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Sensors for Pneumatic Systems - Magnetic & Proximity

Knowing What's Happening, All the Time

A machine without sensors is blind. Doesn't know if a part arrived. Doesn't know if a cylinder moved. Fokca sensors give machines eyes. Inductive proximity for metal detection – 1 to 40mm. Capacitive for any material – plastics, wood, liquids. Magnetic for cylinder position – 5 to 70mm. Housings M8 to M30. PNP or NPN. IP67 rated.

Photoelectric sensors – through-beam up to 20 meters, retro-reflective to 8 meters, diffuse to 1 meter. Magnetic switches for T-slot, C-slot, band mount cylinders. Pressure sensors with digital display, analog output 4-20mA or 0-10V, vacuum to 10 bar. Limit switches with roller plunger, roller lever, adjustable rod. Brackets, cables, housings – everything to mount them.


Industrial Sensors

Automation runs on feedback. A machine without sensors is blind – it doesn't know if a part is present, if a cylinder has extended, if pressure has dropped. Fokca industrial sensors give your machines the eyes they need.



What Sensors Do?

Sensors detect. They tell the control system what's happening in the physical world. Position. Presence. Pressure. Without them, you're guessing.


Proximity Sensors – Detecting Without Touching 


TypeDetectsRangeBest For
InductiveMetal only1–40 mmCylinder position detection, metal part presence
CapacitiveMetal, plastic, wood, liquid2–25 mmLevel detection, non-metal object sensing
MagneticMagnetic fields5–70 mmPneumatic cylinder position sensing


Inductive Sensors – What You Need to Know

• Housing diameters: M8, M12, M18, M30. Rectangular styles also available.

• Output: PNP (sourcing) or NPN (sinking). NO or NC programmable.

• Connection: 3-wire DC. 2-wire DC/AC options.

• Protection: IP67 standard. IP69K for washdown.

• Temperature: -25°C to +70°C.


Photoelectric Sensors – Light-Based Detection 


ModeRangeUse When
Through-beamUp to 20 mLong-distance, highly reliable detection. Emitter and receiver are separate. Requires precise alignment
Retro-reflectiveUp to 8 mMedium range with easy setup. Requires a reflector. Polarized versions handle shiny objects well
Diffuse-reflectiveUp to 1 mShort range using a single device. Less precise for distance control
Background suppression30–300 mmPrecise position detection. Effectively ignores background interference

 

Features That Matter

• Visible red light – easy alignment

• Adjustable sensitivity – fine-tune for your application

• Light-on/dark-on selectable – flexibility in setup

• IP67 – survives harsh environments

 

Magnetic Switches – For Cylinder Position

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• Reed switches: Simple, economical. For general use.

• Solid-state switches: Longer life, faster response. No contact wear.

• Mounting: Band mount, T-slot, C-slot. Match your cylinder groove.

• Output: 2-wire or 3-wire (PNP/NPN).

• LED indicator: Visual confirmation. Saves troubleshooting time.

 

Pressure Sensors – Monitoring the Invisible

• Electronic pressure sensors: Digital display, programmable switching.

• Analog output: 4-20mA or 0-10V. For continuous monitoring.

• Pressure ranges: Vacuum (-100 kPa) to 10 bar.

• Connections: R1/8, G1/8, G1/4.

• Applications: System pressure monitoring, pressure drop detection, pump control.

 

Limit Switches – Simple and Tough


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• Standard limit switches: Durable, high current capacity.

• Miniature limit switches: Compact for tight spaces.

• Actuator types: Roller plunger, roller lever, adjustable rod, push plunger.

• Contact configuration: 1NO+1NC standard. SPDT, DPDT options.



What You Need to Mount Them?


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• Sensor brackets: For proximity, photoelectric, limit switches.

• Cables: Pre-wired, M8 and M12 connectors, various lengths.

• Protective housings: For washdown, high temperature.

• Reflectors: For retro-reflective sensors.



How to Actually Choose a Sensor?

For Position Detection:

1. Material: Metal → inductive. Any material → capacitive or photoelectric.

2. DistanceShort (<10mm) → inductive. Medium (10mm-1m) → photoelectric. Long (>1m) → through-beam.

3. EnvironmentDusty/dirty → through-beam. Washdown → IP69K inductive.


◆ For Cylinder Position:

1. Cylinder typeT-slot, C-slot, or band mount → matching magnetic switch.

2. OutputMatch your PLC input (PNP or NPN).

3. EnvironmentStandard or high-temperature.


◆ For Pressure Monitoring:

1. Pressure rangeSensor must cover your operating pressure.

2. OutputSwitching only, or analog monitoring?

3. DisplayDigital for local reading, or remote only.



Common Problems and Likely Causes 


ProblemWhat to Check
False triggeringElectrical noise or stray light. Check shielding and adjust sensitivity
No detectionIncorrect sensing distance or misalignment. Check specifications and realign
Intermittent operationLoose connections or damaged cable. Check wiring and replace cable if needed
Magnetic switch not workingIncorrect type for cylinder groove. Check compatibility
Photoelectric unstableDirty lens or reflective background. Clean lens and adjust position





Questions Customers Actually Ask

Q1: PNP vs NPN – what's the difference?

PNP (sourcing) switches the positive voltage to the load. NPN (sinking) switches ground to the load. Choose based on your PLC input type.


Q2: Shielded vs unshielded – which do I need?

Shielded sensors can be flush-mounted in metal but have shorter sensing distances. Unshielded have longer sensing distances but need space around the sensing face.


Q3: Can I use magnetic switches on any cylinder?

Only cylinders with magnetic pistons. Most ISO standard cylinders offer magnetic piston options.


Q4: Reed vs solid-state – what's the difference?

Reed switches are economical, simple, but have limited life in high-cycle applications. Solid-state have unlimited life, faster response, but cost more.


Q5: Hazardous locations – do you have sensors?

Yes, select explosion-proof sensors are available. Tell us your requirements.



Why Fokca for Sensors?

One source for proximity, photoelectric, magnetic, pressure, and limit switches. Compatible with major global brands. IP67/IP69K protection for real industrial environments. Competitive pricing. Technical support that helps you choose. Most items in stock.

 

Contact us with your application. We'll help you find the right sensor – the first time.


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