Namco Controls Cylindicator Sensor Application Information

®

Reference
Information

Cylindicator Sensor
Design Guide

Cylindicator Sensor Installation

CYLINDICATOR MAY
ALSO BE MOUNTED
ON THIS SURFACE.
SPACER MAY BE
REQUIRED

PROBE

Proximity Sensors

AIR

GAP

CYLINDICATOR SENSORS

Proper operation of your Namco Cylindicator depends in large
part on these factors:

Establishment of a proper air gap between
the probe face and the target.

The air gap is the actual distance between the tip of the probe
and the part of the piston which is the “target.” The target can
be the collar or cushion sleeve, cushion spear, or the end of
the rod inside the cylinder. This target must be close enough

to actuate the Cylindicator Sensor but not so close as to
actually contact the probe.

Experience has shown an air gap of 0.025 inches to be
optimum in most applications. The air gap should always be
greater than 0.015 inches and less than 0.045 inches, including
worst case tolerances. Gaps in excess of 0.045 inches are not
recommended and could result in inconsistent operation.

Assuring a minimum “step distance” between
the cushion collar and the piston rod.

Standard Namco Cylindicator Sensors have a nominal sensing
range of 0.080 inches beyond the stated probe length. The
minimum step distance (cushion to rod) must be greater than

0.095 inches to guarantee that the sensor will “drop out” when
the target is no longer present. This minimum step distance
accounts for mechanical tolerances, temperature effects, and
hysteresis effects.

Sensing a known metallic target.

In all applications referred to in this publication, the target is
assumed to be of a ferrous metal. Consult Namco if a different
metal such as aluminum, brass, or stainless steel must be
used as the sensing range is reduced.

ADD SPACER IF REQUIRED.
TO USE SAME PROBE LENGTH
AT ROD END AS AT CAP END

PISTON

CUSHION
SPEAR

Figure 1

CUSHION COLLAR
OR SLEEVE

AIR
GAP

ROD

STEP
DISTANCE

Mounting to a proper cylinder endcap.

The clearance hole for the sensing probe must be 0.560"
diameter minimum/0.580" diameter maximum. The end block
must be designed so that the probe tip is flush to 0.04"
extended beyond surrounding metal within 0.5" of the probe
side walls.

Other Tips:

• Never operate the cylinder at pressures which exceed the
Cylindicator sensor’s ratings.

• Do not exceed ambient temperature range.

• The Cylindicator Sensor must be positioned so that the
target area (cushion spear, cushion collar, etc.) will com­pletely cover the probe sensing face when the sensor is
operated.

• Do not mount the Cylindicator Sensor on the bottom of the
cylinder. Debris could accumulate around the probe which
might cause damage or inconsistent operation.

• All Cylindicator Sensors are completely epoxy potted and as
such contain no serviceable parts inside. Do not remove
the cover or tamper with the cable or connector.

• Cylindicator Sensors must have the O-Ring probe seal that
is supplied with each unit installed around the probe before
mounting.

• Do not attempt to modify the probe by cutting, grinding,
filing, etc.

Mounting Dimensions and Template

CYLINDEREND

CAP MINIMUM

THICKNESS

1.00"

(25.4)

0.70"(17.0)

1.40"(35.0)

PROBECLEARANCE

DRILL & TAP 2HOLES

1/4-20NCx.500"DEEP

+++

C

L

(full scale)

0.56"(14.1)

0.58"(14.7)

OFCYLINDER

0.90"(23.0)

63

DIA.

DIA.

MIN.DIA.

100

Namco • 2013 West Meeting Street • Lancaster, SC 29720 • 1-803-286-8491 • FAX: [phone]

“Stroke To Go” vs. “Air Gap”

“Stroke To Go”

The amount of stroke remaining in the cylinder after
the Cylindicator Sensor activates.

NOTE: If a cylinder is mechanically restrained from
going full stroke — no target will be present for the
switch to detect (no switch output).

Target End View

Smaller diameter targets have less metal in the sensing field at a
constant air gap. Loss of stroke-to-go is more pronounced on
smaller bore cylinders as air gap increases.

Switch Actuated

Recommended nominal air gap distance provides the stated
maximum stroke to go.

Switch Actuated

Variations from the recommended nominal air gap distance results
in loss of stroke to go.

AIR GAP

LARGE

TARGET

AIR GAP = 0.025"

AIR GAP = 0.045"

PROBE

SMALL

TARGET

PROBE

TARGET

STROKE TO GO

PROBE

TARGET

LESS STROKE TO GO

RADIO
FREQUENCY
CONE

Proximity Sensors

Switch Probably Not Actuated

Increased variations from the recommended nominal air gap
distance results in little or no stroke to go and possible erratic
operation.

*Loss of stated maximum stroke to go can prevent the proximity sensor
from activating in plant equipment and tools with positive stops.

PROBE

AIR GAP > 0.045"

TARGET

LITTLE OR NO STROKE TO GO

2013 West Meeting Street • Lancaster, SC 29720

1-803-286-8491 • FAX: [phone]

www.namcocontrols.com

For technical assistance, call 1-800-NAMTECH

101