top of page

Search


Can I Use a 5,000 PSI Transducer to Replace a 10,000 PSI Sensor?
You have a failed 10,000 PSI melt pressure transducer, but there's a 5,000 PSI sensor sitting on the shelf. It fits. The connector looks right. The output is the same. Can you use it? Usually, no. Pressure Range Matters A melt pressure transducer is designed to accurately measure pressure within a specific range. If your application was designed around a 10,000 PSI transducer, replacing it with a 5,000 PSI transducer means the new sensor can reach its full-scale rating at onl

Bob
Aug 222 min read


Bacterial Cellulose: Could It Shape the Future of Plastic Extrusion?
Ok, at NNS, we're not just "component guys", but always reading and holding interest for the future of the industry we've come to appreciate greatly. One of the more intriguing developments on the extrusion horizon is the growing interest in bacterial cellulose as an extrudable material capable of replacing a portion of traditional petroleum-based plastics. Manufactures continue to respond to market changes and are ever-searching for materials that reduce environmental impact

Bob
Jun 272 min read


Comparing Span Adjustment Techniques: Magnetic Pens versus Adjustment Pots
Feature 🔹 Magnetic Pen Style 🔧 Adjustment Pot Style How It Works Non-contact span change using a magnetic tool on sensor housing Manual turning of a small trim screw (potentiometer) Adjustment Interface Built-in reed switch or sensor detects magnetic field and steps through modes Tiny screwdriver slot (pot) physically adjusts signal Common on Smart/digital transducers, newer models Older analog sensors, simple setups Pros and Cons for Maintenance Teams Magnetic Pen Style

Bob
Sep 5, 20252 min read


Optimizing Extruder Performance with Pressure Transducers: Is It Worth Your Time?
Optimizing an extruder goes beyond speed and throughput—real improvements come from controlling what happens inside the barrel. Melt pressure transducers are a window to provide the visibility needed to monitor and fine-tune conditions in real time, directly influencing three critical areas: process stability, data accuracy, and overall optimization including energy efficiency. By including review of these sensors, process engineers gain the insight required to push perfor

Bob
Sep 5, 20252 min read


10 Key Considerations for Choosing a NEW Melt Pressure Transducer for Your Equipment
1. Pressure Range Must match the expected operating and maximum pressure in the extruder/die head. Too low → risk of sensor overloading and failure. Too high → poor resolution and less sensitive data. Typical extrusion: 0–5,000 psi (345 bar) to 0–30,000 psi (2,000 bar). 2. Temperature Rating The melt environment can exceed 300°C (570°F) depending on polymer type. Sensor must withstand tip temperature and have adequate thermal isolation for electronics. 3. Mounting Configurati

Bob
Sep 5, 20252 min read


Boosting Reliability and Lifespan of Melt Pressure Transducers: 4 Essential Factors
For an extrusion process engineer, small improvements in equipment care can deliver big gains in reliability. Melt pressure transducers are critical to keeping an extruder consistent, but only when they’re installed correctly, protected from harsh conditions, maintained regularly, and calibrated for accurate data. Following these four steps creates a stronger foundation for process control, helping reduce downtime, extend sensor life, and unlock more consistent, predictable p

Bob
Sep 5, 20252 min read


MAINTENANCE | When Melt Pressure Sensors Fail: A Maintenance Manager’s Quick Response Guide
In extrusion and molding, maintenance managers know that small parts cause big headaches when they go wrong. Melt pressure sensors are a perfect example. When these sensors drift, fail, or are installed incorrectly, the consequences show up fast: Scrap piles up because pressure readings are off. Product defects multiply when temperature or flow control goes unstable. Operators waste time chasing problems that are really sensor-driven. The result: lost output, rising costs, an

Bob
Aug 30, 20252 min read


PRODUCTION MANAGERS | Change Pressure Transducers / Transmitters for Color or Material Changes?
We get asked this often as part of a larger best practice type question. Here are some different factors to consider when faced with scheduled replacement of critical melt pressure sensors. Color Changes (Plastics or Food Dyes) Pigments and colorants don’t typically harm the diaphragm. Risk: some pigments are abrasive (e.g., titanium dioxide in white masterbatch), which can cause erosion of the diaphragm surface over long use. Action: No replacement needed. Clean diaphragm

