IFM’s new solid-state cylinder sensors
March 1st 2005 Fitting sensors to T-slots in pneumatic cylinders can be tricky when access is limited.
Being small, cylinder sensors are difficult to seal against wet environments, and while the sensor sits flush in the cylinder, the cable can snag and break the switch.
Sensor manufacturer ifm electronic has addressed these problems and more with its new MK51 series solid-state cylinder sensors.
A snap-fit mechanism allows the user to fit the switch with only one hand. Even in a vertical slot, it stays put while the user reaches for a screwdriver to tighten it. An Allen key is not needed.
Ifm has integrated the fixing at the cable end and moulded the cable into the housing. The company says that this means forces applied to the cable can be substantially greater than anything else on the market.
Moulding the cable in this way means a seal of ip67 or better.
Versions for the food industry with washdown resistant materials are included in the range.
The solid state cylinder sensors are supplied as three-wire PNP or NPN, or even as a two-wire sensor for replacement of reed switches, while offering long service life. More articles from ifm electronic Limited: | 
