Proximity sensors are used to sense the presence of objects or materials across a broad range of industrial and manufacturing applications. Key to their operation is that they don't require physical contact with the target or object being sensed. This is why they are often called non-contact sensors. One of the most common types of proximity sensor is the photoelectric sensor. These sensors detect objects directly in front of them by the detecting the sensors own transmitted light reflected back from an object's surface. A common arrangement is that both the emitter and receiver are housed in the same unit, but not all photoelectric sensors are constructed this way. A photoelectric sensor emits a light beam (visible or infrared) from its light-emitting element. A reflective-type photoelectric sensor is used to detect the light beam reflected from the target. A thru beam type sensor is used to measure the change in light quantity caused by the target crossing the optical axis.

An inductive sensor is a device that uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to detect or measure objects. An inductor develops a magnetic field when a current flows through it; alternatively, a current will flow through a circuit containing an inductor when the magnetic field through it changes. This effect can be used to detect metallic objects that interact with a magnetic field. Non-metallic substances such as liquids or some kinds of dirt do not interact with the magnetic field, so an inductive sensor can operate in wet or dirty conditions.

Retro reflective sensors are photoelectric sensors. They consist of an emitter and receiver in a single housing. The light produced by the emitter is reflected back to the receiver with a reflector. Whenever this light beam is obstructed, the output signal of the sensor changes state. Retro reflective sensors have been developed for many different fields of applications. Functional highlights like a sturdy casing and a compact design feature these sensors.

Retro reflective sensors are photoelectric sensors. They consist of an emitter and receiver in a single housing. The light produced by the emitter is reflected back to the receiver with a reflector. Whenever this light beam is obstructed, the output signal of the sensor changes state. Retro reflective sensors have been developed for many different fields of applications. Functional highlights like a sturdy casing and a compact design feature these sensors.

Proximity sensors are used to sense the presence of objects or materials across a broad range of industrial and manufacturing applications. Key to their operation is that they don't require physical contact with the target or object being sensed. This is why they are often called non-contact sensors. One of the most common types of proximity sensor is the photoelectric sensor. These sensors detect objects directly in front of them by the detecting the sensors own transmitted light reflected back from an objects surface. A common arrangement is that both the emitter and receiver are housed in the same unit, but not all photoelectric sensors are constructed this way. A photoelectric sensor emits a light beam (visible or infrared) from its light-emitting element. A reflective-type photoelectric sensor is used to detect the light beam reflected from the target. A thru beam type sensor is used to measure the change in light quantity caused by the target crossing the optical axis.

An inductive sensor is a device that uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to detect or measure objects.

An inductor develops a magnetic field when a current flows through it; alternatively, a current will flow through a circuit containing an inductor when the magnetic field through it changes.

This effect can be used to detect metallic objects that interact with a magnetic field.

Non-metallic substances such as liquids or some kinds of dirt do not interact with the magnetic field, so an inductive sensor can operate in wet or dirty conditions.

Proximity sensors are used to sense the presence of objects or materials across a broad range of industrial and manufacturing applications. Key to their operation is that they don't require physical contact with the target or object being sensed. This is why they are often called non-contact sensors. One of the most common types of proximity sensor is the photoelectric sensor. These sensors detect objects directly in front of them by the detecting the sensor's own transmitted light reflected back from an objects surface. A common arrangement is that both the emitter and receiver are housed in the same unit, but not all photoelectric sensors are constructed this way. A photoelectric sensor emits a light beam (visible or infrared) from its light-emitting element. A reflective-type photoelectric sensor is used to detect the light beam reflected from the target. A thru beam type sensor is used to measure the change in light quantity caused by the target crossing the optical axis.

An inductive sensor is a device that uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to detect or measure objects. An inductor develops a magnetic field when a current flows through it; alternatively, a current will flow through a circuit containing an inductor when the magnetic field through it changes. This effect can be used to detect metallic objects that interact with a magnetic field. Non-metallic substances such as liquids or some kinds of dirt do not interact with the magnetic field, so an inductive sensor can operate in wet or dirty conditions.

Magnetic proximity sensors are used for non-contact object detection beyond the normal limits of inductive sensors. Used with a separate damping magnet, they offer very long sensing ranges in a small package and can detect magnets through walls of non-ferrous metal, stainless steel, aluminium, plastic or wood. Depending on the orientation of the magnetic field the sensor can be damped from the front or from the side. Since magnetic fields penetrate all non-magnetisable materials, these sensors can detect magnets through walls made of non-ferrous metal, stainless steel, aluminium, plastic or wood. In the food industry, the magnetic sensor is often used in connection with a pig (cleaning devices which pass through the inside of pipes). These magnetic proximity sensors can detect the exact position of the pig from outside the wall of the stainless steel pipe. Magnetic proxies are also used in clean in place (CIP) systems at diverter panels to detect the position of the diverter pipe through the panel faceplates (typically made of stainless steel).