PT100 & Ni120 – The precision of temperature control

31. Oktober 2023 Tim Charzinski Tuesday's facts Kommentar hinterlassen

Resistors play a crucial role in the world of electronics and measurement technology. They enable precise measurement and are indispensable for the temperature control of our application devices.

RTD sensors

Resistors play a crucial role in the world of electronics and measurement technology. They enable precise measurement and are indispensable for the temperature control of our application devices.

RTD sensors

RTD is an abbreviation for „Resistance Temperature Detector“, which is a temperature sensor, the resistance of which depends on the temperature:

If the temperature changes – the resistance changes.

When the measuring current flows through the temperature sensor, it warms slightly. This phenomenon is known as self-heating. The higher the measuring current and the longer it flows, the more the sensor heats up. These sensors are usually made of platinum, copper or nickel.

PT100: The platinum resistor

PT100 sensors are temperature sensors based on the change in resistance of platinum under the influence of temperature. The designation is made up of the material (Pt) together with its nominal resistance R₀ at a temperature of 0 °C. PT100 (R₀= 100 Ω). Platinum is the most commonly used material for RTD sensors.

More about PT100 in in our glossary

Ni120: The nickel resistor

Ni120 are nickel-based components for measuring temperature. The resistance changes depending on the temperature. At 0°C the resistance is 120 ohms. Ni120 temperature sensors are very widespread in the American market.

The choice between Ni120 and PT100 depends on the specific requirements of your hot-melt adhesive applicator and the application. However, both resistors are critical components to ensure that the hot-melt adhesive is applied at the correct temperature, which improves product quality and efficiency.

You can find more about Ni120 in our glossary.