Pneumatic cylinder switches are integral components in the control systems of pneumatic machinery. These systems rely on highly compressed air to generate motion in mechanical devices. One commonly used type of switch is the reed switch, which operates by responding to a magnetic field — opening or closing its contact when a magnet is either present or removed.
What Are Pneumatic Cylinder Switches Used For?
Despite the variety of pneumatic cylinder switches available, they all serve a shared purpose: enabling the integration of pneumatic cylinders into automated systems. These switches monitor the cylinder's position and transmit signals to the control unit, ensuring precise and responsive automation.
Types of Pneumatic Cylinder Switches
A wide range of pneumatic cylinder switch types exist, including actuators, pneumatic relays, solid-state switches, and reed switches. Certain models also feature built-in LED indicators for easy status monitoring. Key factors such as maximum operating temperature, voltage rating, and allowable voltage drop vary by switch type, so selecting the right one depends on the specific operational demands of your system.
Sensing Switches
A selection of reed and auto switches from SMC.
Leakage current: None
Operating time: 1.2 ms
Operating temperature: -10 to 60 °C
Standards
Enclosure: IEC60529 Standard IP67
SMC Auto Switch
The SMC D-C series auto-switch has a load voltage of 24VDC or 100VAC with a maximum load current of 40mADC or 20mAAC. It has an internal drop voltage of 2.4VDC with a red LED indicator light.
Note:
Please refer to the manufacturer's datasheet for specific technical information.
Features and Benefits
Lead wire length is 0.5m
Operating temperature ranges between -10°C and 60°C
Applications
Relays
PLCs
Certifications
IP67 rated
The SMC Solid State Auto Switch is available in 2-color indication with diagnostic output, water resistant 2-color indication, built-in OFF-delay timer, magnetic field resistant, heat resistant and wide range detection configurations which allows the optimum operating position to be determined by the colour of the light.
Flex resistant
Low operating power
The SMC Reed Auto Switch is available in a general purpose type or with 2-color indication, which allows the optimum operating position to be determined by the colour of the light.
Precise magnetic sensitivity
Low operating power
The SMC solid state switch for actuators and air grippers. This switch is also available with diagnostic output, water resistant 2-color indication, built-in OFF-delay timer, magnetic field resistant, heat resistant and wide range detection configurations
Reed type auto switches
General purpose
Band, rail, tie-rod, and direct mounting styles
Grommet, connector, terminal conduit, DIN terminal electrical entry
The SMC solid state switch for actuators and air grippers. This switch is also available with diagnostic output, water resistant 2-color indication, built-in OFF-delay timer, magnetic field resistant, heat resistant and wide range detection configurations
Reed type auto switches
General purpose
Band, rail, tie-rod, and direct mounting styles
Grommet, connector, terminal conduit, DIN terminal electrical entry
The SMC solid state switch for actuators and air grippers. This switch is also available with diagnostic output, water resistant 2-color indication, built-in OFF-delay timer, magnetic field resistant, heat resistant and wide range detection configurations
Reed type auto switches
General purpose
Band, rail, tie-rod, and direct mounting styles
Grommet, connector, terminal conduit, DIN terminal electrical entry
The SMC solid state switch for actuators and air grippers. This switch is also available with diagnostic output, water resistant 2-color indication, built-in OFF-delay timer, magnetic field resistant, heat resistant and wide range detection configurations
Reed type auto switches
General purpose
Band, rail, tie-rod, and direct mounting styles
Grommet, connector, terminal conduit, DIN terminal electrical entry
The SMC solid state switch for actuators and air grippers. This switch is also available with diagnostic output, water resistant 2-color indication, built-in OFF-delay timer, magnetic field resistant, heat resistant and wide range detection configurations
Reed type auto switches
General purpose
Band, rail, tie-rod, and direct mounting styles
Grommet, connector, terminal conduit, DIN terminal electrical entry
The SMC hygienic auto switches were designed to work in areas where the cylinder surface is washed. Rail mounting allows a freely adjustable mounting position, including intermediate positions. This switch is designed with as many curves as possible and n
3mm opening between cylinder and switch for drainage
CE marking
Waterproof construction IP67
The SMC solid state switch for actuators and air grippers. This switch is also available with diagnostic output, water resistant 2-color indication, built-in OFF-delay timer, magnetic field resistant, heat resistant and wide range detection configurations
Reed type auto switches
General purpose
Band, rail, tie-rod, and direct mounting styles
Grommet, connector, terminal conduit, DIN terminal electrical entry