Cylinder sensor has patented snap-fit mechanism that allows the user to fit the switch with only one hand and no special, easily-lost tiny Allen key is needed.
Following the acclaimed innovative T-slot cylinder sensor launched earlier in the year, sensor market leader ifm electronic has followed up with an another unit which offers the same benefits for the increasingly popular C-slot. The C-slot is common in short-stroke cylinders and grippers, consequently this new unit is only 15mm in length, so it fits the shortest cylinders. Fitting sensors to C-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 market leader ifm electronic has addressed these problems and more with their new MK53 series solid-state cylinder sensors.

The unique, patented snap-fit mechanism allows the user to fit the switch with only one hand.

Even in a vertical slot it stays put while you reach for a screwdriver to tighten it.

No special, easily-lost tiny Allen key is needed either.

Most cylinder sensors are fixed at the end furthest from the cable, so snagging the cable lifts the switch out of the slot.

Not so with the ifm unit.

Cleverly, ifm have integrated the fixing at the cable end, and moulded the cable into the housing, so the forces applied to the cable can be orders of magnitude greater than anything on the market now.

Moulding the cable in this way means a seal of IP67 or better.

ifm's solid state cylinder sensors are supplied as three-wire PNP or NPN, with a 2m cable or an in-line connector.

ifm is committed to working closely with its customers to develop products which precisely match their needs, and the company provides expert, readily accessible technical support to help users maximise the benefits they gain from ifm products.