Position sensing in cutting machines

How a Cutting Machine Works

Industrial cutting machines - used in packaging and paper - typically operate with multiple blades, trim guides, or die heads that move along a frame or beam to cut materials into specific shapes, lengths, or sections. The positioning of these cutting elements must be fast, precise, and repeatable, especially during:

• Format changeovers
• Recipe-driven adjustments
• Automated production switching

Each blade or tool must be accurately aligned to the material feed, often across a long stroke length of up to several meters. In modern systems, this positioning is handled by servo-driven actuators or pneumatic cylinders, which must receive exact position feedback to ensure consistent, synchronized motion.

Why position sensors are critical

Without accurate position feedback, cutting machines face issues like misalignment, uneven cuts, downtime during setup, and material waste. Temposonics® linear position sensors solve these problems by providing:

Absolute, Real-Time Feedback

• Ensures each actuator or cutter is positioned precisely
• Eliminates the need for recalibration

Multi-Position Measurement

• A single Temposonics® sensor can detect up to 30 simultaneous blade or carriage positions
• Replaces multiple encoders or proximity switches
• Reduces system complexity and significantly shortens setup times for different product formats

Long Stroke Capability

• Available in lengths up to 20 meters (787 in.), ideal for wide-format or multi-lane machines
• Ensures consistent accuracy across the entire machine width
• Ideal for web-fed or roll-to-roll systems in packaging, paper converting, and film slitting

Productivity Gains with Temposonics^® Sensors

• Faster format changes and less manual alignment
• Reduced mechanical wear thanks to non-contact design
• Higher throughput and fewer rejects due to consistent, precise cuts
• Lower maintenance costs and more compact system designs