MD / MP – hydraulic cylinders with magnetic piston position sensing (intermediate & end positions)
Double-acting hydraulic cylinders MD (ISO 6020/2, tie-rod construction) and MP (compact aluminium) with an integrated magnetic piston for accurate piston-position sensing at any chosen point along the stroke. One or more SH, SR or SP sensors are fixed to the cylinder body and signal the piston position straight to the PLC — no external sensor, no extra cable. Sensing of chosen piston positions (intermediate and end) — not continuous motion tracking.
FAQ — MD / MP cylinders
Click a question — the answer appears below. Verified against Conforti Oleodinamica technical documentation.
Useful articles from our Technical Centre: Position sensors for hydraulic cylinders — overview → How to choose a double-acting hydraulic cylinder — 7 steps → Interchangeability of competitor cylinders to ISO → All articles in the Technical Centre →
Configure your MD or MP hydraulic cylinder online
Set the series (MD or MP), bore, mounting, stroke and sensor type directly in the manufacturer's CodeWizard. It builds the exact cylinder, generates the configuration code (SKU) and a technical datasheet, lets you download the CAD model, and sends your request for quotation straight to us — no separate inquiry form needed.
Position sensing: the MD cylinder is configured in the CD / DK / MD tool, the MP cylinder in the RP / MP / RQ tool — choose the matching configurator below.
Configurator not loading? Open the configurator in a new tab →
Specifications of the MD and MP hydraulic cylinders
MD and MP share the magnetic piston for piston-position sensing (intermediate and end positions). They differ in mounting: MD is ISO 6020/2 (14 mounting types, custom stroke), MP is compact aluminium (catalogue strokes).
Standard
MD: ISO 6020/2 / DIN 24554
MP: compact aluminium version
Operating pressure
MD: max. 160 bar
MP: max. 160 bar (Ø 80–100 mm: max. 100 bar)
Bore
MD: Ø 25 / 32 / 40 / 63 / 80 / 100 / 125 mm
MP: Ø 25 / 32 / 40 / 50 / 63 / 80 / 100 mm
Stroke
MD: any custom stroke
MP: 20 / 50 / 80 / 100 mm from stock
Mounting
MD: 14 ISO variants (flanges, trunnions, clevises...)
MP: 4 port variants (X, A, B, E)
Seals
S (PU) · L (PTFE) · H (Viton) · G (HFC)
Operating temperature −20 °C to +80 °CHow magnetic piston-position sensing works
The magnetic piston creates a permanent magnetic field. A sensor fixed to the cylinder body detects the piston passing its position and sends a signal to the PLC. No external sensor or extra cable is needed — everything is integrated directly into the cylinder.
Magnetic piston
The MD/MP cylinder piston is fitted with permanent magnets. It creates a permanent magnetic field without power — no battery, no electronics inside the piston.
Sensor on the tie-rod
One or more SH / SR / SP sensors are secured into grooves or onto the tie-rods of the cylinder body. The sensor position is adjustable — individually for each application.
Signal to the PLC
As the piston passes the sensed position, the sensor switches the output signal (PNP or REED contact). The PLC receives the position-reached information and can control the next cycle.
Reliable feedback
Detection of part clamping, confirmation of extend and retract, process status monitoring. One or two sensors cover both ends of the stroke — complete feedback without sensor rods.
SH, SR and SP — which sensor for which application
All sensors respond to the magnetic field of the piston. They differ in technology, output signal and recommended use.
PNP magnetoresistive
REED contact
Sensor for MP (compact)
MD, MP or servo TD / TK — which cylinder for position sensing?
MD and MP detect the piston at chosen points (intermediate and end positions) — the piston either is or is not at a given point. The TD/TK servo measures the absolute position continuously over the whole stroke. The choice depends on whether you need feedback about state (2 positions) or about motion (the whole stroke).
Where MD and MP are most often used
Automotive welding lines, injection moulding machines and moulds, workpiece clamping on CNC, assembly machines, manipulators and feeders — anywhere the PLC needs contactless feedback about the piston end position. MD (ISO 6020/2) is a direct replacement for CD/DK with a sensor, MP (compact aluminium) fits into tight installations. A direct replacement for Parker, Bosch Rexroth or Festo with a magnetic sensor.
Real-world deployments: Cylinders for handling and lifting → Cylinders for test rigs and clamping →
Need help choosing a cylinder for your application?3D models and 2D drawings MD / MP
Download a 3D model or 2D drawing for your configured MD or MP hydraulic cylinder. The model matches the bore, rod, mounting and stroke from the configurator.
How to get a 3D model or drawing
- 1Configure the cylinder — bore, rod, mounting, stroke and sensor type
- 2Note the code — the cylinder code is shown in the right panel of the configurator
- 3Open the Code Wizard — go to the CAD page and enter the code in the Code Wizard field
- 4Choose a format and download — STEP, IGES, Parasolid, DWG, DXF, PDF
CAD configurator and technical documentation
How the magnetic sensors on the tie rods work
The MD series cylinders have the same technical parameters, dimensions and options as the standard CD and DK, but in addition they are equipped with a magnetic piston and a stainless steel tube. Along the tube, one or more magnetic sensors can be fitted to the tie rods to detect the passage of the piston at the sensor location, type SR or SH.
The SR and SH sensors detect the magnetic piston passing beneath them and switch an electrical circuit. The sensors are fixed to the tie rods using STA / STB / STC / STD brackets. Special programmable sensors are also available on request.
- The voltage and current must never exceed the values in the sensor table.
- Current peaks can be caused by capacitive loads (cables longer than 3 m), voltage peaks by inductance (relays, valves, contactors).
- Magnetic interference can be caused by ferromagnetic masses (e.g. cylinder seats in moulds) or strong magnetic fields (motors, coils, inverters).
- The cylinder stroke must be longer than the minimum value; under strong vibration there is a risk of false switching.
Why Conforti via hydraulika.store
We are the authorised distributor of the Italian manufacturer Conforti Oleodinamica for the Czech Republic, Slovakia and the EU. Original cylinders with the full manufacturer warranty, local technical support and invoicing in EUR.
Conforti has had an ISO 9001 certified quality management system for 18+ years. Business processes audited periodically.
For urgent orders Conforti guarantees production within 48 hours of confirmation. Short standard lead times.
Every cylinder undergoes an individual test protocol to ISO 10100 before dispatch. Records are kept in the system.
Manufactured in Monza (Lombardy). Proven design to ISO 6020/2 and ISO 6022, DIN 24554 / 24333.
Technical consultations, online configurator, CAD models, invoicing in EUR. Spare parts kept in stock.
Original Conforti cylinders with the full manufacturer warranty. No re-exports or aftermarket. A direct distribution agreement.
Spare parts available from stock — from seal kits through pistons to rods. Fast return to operation without waiting for a whole new cylinder.
14 cylinder series — ISO 6020/2, ISO 6022 heavy-duty, compact and servo cylinders. One supplier for standard through to the most demanding applications.
If you have any questions, please contact us — Adam Tomášek, sales & technical representative and authorized distributor of Italian Conforti Oleodinamica hydraulic cylinders for CZ, SK and the EU since 2023, who prepared this content for you. Contact →