sensors welcomed the following cylinder manufacturers in North America as partners in the program:

√Ǭ∑  Aurelius Manufacturing
√Ǭ∑  Bobalee Hydraulics
√Ǭ∑  Columbus Hydraulics
√Ǭ∑  Hyco Ultrametal
√Ǭ∑  Rosenboom Machine & Tool

As part of the program, MTS Sensors provides application consulting in terms of sensors and motion control to the OEM, while the integration partners bring expertise in cylinder design and sensor integration.  "With this collaborative partnership we can focus on bringing a total solution to the OEM that meets cost targets," said Cox.

Benefits of this collaboration are already evident through streamlined interaction with OEMs and reduction of system integration costs.  As relationships with integration partners have developed and volumes have increased, dramatic improvements in integration costs and overall "smart cylinder" pricing has been achieved.

www.mtssensors.com

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