Precision Limit Switches

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Precision Limit Switches

Limit switches are one of the most common presence sensing devices used in industrial controls. Activated when an object makes physical contact with the actuator, they provide an electric or pneumatic signal. Choose limit switch type based on environmental factors and available space, then choose actuator style based on the mechanical setup of the application.

Limit switches are popular for presence sensing in industrial controls. Metrol miniature limit switches offer incredible precision with repeatability down to 0.5 microns. With a service life of up to three million cycles, these precision switches are perfect for robotic and machine tool applications. Their small sizes (down to 4mm barrel) accommodate very tight mounting spaces.

Precision Touch Limit Switches
- 3 micron or 5 micron accuracy
High Precision Touch and Tool Setter Switches
- 0.5 micron accuracy
Ball Plunger Limit Switches
- 10 micron accuracy
High Temperature Precision Limit Switches
- 10 micron accuracy
High Vacuum Resistance Precision Limit Switches
- 3 and 10 micron accuracy

Stainless Steel
IEC IP40 to IP67, depending on model
1 million to 10 million cycles mechanical service life (depending on model)
One set of N.O. / N.C. contacts (depending on model)
2 meter cable, 3 meter cable, or 0.5m core wire connection (depending on model)

Why choose a Precision Limit Switch

Ultra Precise

Traditional limit switches and even electronic proximity sensors are limited in terms of accuracy and repeatability – perhaps on the order of 10s of microns. Laser distance sensors have analog outputs that are precise to about 8 microns, but also have a much higher cost. These cost-effective, ultra precise mechanical limit switches have repeatability down to 10, 5, 3, and even 0.5 microns (µm) depending on the specific model. That’s 1/2000th of a millimeter. For scale: a piece of paper is typically 70-180 µm, a human hair is typically 50-60 µm wide, and a red blood cell is 6-8 microns in width. This level of precision is required in many machine tool and robotics applications These precision limit switches can also retain that level of precision for three million cycles. And while you have to constantly adjust the sensitivity of electronic sensors due to changes in temperature, magnetic fields or metal particles, these mechanical switches are largely unaffected by their environment. Temperature stable models are even available with no temperature drift from 0-2000C (32-3920F).

Tiny Footprint

Along with their high precision these limit switches are also some of the smallest switches/sensors available. Their tiny size allows them to be mounted in extremely tight locations. With a 4mm diameter barrel and length of only 12.8 mm; model BP4SWA (shown to the left) is the smallest precision limit switch on the market In addition to the 4mm smooth barrel these switches are also available in 5mm and 6mm smooth barrel, as well as M5, M6, M8, & M10 threaded barrels. While the smallest versions use “core wire” due to space constraints, larger models typically include rugged 2m or 3m pigtail cables and have LED indicators built-in.

Why Precision Switch

Precision Touch
(3 micron repeat accuracy)

Precision Touch: PT / PTP Series
Ultra-small design (M5 or Ø5) barrel diameter
1.5mm plunger diameter
3 micron (µm) repetitive accuracy
No movement differential
Dustproof / water-resistant (IP67) models available
Stainless steel housings
Metal bearing
N.O. or N.C. switching outputs
0.5m wire or 2m cable connections

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90-Degree Straight Touch
Limit Switches

90-degree cable orientation
Slim design
Long-stroke models available
Stainless steel housing
Metal bearing
Straight-touch and straight needle touch available
N.O. or N.C. switching outputs
3m cable connection

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Low Contact Force
Precision Touch

Low Contact Force Limit Switches: CSFN / CS / CSJ
0.1N and 0.5N contact force
5 micron (µm) and 10 micron (µm) repeat accuracy
Stainless steel housings
Metal bearing
Straight-touch and straight needle touch available
N.O. switching outputs
3m cable connection

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Ball Plunger
(10 micron repeat accuracy)

Precision Limit Switches: BP / BP4S / BP5M Series
Indexing positioning ball plunger combined with touch switch for confirmation signal
10 micron (µm) repetitive accuracy
Dual function reduces number of components required
Higher contact force ideal for indexing
N.O. switching outputs
0.5m core wire or 2m cable connections