Hysteresis errors of commonly used sensor materials

In this study, the hysteresis errors of 17-4 PH precipitation hardened stainless steel, aged Cu–Be (copper beryllium) alloy and AISI 4340 steel, which are commonly used as spring materials for sensors, were determined. Various heat treatment processes were applied to the samples of sensor materials in order to decrease the hysteresis error. The effect of the microstructure on the hysteresis error was also investigated. According to the results, the hysteresis errors were increased 2–3 times for higher annealing temperatures or holding time after solutionized. The results showed that the hysteresis characteristics can be improved by the application of suitable thermo-mechanical treatment processes. Microstructural changes can effect the sensor behavior and increase or decrease measurement errors. The lowest hysteresis errors were obtained in short-term aged for Cu–Be material and fine martensite for AISI 4340 steel and short-term aged for 17-4 PH steel.