MK5101 ifm MK T-Slot Cylinder Sensor | GMR Position Sensor

MK5101 T-Slot Cylinder Sensor by ifm: Fast, Accurate Position Feedback

• MK5101 is a magnetic position sensor for pneumatic and hydraulic T-slot cylinders.
• It uses a GMR magnetoresistive cell. This gives fast, stable switching.
• Response sensitivity is 2.8 mT. Hysteresis stays below 1.5 mm.
• Repeatability is better than 0.2 mm. Travel speed exceeds 10 m/s.
• The sensor suits high-cycle machines. It reads piston position without contact.
• A yellow LED shows switching status. Setup checks take seconds.
• The 0.3 m PUR cable ends in an M8 A-coded connector. Snap-fit locking saves time.
• The drop-from-top clamp locks into the slot. No extra bracket is needed.
• This part fits standard T-slot cylinders. It is a direct replacement for many MK series sensors.

Technical Data

• Core identity
  • Brand: ifm
  • Model: MK5101
  • Series: MK T-slot cylinder sensor
  • Order code: MKT3028BBPKG/G/0,3M/ZH/AS
  • Module type: magnetic cylinder position sensor
• Measuring performance
  • Sensing cell: GMR magnetoresistive
  • Sensitivity: 2.8 mT
  • Repeatability: < 0.2 mm
  • Hysteresis: < 1.5 mm
  • Switching frequency: 10000 Hz
  • Travel speed: > 10 m/s
• Electrical data
  • Supply voltage: 10…30 V DC nominal
  • Current draw: < 10 mA typical
  • Output: 1 x PNP normally open
  • Voltage drop: max. 2.5 V DC
  • Current rating: 100 mA permanent
  • Power-on delay: max. 30 ms
  • Protection class: III
  • Reverse polarity protection: yes
  • Short-circuit protection: yes, pulsed
  • Overload protection: yes
• Temperature range
  • Operating: -25…85 °C
  • Storage: not published by the manufacturer
• Environmental resistance
  • Protection rating: IP 65 and IP 67
  • Housing: PA
  • Clamp: stainless steel
  • Relative humidity: not published by the manufacturer
  • MTTF: 3694 years
• Noise immunity
  • EMC: EN 61000-4-2, -4-3, -4-4, -4-6
  • Emissions: EN 55011 class B
• Physical data
  • Size (H x W x D): 25 x 5 x 6.5 mm
  • Weight: 12.1 g
  • Connector: M8, A-coded, 3 contacts
  • Cable: 0.3 m PUR

Mounting Guide

• Open the cylinder slot. Drop the sensor in from above.
• The self-locking clamp holds the body. No screw driver is needed for first fit.
• Tighten with a 1.5 mm hex key if the slot feels loose.
• Slide the sensor along the slot. Stop at the target switch point.
• Power the unit. Watch the yellow LED.
• Move the piston by hand. Confirm the LED changes at the right spot.
• Lock the clamp. Recheck the LED once more.
• Use the supplied rubber placeholder to close unused slots.
• Use the cable clip to route the lead away from moving parts.

Setup and Upkeep

• No calibration tool is required. The GMR cell works right out of the box.
• Swap sensors without reprogramming the PLC. The PNP output is standard.
• Clean the slot with dry air. Avoid sharp tools on the sensing face.
• Check the clamp screw at each service interval. Vibration can loosen it.
• Inspect the PUR cable for cuts. Replace the lead if the jacket is damaged.
• The pulsed short-circuit guard resets itself. A power cycle clears a fault.

Compatibility Notes

• Fits common T-slot cylinders in pneumatic and hydraulic lines.
• Works with standard M8 3-pin cordsets. Snap-fit locking holds the plug.
• The PNP normally open output suits most PLC digital inputs.
• Operates on 10…30 V DC. Check the supply class before wiring.
• Do not use on round-body or dovetail cylinders. The clamp will not seat.
• Keep strong external magnets away. They can shift the switch point.

Certifications

• cULus listed. UL approval no. C003, file E174191.
• UL rating: Type 1, limited voltage and current class 2, Ta -25…75 °C.
• Supply class 2 per cULus.
• EMC meets EN 61000-4 series and EN 55011 class B.
• Protection class III. Earth the machine frame as normal.

What Ships in the Box

• 1 x MK5101 sensor with 0.3 m PUR cable and M8 plug
• 1 x rubber placeholder
• 1 x cable clip

FAQ

• Will this sensor fit my cylinder?
  • Check the slot shape first. It must be a standard T-slot.
  • The body is 5 mm wide and 6.5 mm deep. Measure the groove before you order.
• Can I use it on a hydraulic cylinder?
  • Yes, if the slot matches and the fluid stays inside the tube.
  • Keep the cable end dry. The plug is IP 67 only when mated.
• How do I find the right switch point?
  • Slide the sensor with power on. The LED marks the active zone.
  • Set the point at mid-travel of the piston. This gives the best margin.
• Why does the output stay on?
  • A nearby magnet may hold the cell in its active state.
  • Move the sensor away from steel tools and other sensors.
• What causes a missed signal at high speed?
  • Check the input filter on the PLC. Slow filters can clip short pulses.
  • The sensor handles 10000 Hz. The controller is often the limit.
• Can I shorten the cable?
  • Yes, cut it and fit a new M8 plug. Keep the pin order.
  • Seal the joint well. Water entry is the top cause of field failure.
• Is a spare part still easy to buy?
  • Yes. The MK5101 sits in the current ifm line.
  • The product page was active as of 2026-10.