What are Inductive Proximity Sensors
Inductive proximity sensors are designed for contactless and wear-free detection of metal targets. They are extremely resistant to environmental influences (dirt, dust, moisture), are very reliable and feature high switching frequencies.
There are as many applications for inductive proximity sensors as there are inductive sensor models. Application examples include:
- detecting position/motion in machines,
- detecting the open/close position of grippers and pincers,
- detecting part in position,
- counting applications etc.
RET's product portfolio of inductive proximity sensors comprises Factor 1 uprox and uprox+ technology as well as versions with conventional ferrite core technology. We offer all standard connection technologies (cabled and pluggable) and electrical output types. Special applications often require special sensors - most requirements such as Factor 1, magnetic field immunity and environmental protection class IP68 / IP69K are fulfilled by our standard uprox+ sensors negating the need for special versions.
The TURCK product portfolio has the sensor for your application and include:
- Barrel shaped inductive proximity sensors
- Rectangular inductive proximity sensors including designs with a rotabable active face
- Ring sensors
- Inductive slot sensors
- Dual sensors for valve control
- Analog inductive sensors
- Inductive sensors for underwater applications
- Pressure-resistant inductive sensors
- Selective inductive sensors to differentiate between different metals
- and many more
Inductive factor 1 proximity sensors
The new generation of inductive sensors
The selection and installation of inductive sensors has been made more complex by the continuously growing demands of modern industrial automation. TURCK's uprox+ sensors operate with innovative non-ferrite coils and circuit boards, offering completely new application possibilities compared to conventional sensors which have a ferrite core and wound coil.
The inductive proximity sensors in the new uprox+ product range operate with highest switching distances, have no reduction factor (ie. same operating distance for all metals), are weld-field resistant, feature an extended temperature range, excellent EMC properties and have flexible mounting options making them easy to mount. This offers numerous advantages to the user as it is possible to limit the number of uprox+ sensors versions and still cover a broad range of applications. This standardisation simplifies purchasing, reduces stock holding and assists maintenance staff due to the reduced number of part numbers.
The sensors are available as standard versions in chrome-plated brass barrels or in stainless steel housings with a LPC front cap and special double lip seal for harsh environments or sudden temperature changes. (Conditions which are often found in the cleaning processes of the food and tooling industry). The teflon-coated brass versions offer extra protection against weld-splatter as experienced in the automotive industry during car body welding.
The strengths of our uprox+ inductive proximity sensor range
Factor 1
The innovative uprox+ inductive proximity sensors set new benchmarks in metal detection. Thanks to the non-ferrite coil and advanced circuit-board designs, the sensors operate without a reduction factor. Target materials such as iron, stainless steel, copper, aluminium and brass are detected at the same distance and with the highest precision.
Highest switching distance
The new uprox+ inductive sensors have the same switching distance to all metals and due to their patented coil technology, the switching distance is up to 250% larger than the distances which can be achieved with conventional inductive sensors with a ferrite core.
Partly-flush or full-flush mounting of non-flush sensors
All non-flush mountable rectangular uprox+ sensors can be mounted fully flush, with the sensor automatically reducing it's switching distance. This allows you to use a non-flush mountable inductive sensor which has a longer range in an application where only one side of the sensor is embedded, allowing you to detect your target at a distance which is not possible with a standard flush-mountable sensor. In addition to this, additional mechanical components and accessories to mount the non-flush sensor are not needed, making installation not only cheaper but also quicker and easier.
Recessed mounting of flush sensors
The new uprox+ inductive proximity sensors only require small metal-free zones. uprox+ flush mountable sensors are are capable of recessed mounting and can be recessed by half a turn to protect the sensors active face against mechanical damage.
Excellent EMC properties and magnetic field resistance
uprox+ inductive proximity sensors fulfill the EN 60947-5-2 requirements and passed tests successfully according EN 61000-4-6 conducted interferences. They are also immune to strong magnetic fields, such as those which are caused by electrical welding or when mounted near lifts and electrical furnaces.
Able to handle the harshest environments
A special double lip seal in the front cap and at the connector insert prevent the ingress of liquids even during high pressure cleaning cycles. Versions offering environmental protection class IP68 and IP69K are available. The threaded barrel and the front cap of the WD series are made of materials that are resistant to all common acid and alkaline cleaning agents and disinfectants.
Efficient standardisation
A single uprox+ inductive proximity sensor replaces many conventional sensor types. Purchase and logistics, as well as end-user service are simplified:
- The widest possible application range is achieved with only a few sensor versions
- Low average prices as special versions are not required
- Minimised training effort due to a lean product line
Extremely service-friendly and high system availability
uprox+ inductive proximity sensors are easy to mount, maintain and minimise the downtime of machines and systems:
- Many solutions are achieved with only a few device part numbers
- Easy to set up as the sensors have the highest switching distances
- Less mechanical damage as the flush mount sensors can be partially embedded.
- Protects against the ingress of liquids during cleaning processes.
- Training of maintenance staff reduced due to the reduced variety of sensor types
