Products › Torque Sensors › Rotary Torque Sensors › Non-Contact Torque Sensor (WTQ2051)
Non-Contact Torque Sensor (WTQ2051)
A micro torque sensor measures very small rotational torque, from 0.1 N·m up to about 10 N·m, on a turning shaft. A strain-gauge bridge on a stainless-steel shaft section reads the twist, and the signal is taken off through brushes. It suits micro-motors, viscometers and small gear or actuator tests where a full-size rotary sensor is too coarse.
- Model: WTQ2051
- Range: 5 N·m to 5,000 N·m
- Type: non-contact rotary
- Speed: up to 15,000 rpm
- Accuracy: ±0.1 to ±0.2% FS
- Output: kHz, 4-20 mA, voltage, RS485 / RS232
Overview
The WTQ2051 is a non-contact rotary torque sensor. The torque signal crosses the gap between the rotor and the stator without slip rings or brushes, so there is nothing to wear and the sensor runs maintenance-free at speed. It reads torque from 5 to 5,000 N·m at up to 15,000 rpm.
Non-contact transfer is the right choice for continuous running and long test programs, where slip-ring wear and brush noise would be a problem. It covers the higher torque range of our rotary line; for smaller ranges and the encoder or pulley builds see the rotary torque sensors.
Features
What sets this micro torque sensor apart:
No slip rings
The signal crosses the rotor-to-stator gap without brushes, so nothing wears at speed.
Maintenance-free
With no contacting parts, there are no brushes or rings to replace over the sensor life.
5 to 5,000 N·m
Covers the higher torque range, well above a compact shaft unit.
Up to 15,000 rpm
Fast enough for motor, engine and gearbox test stands, with an optional speed pickup.
Many outputs
Frequency, 4-20 mA, ±5 or ±10 VDC, RS485 and RS232 to match your controller.
Stable reading
Zero and span temperature effect stay within ±0.02% FS over the compensated range.
Working principle
A metal-foil bridge bonded to the shaft strains under torque. Instead of a slip ring, the bridge power and signal cross the rotor-to-stator gap through coupled electronics, so the rotor and stator never touch. With no brushes there is no wear, no contact noise and no maintenance, and the sensor can run continuously at high speed. An optional pickup counts shaft rotation for speed, and torque multiplied by speed gives power.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Measuring principle | Non-contact rotary strain-gauge shaft (no slip rings) |
| Measuring range | 5 to 5,000 N·m |
| Accuracy | ±0.1 / ±0.2% FS |
| Zero temperature effect | ±0.02% FS |
| Span temperature effect | ±0.02% FS |
| Compensated temperature | -10 to 60 °C |
| Operating temperature | -20 to 75 °C |
| Maximum speed | Up to 15,000 rpm |
| Speed option | Optional speed pickup |
| Torque output | 10 ±5 kHz, 4-20 mA, ±5 VDC, ±10 VDC, RS485, RS232 |
| Supply | 12-24 VDC, under 100 mA |
| Overload protection | 200% FS |
| Material | Shaft 17-4PH stainless steel; housing aluminum |
Models and ranges
Standard rated torques, all non-contact:
| Rated torque | Maximum speed |
|---|---|
| 5 N·m | 15,000 rpm |
| 20 N·m | 15,000 rpm |
| 50 N·m | 15,000 rpm |
| 100 N·m | 15,000 rpm |
| 200 N·m | 15,000 rpm |
| 500 N·m | 15,000 rpm |
| 1,000 N·m | 15,000 rpm |
| 2,000 N·m | 15,000 rpm |
| 5,000 N·m | 15,000 rpm |
Non-contact or slip-ring
Pick by how the signal leaves the rotating shaft:
| Type | Signal transfer | Choose when |
|---|---|---|
| WTQ2051 non-contact | Across the rotor-to-stator gap | Continuous running, high speed, no maintenance |
| Slip-ring contact | Brushes on a slip ring | Lower cost and only occasional running |
For smaller ranges, the encoder build or the pulley build, see the rotary torque sensors.
Applications
- Continuous motor and engine dynamometer testing
- Gearbox and pump test stands that run for long periods
- High-speed drivetrains up to 15,000 rpm
- Setups where slip-ring wear or brush noise is a problem
- Torque, speed and power on a turning shaft
Challenge: A test setup needed continuous shaft torque without the wear and brush noise of a slip ring.
Solution: A non-contact rotary torque sensor that carries the signal across the rotor-to-stator gap, with a voltage and frequency output.
Result: The contactless link ran maintenance-free at speed, and the unit was ordered, built and shipped into service.
Related products
FAQ
What is a non-contact torque sensor?
It is a rotary torque sensor that sends the signal off the spinning shaft without slip rings or brushes. The WTQ2051 reads 5 to 5,000 N·m at up to 15,000 rpm with no contacting parts to wear.
How does a non-contact torque sensor work?
A strain-gauge bridge on the shaft measures torque, and its power and signal cross the rotor-to-stator gap through coupled electronics, so the rotor never touches the stator.
What is the difference between non-contact and slip-ring torque sensors?
A slip ring uses brushes that wear and add noise; a non-contact sensor crosses the gap with no contact, so it runs maintenance-free and suits continuous high-speed use. Slip-ring units can be lower cost for occasional running.
What torque range does the WTQ2051 cover?
From 5 to 5,000 N·m, at speeds up to 15,000 rpm.
Does a non-contact torque sensor need maintenance?
No. With no brushes or slip rings, there are no contacting parts to wear or replace over the sensor life.
Request a quote
Tell us the torque range and shaft speed, and we configure one micro torque sensor for your drive, not a shelf part. Send the details and our engineers reply with a specification and quote.