To combat the pervasive problem of premature sensor failure in harsh welding and stamping applications, Balluff has expanded its family of rugged steel-faced inductive proximity sensors to include additional models in the popular M18 tubular form factor.

Compared to conventional plastic-faced sensors, the stainless steel sensing face fights failure from impact, abrasion, and erosion while new Factor 1 technology extends the sensing range to 8mm, 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 true 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.

Key features include:

•             IP68 enclosure rating exceeds IP67 standards for liquid ingress protection
•             Stainless steel face withstands mechanical impact, abrasion, and weld spatter burn through
•             Factor 1 technology detects all metals at full range and weld-field immunity
•             Extended 8mm range of a non-flush sensor in a flush-mount design
•             Flush-mount design enables embedded mounting in the tooling for impact protection
•             Available ferrous-selective and non-ferrous-selective versions
•             Optional improved coating enhances protection against weld-spatter buildup
Balluff Inc.
www.balluff.com