This paper introduces a novel sensing device for measuring pressures of hig
hly viscous polymer melts. The sensor called 'Pin Spring' is found to be no
vel with respect to its design and operation. The design and development of
the sensor are based on a measure of resistance change of a sliding contac
t resistor which is activated by the movement of a spring that is attached
to the resistor. The pressure sensor is found to be reliable, simple and ve
rsatile in use, robust and low in cost. The reading accuracy of the sensor
is found to be +/- 1%. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.