With the internet of things emerging from conceptual ideas into practical application, sensors play an increasingly large role in keeping us connected to the world. From fuel tanks to refrigerators to mobile equipment and more, sensors keep us informed and safe.
The internet of things (IoT) has introduced to the world a way for machines to connect, communicate, and share data with each other without human input or interference. This technology is becoming increasingly popular in manufacturing, where many traditionally manual processes are being automated with the help of IoT technology and data capturing sensors.
Anfield Sensors, Inc. is a leader in the field of sensor manufacturing and is harnessing the internet of things to its greatest advantage. The company operates from its headquarters and plant in Concord, Ontario, Canada and has a sales and distribution office in Atlanta, Georgia. The company serves clients around the globe, from the United States and Mexico to Europe, Australia, and Asia, including China and Korea. “The foreign markets are very different. Every country and region has unique requirements and compliance to adhere to. The opportunities are tremendous, but it’s critical to know what the market needs,” says Ada Leung, Vice President of Sales.
This firm prides itself on a management structure that allows speed, flexibility, and innovation to flow freely. And, with a fully-fledged research and development department on the premises, Anfield Sensors can develop sensor components that do exactly what its customers need.
Anfield Sensors has a diverse client base, including construction machinery equipment, heavy-duty vehicles, hydraulic and pneumatic markets. Often, clients present the company with existing sensors and a wish list of improvements. The specifications and possibilities are then researched and implemented on the customer’s sensor.
But the company does not only custom-design and develop pressure switches; it makes differential, vacuum, temperature, and level switches, as well as transducers. It also keeps a steady stream of its own product developments, adding to the collection regularly. In fact, it just recently developed three ground-breaking products of its own that are set to be released soon.
For those unfamiliar with sensors and transducers, the definitions are surprisingly simple. Sensors measure data, while transducers transform the energy produced into a different signal, which allows the data to be captured. “Customers are more aware of the need for preventative maintenance and understand the hidden cost of downtime failures. Thus, transducers and other sensors enable data mining as a critical function for such cause,” says Leung.
The first of Anfield’s innovations for 2020 is the TARS high-accuracy pressure transducer sensor that is set to be launched early in 2020. This accurate and reliable sensor features a glass-fused silicon strain gauge, designed to improve the signal-to-noise ratio in its application. With no internal welds or seals, this sensor allows for easy integration, with no risk of leaking, and the high gauge factor allows for the sensor to be built more solidly, allowing for 3x overpressure and 5x burst pressure. Used in data acquisition systems and industrial control systems, this tough unit promises accurate measurement on both measurement and test equipment.
The CANBUS TCAN high-accuracy pressure transducer is mainly for mobile and industrial sensing as it is designed to mitigate the shock levels present in these industries. This is made possible due to its high overpressure and burst pressure capacities that determine how much pressure the device can handle safely. It is also designed to be leak-free.
Lastly, the company has introduced an ultrasonic level sensor with a 13- to 200-centimeter sensing range. This fully-programmable, affordable alternative to less flexible float level switches is favoured for its use in water tanks, hydraulic units, and the intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) used by industry as storage units for liquids and semi-solids. The unit compensates for the sloshing movement of liquid inside a container and comes complete with touch buttons, a visual display and advanced programming capabilities.
This is a company that welcomes its customers’ challenges, and its process for taking on new work is simple. After the initial introductions are made and client specifications and needs have been established, a detailed job proposal and price information is provided. Depending on the modifications, and of course, the client’s budget, development may take from a few weeks or longer. A prototype is submitted before production commences, and the project is on the road.
In a world where time is money, this company is refreshingly generous with its help through telephone assistance, conference calls, and its website where every product is listed alongside full specifications and a comprehensive description of its function and strengths. Full information documents can also be downloaded in PDF format as a huge time saver that is exceptionally helpful for busy business partners. Customers also have access to a glossary where industry terminology is conveniently translated.
Anfield Sensors, Inc. has a long history of outstanding service delivery. It first began doing business as a sensor distributor. But, when its supplier decided to withdraw its product, the company decided to realize a long-held dream of establishing a manufacturing facility in Canada. Anfield Sensors, Inc. was the result when it started trading in 2004. Since then, the company has built a reputation for short lead times paired with top international standards.
One of Anfield Sensors, Inc.’s greatest moments came when it was approached by an oil and gas giant that had searched the globe for a company to develop a sensor that suited its specific needs, but to no avail. “At first, we weren’t sure whether we would be able to do it. But we challenged ourselves and developed a product fifty percent smaller and of higher pressure than anything else on the market,” says Leung.
The company holds several industry certifications, including the International Standardization Organization’s ISO9001:2015 protocol for quality management systems. Its products also carry the CE-mark, a symbol of its adherence to the European Economic Area’s health and safety and environmental protection standards. In addition, it is certified with the National Fire Protection Association (NLFP) as well as by Underwriter Laboratories (UL). This is a third-party, independent health and safety certification company that is globally recognized and respected.
The company’s approximately fifty Canadian employees reflect its diversity. In an effort to garner as much international expertise and as many opinions as possible, the company goes all out to ensure that its teams represent different nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds. This, it believes is one of the greatest driving forces behind its success. The majority of its employees are women, and the company does not endorse or support gender bias within its organization.
Anfield Sensors, Inc.’s next big goal is to become the trusted global brand for sensors. This company has consistently exceeded target goals year after year, and, while it is set to continually expand its own standard range, the company remains focused on listening to its customers and developing innovative technologies that will take industry to the next level. Looking at its commitment to customer care, the favourable current exchange rate, and its drive for growth through innovation, this company seems set to exceed the impressive revenue of 2019 in the year to come.
