Sensors — Proximity, Photoelectric, Encoders, Position, Pressure, Temp, Safety
Specify range, target, output/protocol, housing, and IP rating. We cross multiple brands and return best-fit options with lead times.
Proximity (Inductive)
Metal targets · M8–M30
Proximity (Capacitive)
Non-metal/liquid · Level
Photoelectric
Diffuse / Retro / Through-beam
Encoders
Incremental / Absolute
Linear Position
LVDT / Magnetostrictive
Pressure / Temp
4–20 mA / IO-Link
Safety Light Curtain
Finger/Hand/Body
Vision / Barcode
1D/2D, OCR, inspection
Typical Ranges
| Type | Range | Outputs | Housing | IP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inductive Prox | 1–40 mm | PNP / NPN / NO/NC | M8–M30 / Rect. | IP67–IP69K | Flush / non-flush |
| Capacitive Prox | 2–30 mm | PNP / NPN / Analog | M12–M30 | IP65–IP67 | Liquids / bulk |
| Photoelectric | 0.1–30 m | PNP / NPN | Rect. / Barrel | IP65–IP67 | Diffuse/Retro/Thru |
| Encoders | — | ABZ, SSI, EtherNet/IP | Shaft / Hollow | IP65–IP67 | Incr/Absolute |
| Linear Position | 25–3000 mm | 0–10 V / 4–20 mA / SSI | Rod / Profile | IP67 | LVDT / Mag |
| Pressure | −1–1000 bar | 4–20 mA / IO-Link | 1/4″ NPT / G1/4 | IP65–IP67 | SS wetted parts |
Compare Sensing Technologies
Toggle columns to focus on your application.| Criteria | Inductive Proximity Metal targets |
Capacitive Proximity Liquids/Non-metal |
Photoelectric Diffuse/Retro/Through-beam |
Ultrasonic Sound-based |
Laser / TOF Distance mm–m range |
Vision / ID Reader 2D/Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary target | Ferrous/non-ferrous metals only. | Liquids, powders, plastics, wood, glass. | Most materials if optically detectable. | Any sound-reflective surface. | Most surfaces; matte preferred. | Printed text, barcodes, 2D codes, features. |
| Typical range | 1–20 mm (flush/non-flush types). | 2–30 mm (tunable). | 5 mm – 20 m (mode dependent). | 30 mm – 6 m (model & target size). | 10 mm – 50 m (TOF/triangulation). | Working distance per lens (50 mm–∞). |
| Accuracy / repeatability | High repeatability; precise switching distance. | Good but affected by humidity/material. | Good to high; depends on background/contrast. | Moderate; temp & angle influence. | High; mm to sub-mm possible. | High with proper lighting & tools. |
| Response time | < 1 ms typical (very fast). | 1–10 ms typical. | < 1–5 ms typical. | 10–50 ms typical. | < 1–10 ms typical. | 10–50 ms (frame rate dependent). |
| Environment tolerance | Excellent in oil/chips/dirt; IP67+ common. | Sensitive to build-up; adjustable sensitivity. | Dust/mist can cause false trips (use filters). | Unaffected by color; affected by wind foam. | Sensitive to shiny/black; use filters/brackets. | Requires controlled lighting; enclosures help. |
| Alignment & mounting | Simple; observe flush vs non-flush. | Simple; tune pot/teach button. | Requires beam alignment/reflector (mode). | Face toward target; avoid cross-talk. | Rigid mount; avoid vibration. | Lens focus, working distance, bracketry. |
| Outputs / interfaces | PNP/NPN, NO/NC; IO-Link options. | PNP/NPN; analog & IO-Link variants. | PNP/NPN; analog, IO-Link, timer modes. | PNP/NPN, analog (0–10 V/4–20 mA), IO-Link. | Discrete + analog; IO-Link/serial/fieldbus. | Ethernet, serial, USB; Profinet/EIP via gateways. |
| Form factors | M5–M30, cube, block, ring, weld-field immune. | M12–M30, block, level probe styles. | Barrel/cube heads, fiber amplifiers. | Barrel/block, short/long-range faces. | Compact heads with controller or all-in-one. | Smart cameras, code readers, lenses. |
| Relative cost | $ | $ | $–$$ | $$ | $$–$$$ | $$–$$$$ |
| Best for | Metal presence, end-of-stroke, tooling. | Level in plastic/glass, bag fill, wood parts. | Part detection, counting, web edges, color. | Transparent/porous targets; level/loop control. | Precision distance/position, small parts. | Inspection, guidance, OCR/1D/2D code read. |
| Limitations | Only metal; range limited. | Sensitive to moisture buildup; drift. | Affected by color/reflectivity/ambient light. | Lower speed; narrow target beam width. | Shiny/black need setup; eye-safety class. | Requires lighting/compute; integration effort. |
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