Pressure sensors can prevent damage or downtime caused by wear and tear of mechanical moving parts. They have a longer lifecycle than mechanical sensors that fail due to wear and tear.
ifm's product range of industrial pressure sensors offer different measuring principles, materials, and displays. They meet the requirements of different industrial manufacturing plant operations across the U.S.
Our product line ranges from simple water pressure switches and pressure transmitters to sophisticated sensors with multiple output signals. These robust, reliable electronic pressure sensors offer you the right solution for your pneumatic, hydraulic and sanitary applications.
Use the “Select by application” table below to narrow your search for a pressure sensor. Scroll down to read about pressure sensor basics. Or click the "Learn More" button for the underlying measuring principles and technology of each sensor group.
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Specifications | |||||||||||||
Measuring range |
-14.5…8700 psi | -14.5…8700 psi | -14.5…145 psi | -14.5…8700 psi | 0...5800 psi | -14.5…2320 psi* | -14.5…8700 psi | 0…14.5 psi | -14.5…8700 psi | 0…8700 psi | |||
Hydrostatic level | 100…402 inH2O | 40…100 inH2O | 40… 401 inH2O | 100...401 inH2O | |||||||||
Medium temp. |
-25...80 °C | -25...80 °C | 0...60 °C | -25...90 °C | -25...80 °C | -25...110 °C | -40...90 °C** | 0...60 °C | -25...80 °C | -40...125 °C | |||
Output signal |
Transmitter Switch IO-Link |
Transmitter Switch |
Transmitter Switch IO-Link |
Transmitter | Switch | Transmitter IO-Link |
Transmitter | Transmitter | Switch IO-Link |
Transmitter | |||
Media | |||||||||||||
Hydraulic oil |
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Water-based |
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Compressed air |
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Gases |
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Viscous / Suspended particles |
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Price |
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Sensors with digital display | Sensors with gauge display | Pneumatic air switches and sensors with display | Blind transmitters | Switches with adjustment dials | Flush mountable | Strain gauge transmitters | Submersible pressure transmitters |
Two switching outputs | For mobile applications |
:Ideal application | : Limited to < 363 psi due to ceramic cell | : Do not use in application |
*measuring range up to 5800 psi with the PL54xx **temperature range up to 125°C with the PT50xx |
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Specifications | |||||||
Measuring range |
-14.5…363 psi | -14.5…363 psi* | -14.5…363 psi | -14.5…363 psi* | -14.5…580 psi | ||
Hydrostatic level |
40.16…100.4 inH2O | 40.15…1004 inH2O | 40.15…1004 inH2O | ||||
Medium temp. |
-25...125 °C | -25...150 °C | -25...200 °C | -25...150 °C | -25...125 °C** | ||
Output signal |
Transmitter Switch |
Transmitter Switch IO-Link |
Transmitter Switch IO-Link |
Transmitter IO-Link |
Transmitter IO-Link |
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Unique product features | |||||||
Selection criteria |
High visibility gauge style display | Flagship sensor w/ bright LED display |
High-temp applications / Highest resistance to thermal shock |
Ideal choice when a display is not necessary | Best option for smaller line sizes | ||
Price |
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Sanitary pressure gauges, Type PG | Sensors with display, Type PI | Flush transmitters, Type PM |
: Ideal application | : Do not use in application | |
*measuring range up to 1450 psi with the Pxx602 **temperature range up to 150 °C for less than an hour |
Learn how different types of pressure sensors use electric signals and digital technology to measure pressure.
The most important element of the ceramic capacitive technology is the ceramic (Al2O3) measuring cell. After assembly, the ceramic cell element resembles a plate capacitor with a reference electrode and a measuring electrode placed 0.01 mm apart.
The capacitance is inversely proportional to the distance between the electrodes. As a medium applies force, the distance changes by a small value and the capacitance changes proportionately. This signal is then converted into pressure by a microprocessor.
Sensors using ceramic capacitive measuring principles: | |
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Strain gauges are attached to the stainless steel measuring cell. Pressure of the medium on the measuring cell causes deflection of the strain gauge, which creates a change in resistance. Tension (positive strain) increases resistance and compression (negative strain) decreases resistance. The change in resistance is proportional to the pressure applied.
Explore the fundamentals of pressure sensing including pressure, various pressure scales, and different features and technologies in today's advances models.
Pressure is defined as the amount of force exerted on a specified area. The most common unit of measure in the US is psi (pounds force per square inch). The official SI unit of measure is the Pascal (Pa or Newton per square meter). The bar is another metric unit of measure equal to 100,000 Pa.
Atmospheric pressure is the air pressure exerted upon the earth. It is approximately 14.7 psi at sea level and decreases as elevation increases. The gauge pressure scale uses atmospheric pressure as the zero point and extends above or below for positive or negative (vacuum) pressure. The gauge pressure scale is also known as the relative pressure scale since it is relative to atmospheric pressure.
ifm pressure sensors use the gauge pressure scale. Variants rated at 363 psi and below have a vent that allows the zero point to change as atmospheric pressure changes. This allows the sensor to remain within the accuracy specification. For variants higher than 363 psi, the change in atmospheric pressure is negligible with respect to the accuracy specification.
Absolute pressure is defined without respect to atmospheric pressure. Absolute zero is also known as the point of total vacuum. ifm does not manufacture absolute pressure sensors.
The vacuum scale ranges from the absolute zero pressure point to atmospheric pressure. It is typically expressed as negative pressure in units of inches of mercury (inHg).
Industrial pressure sensors from ifm offer a solid state solution as opposed to other pressure detectors on the market. Mechanical pressure switches have moving parts such as pistons and springs that can stick or break. Additionally, ifm industrial pressure sensors and pressure transducers provide pressure measurement in a compact, easy-to-install housing. They can be configured in less than 5 minutes without applied system pressure.
IO-Link is the foundation of the fourth industrial revolution referred to as the Industrial Internet of Things. Almost all ifm pressure-sensing instruments have been equipped with IO-Link technology for close to a decade.
This technology allows you to increase the amount of process data available to you. You can then log that data over time for trend analysis. This technology is plug-and-work for whenever you want to harness its power.
Simply plug your sensor into ifm’s IO-Link masters and send your sensor data directly to your SCADA, MES, ERP, or CMMS systems. The analysis through the IoT port won't interfere with your existing PLC structure.