Inductive distance sensors
Measure distances on metal objects accurate to a micrometer
Product portfolio
Subminiature sensors
- World’s smallest inductive distance sensor
- Cylindrical sensors from Ø4 mm
- Flat sensor designs starting with 4.7 mm in height
- Measuring ranges up to 3 mm
- Completely integrated evaluation electronics
Miniature sensors
- Cylindrical sensors from Ø6,5 mm
- Ultrashort versions with 22 mm housing length
- Rectangular sensors in a stainless steel housing
- Measuring ranges up to 3 mm
- Minimized space requirements
Standard sensors
- Dimensions from M12 to M30
- Large measuring ranges up to 24 mm
- Rectangular or cylindrical designs
- Cost-efficient solution for precision measurements
Linearized characteristic curve
- Measuring range configurable by teach-in
- Negligible production lot variations
- Internal temperature compensation
- Easy integration into the controller
- Variants with an additional digital output
Factor 1 – same measuring range for all metals
- Two to four times larger measuring range for aluminum
- Suitable for measurements on non-ferromagnetic metals
- Adjustable measuring range limits (teach)
- Great flexibility in construction and installation
High-precision and high-sensitivity sensors
- Large signal changes for even the smallest position changes
- Very high resolutions in the nanometer range
Your benefits
Maximum flexibility
Wide selection of cylindrical and cubical designs with current and voltage output Large measuring ranges also in small housings
Simple and economical solutions for demanding measuring tasks
High measuring speeds and excellent repeat accuracy Measuring factor 1 sensor with same measuring range on all metals High-sensitivity sensors for measuring even the smallest position changes Sensors with resolutions in the nanometer range
Fast installation and commissioning
Negligible production lot variations thanks to factory calibration Elimination of installation tolerances using 1-point teach Different teach functions for fine adjustment
Easy evaluation with minimum programming effort
Sensors with a linearized characteristic curve offer a directly proportional output signal Additional configurable digital output for end position monitoring
Maximum process safety
High-temperature stability and very good EMC properties Long service life thanks to rugged housing and contactless measuring principle
Applications
Distance-measuring, inductive sensors offer many application possibilities. A basic distinction is made between direct distance measurements/position feedback and indirect, specific measurements.
Technology
Inductive distance sensors (AlphaProx) are based on the same measuring principle as inductive proximity switches. They generate a high-frequency electromagnetic field near the sensing face. A metal object penetrating this area will change the field depending on object distance, material and size. The change is detected by the sensor and converted into a proportional output signal. Standard AlphaProx sensors operate all-analog which makes them capable of high measuring speed together with excellent repeat accuracy, low readout noise and high resolution.
Functionality of inductive sensors
- Output
- Connection diagrams
- Resolution
- Linearization
- Teach-in-functions
Mounting of inductive sensors
- Mounting instructions for cylindrical forms: Shielded (flush), unshielded (non-flush), quasi shielded or opposite mounting
- Maximum installation torque
- Mounting instructions for housings without threads
- Cable dimensions
proTect+ impermeability concept
- Sensors remain reliable and impermeable over their entire service life
- Shock-tested over the entire temperature range to simulate aging effects
- IP 69K protection against ingress of dust and high temperature, high pressure water
