Magetic position sensors for pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders

Paul Boughton

SICK UK is launching the MPS and MPA, two magnetic analogue output position sensors for pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders for machine and robotics applications.

The key to the sensors’ performance is a continuous analogue output signal for precision non-contact detection at all stroke positions with minimal blind zones.

They are designed for easy and quick mounting on T-slot housings with a range of bracket options for standard cylinder types.

The rugged MPA and the compact MPS support the widest range of high-precision positioning, measurement and detection applications such as spot welding, drilling, screwing and polishing. They feature both a4 to 24mA and 0 and 10v for exceptional positioning performance.

With 25 sizes from 107mm to 1007mm, the SICK MPA analogue magnetic sensor is suitable for longer stroke cylinder applications. Its precision operation achieves a linearity of 0.5mm at 1.15m/s, an accuracy of 0.3 per cent and reproducibility of 0.06 per cent. The MPA is ruggedly built with an IP67-rated aluminium enclosure, for long life and reliability under the toughest industrial conditions.

The SICK MPS’ range of eight sizes from 32mm to 256mm to meet most short stroke applications is unique on the market.  The MPS is best suited to short stroke cylinder uses and confined spaces. Its precision resolution (0.05mm), repeatability (0.1mm) and linearity (0.3mm) are ensured by the adjustable zero point and final point at set up. Additionally, the rapid 1m/s sampling rate is ideal for fast-operating machinery, and is faster than any comparable cylinder sensor.

Both the SICK MPS and the SICK MPA are equipped with touch-button on-board teach-in and set up, featuring coloured LEDs for rapid commissioning including the stroke start and end points, delivering the highest precision in operation.