Cylinder Position Sensors

Positek supplies a range of cylinder sensors that are well suited to hydraulic and pneumatic applications, offering high precision in harsh environments such as industrial machinery.

Why choose a Cylinder Position Sensor

Our hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder position sensors have significant advantages over similar sensors; they are more compact and more robust and require no sensitive magnetic components. As with every linear transducer that we manufacture, our cylinder position sensors use our own contactless technology.

Our Cylinder Position Sensors

One of the most popular sensors within our range is the P100 style cylinder position sensor; an extremely durable and highly flexible linear sensor. This hydraulic cylinder position sensor is particularly space-efficient and responsive along almost its entire length. As a non-contact linear position sensor, the P100 also offers unrivalled durability and boasts an extremely low failure rate. We also offer the P130 which is a long stroke cylinder sensor offering measurement length up to 1485mm.

For applications where environmental resistance, cost and service life are particularly important, or if you are looking for an alternative to a high-temperature lvdt, we would recommend the P106 internally mounted cylinder sensor. This cylinder transducer is extremely robust and specifically designed for demanding hydraulic or pneumatic environments, offering outstanding performance at temperatures of up to 125°C.

Uses for Cylinder Position Sensors

Our cylinder position sensors are used within Hydraulic and Pneumatic machines for the following applications.
 

Hydraulic machines

The basic rule of hydraulics is to use incompressible liquid so that the applied pressure on one end is equal to the resulting pressure on the other end. Hydraulics is used in many applications such as industrial machines. The most common everyday use of a hydraulic machine is in car brakes.

Pneumatic machines

In contrast with hydraulic machines, pneumatic machines use the power of compressed gas to create force in a reciprocating linear motion.

Both hydraulic and pneumatic machines are characterised by the presence of pistons. In the past, traditional linear position technologies were used. An example of this is the linear position sensor.

These days, compact cylinder position sensors are preferred especially in pneumatic machines because it is easier to install. These are also shock and vibration resistant and are highly durable and can withstand extreme environmental conditions.

Other applications include car brakes, aeroplanes, garbage trucks, factory machinery, and the like.

Can I get a Cylinder Position Sensor Made to Order?

There are different specification for each position sensor. Regardless if you are looking for a linear position sensor or cylinder position sensor, you must consider the following factors:

Determine the required stroke length. The stroke length of the position sensor should match the stroke length of the cylinder. You’ll need to call out the electrical stroke in order to specify a position sensor.

Determine the type of Electrical output. The most common output used in positions sensors is analog. Most likely, the architectural design will dictate the type of output chose.

Determine the physical sensor design. There is a variety of housing styles available for position sensors. Anodised aluminium enclosure is the standard type of housing for sensors. However, for more rugged applications, sensors housed in all aluminium steel are available.

If your desired application requires custom-made specifications, Positek will cater to your needs. our custom position sensors can be customised to your desired specifications, no matter the demands of the application may be. You can contact the engineering team to help you.