An inductive proximity sensor detects metal objects without touching them. It is used to check the position of a cylinder, count metal parts, detect gear teeth or confirm that a machine guard is closed. Because it has no moving parts and is sealed, it keeps working for years in oil, dust and vibration.
How an inductive sensor works
The sensor creates a high-frequency magnetic field in front of its active face. When metal enters this field, small currents flow in the metal and weaken the field. The sensor detects this change and switches its output. It ignores plastic, wood, paper and other non-metal materials.
Four things to choose
1. Size
Datalogic IS sensors come in thread sizes from M5 up to M18. Larger sensors have a longer sensing distance. Small sizes such as M8 fit tight spaces on compact machines.
2. Sensing distance and mounting
Flush (shielded) sensors can be mounted level with the metal around them, which protects the face from damage. Non-flush sensors stick out but sense further. Always use about 75–80% of the nominal distance in practice, because the real distance depends on the metal type and temperature. Steel gives the full distance; aluminium, brass and copper give less.
3. Output
Most sensors are 3-wire DC types with a PNP or NPN output, normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC). Match this to your PLC input card.
4. Connection
A cable version is wired directly; a connector version (M8 or M12) is quicker to replace.
Popular Datalogic models
| Model | Size | Mounting | Distance | Output | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IS-08-G1-S1 | M8, short | Flush | 2 mm | PNP NO, 200 mA | M8 3-pole connector |
| IS-12-A1-03 | M12 | Flush | 2 mm | PNP NO, 200 mA | 2 m cable |
Both run on 10 to 30 Vdc, are IP67 rated and have a nickel-plated brass housing. The IS-12-A1-03 switches up to 1000 Hz and the IS-08-G1-S1 up to 500 Hz, enough for counting most gear teeth and parts. We also stock IS-12-A1-S2, IS-12-C1-S2, IS-18-G1-S2 and IS-18-L1-S2 for other sizes and distances.
Installation tips
- Keep the gap between two sensors mounted side by side at least as wide as the sensor diameter, so they do not interfere.
- Do not over-tighten the nuts on small sensors; follow the torque in the datasheet.
- Protect the cable from hot surfaces, sharp edges and moving parts.
- Check the LED on the sensor: it confirms the output is switching before you look at the PLC.
Get the right sensor from VXT Sensor
VXT Sensor, Noida, supplies genuine Datalogic sensors across India. Send us your machine details, the object or mark you want to detect and the distance, and we will suggest the right model, share the datasheet and confirm price and delivery. Contact VXT Sensor or browse the full Datalogic product range.
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