Inductive sensors

Design and Operating principle of inductive sensors

Inductive sensors belong to the category of position sensors and are often referred to as proximity switches. These are robust sensors that can safely and through non-contact, detect metallic objects and monitor their position. The copper coil installed in the sensors generates an electromagnetic alternating field. As soon as a metal object is within range of the inductive sensor, the magnetic field is damped or attenuated. The changed oscillation amplitudes of the magnetic field finally leads to the sensor circuit. This process is called the induction principle.

The distance to the object which triggers a circuit is also referred to as the sensing range [Sn] and is an important parameter of inductive sensors. Depending on the material of the object to be damped, a correction factor K must always be taken into account at the sensing range, which again reduces the actual distance.

Inductive sensors are available with flush and non-flush threads. The coil of flush sensors is again covered by an outer metal ring. As a result, it is more shielded from external influences, that can impair the electromagnetic field and promote faulty circuits. Due to the strong shielding, the inductive sensors with flush threads are suitable for installation in metal environments. They may be used flush with the metal surface. Non-flush sensors however, must not be installed flush. Only through an exposed active surface, the functionality of these sensors is obtained.

While capacitive sensors also detect non-metallic objects, the inductive sensors are pure "metal detectors".

Applications of inductive sensors

Inductive sensors are used in industrial automation for a variety of applications, such as:

• Factory automation
• Packaging technology or Handling technology
• Conveyor system technology
• Machine production
• Food industry

A typical application of these types of sensors is, for example, end position control and positioning in mechanical and plant engineering.

Order inductive sensors online from Automation24 - rapid delivery from stock

Automation24 offers you numerous inductive sensors from the category sensor systems at a low price. These include the high-quality brand manufacturers ifm electronic and M.D. Micro Detectors .

This mix of manufacturers covers a wide range of standard inductive sensors at low prices. Whether inductive sensors from ifm or M.D. Micro Detectors – you do not compromise on quality.

The portfolio of inductive sensors offered includes cuboid and cylindrical designs. The latter are available, for example, in M8, M12, M18 and M30 versions. The switching distances of the sensors ranges from 2 to 40 mm. With the size of the design, the size of the switching range also increases. Choose a small design for the precise detection of the smallest objects. For a larger design you should decide if you need to maintain an extended safe distance to the objects to be detected.

You can purchase standard inductive sensors with a plastic as well as metal housing with cable, connector or terminal connection in flush and non-flush versions. In addition, they are available for you with different protection ratings from IP65 to IP68/IP69K from stock. As a result, different areas of application are covered, from the food industry to machine tool construction and factory automation.