AirTAC Pneumatics
AirTAC DMS Series Electronic Cylinder Switches
AirTAC DMS is a solid-state electronic position switch that reads the piston magnet on magnet-equipped cylinders - with 2-wire, NPN and PNP outputs, 2-10 m leads, M8/M12 connectors and an IP68 RW version.
inventory_2143 models availableSeries Overview
The AirTAC DMS series is an electronic, solid-state cylinder position switch. It detects the magnet ring in the piston of a magnet-equipped pneumatic cylinder and reports piston position to a PLC or relay input. Because the sensing element is solid-state, there are no reed contacts to wear, pit or bounce - the output is a clean electronic signal every time the piston reaches the switch point.
The series line-up covers four profile letters - E, G, H and J. The letter selects the mounting or groove type that fits a particular cylinder body; it is a fit code, not a performance grade, so a DMSJ is not better than a DMSG - it simply suits a different groove. Output options are 2-wire (10-28 V DC), 3-wire NPN and 3-wire PNP (both 5-30 V DC). Wiring runs from flying leads coded 020, 030, 050 and 100 for 2, 3, 5 and 10 m, or M8 and M12 connector versions with 0.5 to 3 m pigtails for machines wired with pre-made cables. Standard protection is IP64; the RW version adds waterproof, oil-resistant and flex-resistant construction rated IP68.
Two practical facts shape every DMS purchase. First, the switch only works on a cylinder that actually carries a piston magnet - on an unmagnetised piston it never signals. Second, the profile letter must match the cylinder body: send us your cylinder series and model and we confirm the correct letter before you order.
Browse Models
Typical Applications
Clamp confirmation on machining fixtures
A DMSG or DMSJ switch mounted on the SC or SI cylinder that closes a machining fixture signals the PLC the moment the piston reaches full clamp, so the cycle only starts on a verified position - with no reed contacts to fail after millions of cycles.
Packaging machinery in washdown zones
On packaging lines exposed to washdown or cutting oil, the DMS-RW version keeps its IP68 waterproof, oil-resistant, flex-resistant rating on the SDA compact cylinders driving sealing and forming arms, where a standard IP64 switch would not survive.
End-of-stroke detection on transfer units
M8 and M12 connector versions of the DMS plug straight into the pre-made sensor cables used on conveyor transfer stations and lifters, giving fast, error-proof replacement on SU cylinders without stripping lead ends in the panel.
Assembly cells with sourcing PLC inputs
A 3-wire PNP DMS on a MAL or SI cylinder feeding a sourcing input card gives the assembly controller a positive end-of-stroke signal for part presence and slide position, with the 5-30 V DC supply window covering common 24 V DC PLC rails.
How to Choose the Right Model
Match the profile letter to your cylinder body first - that decision decides whether the switch physically fits the groove. Because the letter is a fit code rather than a grade, confirm it against your cylinder model with us instead of guessing. Then pick the output to suit the input card: a 2-wire switch suits a simple series-connected input, while 3-wire NPN matches a sinking PLC input and 3-wire PNP matches a sourcing input. Check the supply rail before ordering: 2-wire versions need 10-28 V DC, 3-wire versions accept 5-30 V DC. Where coolant, cutting oil, washdown or constant cable flexing is present, take the RW version with its IP68 rating.
Step outside the series in two cases. If the circuit is AC or the supply voltage is high, the reed-based AirTAC CMS series covers 5-240 V AC/DC on a 2-wire output. If the install is tight and a simple 2-wire electronic switch is enough, the mini AirTAC EMS series is the compact option. Before ordering a DMS, confirm five points: (1) cylinder series and groove, (2) output type - 2-wire, NPN or PNP, (3) supply voltage, (4) lead length or M8/M12 connector, (5) RW or standard construction. Round-body brackets (F-MQ) and tie-rod bore brackets (F-ACT) are separate accessories, not part of the switch.
Quick checklist
- ✓ Required force at your working pressure
- ✓ Stroke and available mounting space
- ✓ Port / thread type (PT / NPT / G)
- ✓ Sensor / magnet option (-S)?
- ✓ Side load — consider a guided model
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the output type. The 2-wire versions run on 10-28 V DC. The 3-wire NPN and PNP versions accept 5-30 V DC, which covers the standard 24 V DC PLC supply. Note that DMS is an electronic switch with DC-only ratings - it does not share the wider 5-240 V AC/DC range of the reed-based CMS series.
The letter is a mounting or groove fit code that matches the switch to a particular cylinder body type. It is not a performance grade - a DMSJ is not better than a DMSG, it fits a different groove. Send us your cylinder series and model and we confirm the correct letter before you order, so the switch seats correctly in or on the body.
Only if the cylinder carries a piston magnet - on an unmagnetised piston the switch never signals. AirTAC cylinders such as the SC, SI, SU, SDA and MAL can be specified with the magnet option. Then confirm the profile letter against your cylinder body. Older CS1 and DS1 sensor positions can also be reviewed with us when you have the cylinder model and existing code to hand.
Use a 2-wire switch for a simple series-connected input; use 3-wire NPN for a sinking PLC input or 3-wire PNP for a sourcing input. For wiring, choose a 2, 3, 5 or 10 m flying lead, or an M8 or M12 connector version with a 0.5 to 3 m pigtail when the machine uses pre-made cables. Standard protection is IP64; for coolant, oil splash, washdown or constant cable flex, order the -RW version rated IP68. Every part we ship is genuine AirTAC - request a quote with your full part code such as DMSG-020, DMSGN-030, DMSJ-M08 or DMSH-050-RW.
Authorized Export Seller
Genuine AirTAC parts produced by the AirTAC factory.
1-Year Warranty
Covers non-human-caused product damage.
Fast Dispatch
Standard models usually ship in 3-4 days.
Fast Reply
Most inquiries answered within 7-8 hours.
Request a Quote
Send us the model number, quantity and destination. We confirm price, stock and lead time — usually within 7-8 hours.