Bob
Aug 30, 20252 min read


MAINTENANCE | ENGINEERING |What is Sensor Drift?
DEFINITION OF DRIFT: Sensor drift is a gradual deviation in the output signal of a transducer from the true pressure value, even though the actual process pressure remains constant Example: If a transducer is calibrated so that 0 psi = 4 mA, over time it might read 4.2 mA at 0 psi (indicating false pressure). That small shift can lead to hundreds of psi error at higher pressures. Causes of Sensor Drift in Melt Pressure Applications: High Temperature Effects Continuous exposur

Bob
Aug 30, 20252 min read


Why Mercury has been the Standard Fill Material for Melt Pressure Transducers
Mercury has historically been a standard fill material for melt pressure transducers in high-temperature extrusion processes, particularly in plastics manufacturing, due to its unique physical and chemical properties that make it highly effective for transmitting pressure in extreme conditions. Below, I explain why mercury was preferred, why it performs well, and address the timeline of its initial use in melt pressure transducers, tailored for a maintenance professional. Why

Bob
Aug 18, 20254 min read


Contributing Factors Causing Melt Pressure Transducer Diaphragm Failure
Melt pressure transducers are critical for monitoring extrusion processes, but their diaphragms are vulnerable to failure due to mechanical, environmental, and operational stresses. As a maintenance professional, understanding these factors can help you extend sensor life through proper handling, installation, and routine checks. Below are the primary contributing factors, based on common industry issues: Improper Installation and Mounting Issues: This is one of the most freq

Bob
Aug 18, 20253 min read


How Do I Determine Overheating Is The Main Failure Reason for My Pressure Transducers?
To determine if overheating is the cause of your melt pressure transducer diaphragm failure, you need to assess operational conditions, examine physical signs on the sensor, and correlate these with process data. Overheating, typically exceeding the sensor’s rated temperature (e.g., >700°F/370°C for standard models or >1000°F/538°C for high-temp models), can degrade the diaphragm material, cause thermal shock, or lead to calibration loss. Below is a guide for maintenance prof

Bob
Aug 18, 20254 min read


Torque Specifications for Installing Melt Pressure Transducers and Burst Plugs
Proper torque is critical when installing melt pressure transducers and rupture disks (burst plugs) in food and plastics extrusion processes to ensure a secure seal, prevent damage to the diaphragm or threads, and avoid leaks or premature failures. Over-torquing can deform the transducer’s diaphragm or burst plug holder, while under-torquing can lead to poor sealing and pressure inaccuracies. Below are the recommended torque values and considerations for a maintenance profess

Bob
Aug 18, 20254 min read


Why Do You Need to Autozero a Melt Pressure Transducer?
Autozeroing a melt pressure transducer ensures accurate pressure readings by eliminating any signal offset when no pressure is applied. Over time, environmental conditions, electrical drift, or mechanical factors can cause small deviations in the baseline output, leading to inaccurate measurements. Autozeroing corrects these offsets and ensures precise pressure readings. How Does Autozeroing Work? Most melt pressure transducers generate a small electrical signal (usually in m

Bob
Mar 22, 20252 min read


What Does SIL2 Mean?
Why SIL2 for melt pressure transducers and other sensors?

Bob
Mar 19, 20251 min read


The Best Placement on the Extruder for Melt Pressure Transducers
Melt Pressure Transducer Placements Along the Extruder.

Bob
Feb 25, 20252 min read


Properly Sizing the Pressure Ranges for Melt Pressure Transducers
Selecting pressure ranges in melt pressure transducers.

Bob
Feb 25, 20252 min read


Ensuring Output Signal Compatibility for Melt Pressure Transducers in Data Acquisition Systems
Pressure transducers output compatibility considerations.

Bob
Feb 25, 20252 min read


A Reliable Ally for Every Maintenance Manager: Our Expertise, Your Peace of Mind
A worker inspects equipment In the bustling world of manufacturing, where every second counts and downtime is the enemy, having a trusted partner can make all the difference. At NoNonSensors, we understand the pressures and challenges you face as a maintenance manager. Our mission is to be more than just a supplier; we aim to be your reliable ally in ensuring that your operations run smoothly and efficiently. Tailored Solutions for Uninterrupted Performance We know that every
Bob
Mar 18, 20242 min read
bottom of page
