Proximity Sensors

Choosing Proximity Sensors components

Proximity sensor selection hinges on target material, sensing distance, and the available mounting hole or surface. Inductive sensors detect ferrous and non-ferrous metals; capacitive sensors detect any material including liquids and granulates. The two are not interchangeable on most applications.

Specs to confirm before ordering:

Technology: inductive (metal only) or capacitive (any material)
Rated sensing distance (Sn) with correction factor for non-ferrous metals on inductive types
Flush vs. non-flush (embeddable vs. non-embeddable) mounting
Output: PNP or NPN, NO or NC, 2-wire AC, 2-wire DC, NAMUR (intrinsically safe)
Supply voltage: 10–30 VDC, 20–250 VAC, or specific legacy ranges
Housing thread or shape: M8, M12, M18, M30, rectangular, ring
Cable length or M8/M12 connector style
Environmental rating (IP67 minimum, IP69K for washdown)

The most common installation mistake is using a flush sensor in a non-flush hole or vice versa — flush sensors are shielded and tolerate being mounted in a metal recess but have shorter range; non-flush sensors give longer range but must not be surrounded by metal. Mixing the two cuts effective range by 30–60 percent and produces intermittent reads.

Typical applications: end-of-stroke detection on pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders (with C-slot or T-slot magnetic switches as a related product family), part-present checking in machining fixtures, level detection of conductive liquids (capacitive through plastic walls), and rotary encoder substitution for low-resolution position feedback. On legacy machines, exact OEM replacement matters — bracket footprint and trigger-target geometry are designed around a specific sensing range.

For discontinued proximity sensors, request a quote with the OEM number — surplus and new-old-stock are routinely available.

Do you stock obsolete proximity sensors from Turck, IFM, and Pepperl+Fuchs?

Yes. Discontinued Bi-series, IF-codes, and NBN/NBB-codes are regularly sourced. Send the full part number including all suffix characters.

Will a PNP sensor work in place of an NPN?

Only if the PLC input card supports sourcing inputs. Sinking-only inputs require NPN. Sourcing-only require PNP. Modern cards are often switchable; older cards are usually fixed.

What is the correction factor for non-ferrous metals?

Roughly: aluminum 0.4, brass 0.5, copper 0.4, stainless steel 0.7. A sensor rated 4 mm Sn for steel will see aluminum at about 1.6 mm. Factor 1 versions correct for this internally.

Can capacitive sensors detect through container walls?

Yes, through thin plastic and glass for conductive liquids. Sensitivity adjustment is usually required, and metal containers will not work.

How long is shipping from St. Louis?

In-stock items ship same or next business day. US orders over $50 ship free. International over $350 ships free.

What is the warranty?

12 months functional warranty on every unit, including surplus and refurbished stock.

Proximity Sensors

Autonics PR12-4DN2 Cylindrical Inductive Proximity Sensors

Autonics PR12-4DP Cylindrical Inductive Proximity Sensors

Autonics PR12-4DP2 Cylindrical Inductive Proximity Sensors

Autonics PR18-5AC Cylindrical Inductive Proximity Sensors

Autonics PR18-5AO Cylindrical Inductive Proximity Sensors

Autonics PR18-5DN Cylindrical Inductive Proximity Sensors

Autonics PR18-5DN2 Cylindrical Inductive Proximity Sensors

Autonics PR18-5DP Cylindrical Inductive Proximity Sensors

Autonics PR18-8AC Cylindrical Inductive Proximity Sensors

Autonics PR18-8AO Cylindrical Inductive Proximity Sensors

Autonics PR18-8DN Cylindrical Inductive Proximity Sensors

Autonics PR18-8DN2 Cylindrical Inductive Proximity Sensors

Autonics PR18-8DP Cylindrical Inductive Proximity Sensors

Autonics PR18-8DP2 Cylindrical Inductive Proximity Sensors

Autonics PR30-10AC Cylindrical Inductive Proximity Sensors

Autonics PR30-10AO Cylindrical Inductive Proximity Sensors

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