Balluff adds more models to M18 steel-face sensor line

October 30, 2018 – Balluff has expanded its family of rugged steel-faced inductive proximity sensors to include additional models in the M18 tubular form factor.

Compared to conventional plastic-faced sensors, the stainless steel–sensing face fights failure from impact, abrasion and erosion, while the company’s new Factor 1 technology extends the sensing range to eight millimetres – even when flush-mounted in metal – for additional mechanical protection.

Factor 1 technology allows the sensor to detect both ferrous and non-ferrous materials at the same full range – a boon in cases where sensor de-rating for non-ferrous materials forces a reduction in the distance between sensor and target material, increasing the likelihood of damaging impacts. An important benefit of Balluff’s Factor 1 technology is weld-field immunity, enabling sensor status to be continuously monitored even during a welding cycle.

Application-specific types are available with options such as anti-weld-spatter coating, and ferrous-selective and non-ferrous-selective variants.

All models come with a protection rating of IP68, assuring resistance to liquid ingress even when fully submerged for extended periods of time.