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.
D-R73 Series
The D-R73 series auto switches are available with two colour indicator light for ease of operation helping the user identify the optimum operating position. Choose between either left hand or right hand mount.
Auto Switches
SMC Auto Switch
The SMC D-C series auto-switch has a load voltage of 24VDC with a maximum load current of 40mA. It has an internal drop voltage of 2.4VDC with a red LED indicator light.
Features and Benefits
Lead wire length is 3m
Operating temperature ranges between -10°C and 60°C
Applications
Relays
PLCs
Certifications
IP67 rated
SMC Reed Switch
The SMC D-C series reed switch has a load voltage of 24VDC with a maximum load current of 40mA. It has an internal drop voltage of 2.4VDC with a red LED indicator light.
Features and Benefits
Lead wire length is 0.5m
Operating temperature ranges between -10°C and 60°C
Applications
Relays
PLCs
Certifications
IP67 rated
SMC Reed Switch
For use with C85 and CDJ2 double-acting cylinders
Sensor mounting bands supplied separately
IP67 Rating
Temperature range: -10 to 60°C
Note
Please refer to manufacturer's data sheet for specific technical information.
Reed detector D-R73
Reed detector for cylinder with integral mount.
Compatible with series CDRB1, CDRBU and MDSUB cylinders.
Mounting towards left.
3 metre cable length.
SMC Reed Switch
The SMC D-Z series reed switch has a load voltage ranging between 24VDC and 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.
Features and Benefits
Lead wire length is 0.5m
Operating temperature ranges between -10°C and 60°C
Eliminates harnessing work by using a cable with pre-wired connector specification
Applications
Relays
PLCs
Certifications
IP67 rated
D-Z7 Series
D-Z7 series auto switches. These pneumatic switches are compatible with various air cylinders.
Reed switch action
Direct mounting
PLC, relay applicable load
LED light indicator
Bare wire terminals for connection
Auto Switches
The SMC series Z8 compact cylinder double acting. It has a single acting and free mounting.
Electrical entry Grommet
Power voltage 100VAC/48V DC (4 to 8V DC)
Load current 5 to 50mA
Electrical entry: Grommet.
Application Load: IC circuit/Relay/PLC.
Power voltage: 100, 200VAC/48V DC.
Load current: 5 to 50mA.
Applicable Actuator Series: CDJ2, CDVJ, CDQ2, CDXW, CDY1S, CY1L, RSDQ, MDU, CE1, MK, MK2, CXT.
Note
Mounting material not included
The needed mounting material is depending on the Cylinder series and bore size the switch should be mounted.
e.g. Series CDQ2, bore size 20mm - mounting material: BQ-1
Details see datasheet, page 6-91 or contact your local technical support.