Magnetic cylinder position sensor

Turck has added a compact WIM45 magnetic field sensor to its line of cylinder position sensors. The WIM45 provides a direct analog output for determining the position of a piston magnet on all types of pneumatic cylinders, delivering greater accuracy than indirect analog monitoring with potentiometers or linear position systems.

The WIM45 detects the position of a piston on standard pneumatic cylinders by utilising a series of Hall elements that sense the piston magnet and send a signal back to the processor. Users can reverse the sensor’s analog output slope by rotating the sensor 180°. This feature eliminates the need for two separate sensors and helps streamline the production process. The WIM45’s immunity to EMC also exceeds IEC EN60947-5-2 and EN61000-4-6 standards.

With a housing size of 72 mm long and 5 mm wide, the sensor is equipped with a robust mounting system to ensure stability during operation. Two pre-fixed tips are located on each end of the sensor to help seat the sensor in the T-groove until the screw is tightened. This ensures easy, single-handed mounting — even while the sensor is upside down. The screws are made with a tool steel alloy that ensures stability and resistance to vibration under harsh conditions.

WIM45 sensors include a broad range of accessories, from precision mounting to wire-strain relief products, to facilitate installation in all T-groove pneumatic cylinders.