Selecting the Appropriate Sensor for Your Cylinder Applications

Cylinder sensors to fit todays manufacturing cells
In today’s high-speed production systems it is important to reliably identify end-of-stroke position feedback on cylinders. Parallel grippers and linear slides are now designed smaller to fit pick-and-place and positioning applications. To accommodate these smaller machines, ifm offers two families of magnetic sensors for C-slot and T-slot cylinders.

ifm GMR and AMR cylinder sensors easily fit into C and T slot-style pneumatic cylinders to provide low-profile mounting. With ifm's broad line of mounting accessories, these sensors fit a variety of cylinder types including dovetail, tie rod, integrated profile, and smooth.

Two cylinder sensor technologies for industrial automation applications
In 2005, ifm introduced a family of Giant MagnetoResistive (GMR) sensors for C-slot and T-slot cylinders that provide higher switching accuracy and faster switching frequency. Since then, short-stroke cylinders are requiring more precise sensing to maintain repeatability. To answer this need, ifm introduces the next generation of cylinder sensors. The new Anisotropic Magneto Resistance (AMR) cylinder sensors have an extremely sensitive reaction to magnetic fields, offer a very small hysteresis of <1 mm and have a magnetic sensitivity of 2.0mT. The sensing field is 3 - 6 mm wide and the travel speed is up to 10 m/s for high-speed applications.

Which sensor best fits your application?

GMR sensors are designed for standard cylinders with longer strokes. The sensing element provides a wider sensing field to insure reliable sensing.

Typical applications
Conveyors
Packaging
Assembly automation

AMR sensors are designed for short-stroke cylinders in high precision applications. The sensing element offers a more narrow sensing field and is highly sensitive for detecting weak magnets.

Typical applications
Weld cells
Grippers

Quick and easy mounting
Sensor housings are 17.5mm and 25mm long and feature top-loading mounting that eliminates the need to remove cylinder endcaps. During installation, the integrated friction tab prevents the sensor from sliding - even in vertical positioned cylinders. The sensor is secured by tightening the mounting screw with a flathead screwdriver or allen wrench.

Extreme sensitivity
ifm sensors detect cylinder position through the housing wall. The magnetic field of the ring magnet is detected by the sensor. The travel distance is the length of the section that is covered by the magnet in the sensing zone. The travel distance of cylinders is between 5 and 20 mm (depending on the cylinder type) and depends on the size and strength of the magnet. The short response times of ifm sensors allow very high travel speeds.

For technical information, click here:
AMR cylinder sensors GMR cylinder sensors

ifm's magnetic T-slot and
C-slot cylinder sensors
are designed for high-speed
applications and rugged
industrial environments.