Advantages of inductive proximity sensors in industry

Modern manufacturing companies are increasingly focusing on automating production processes. This brings with it the need to implement components that automatically control individual tasks, like presence detection of materials for instance. Inductive sensors are one of them.

Find out why inductive proximity sensors in industrial automation are of great importance today. Check out their application at different stages of production.

What are inductive proximity sensors?

Inductive proximity sensors are one of the most popular and most widely used sensing components in manufacturing. Their main task is to detect the presence of an object in a designated position. The inductive proximity sensor is widely used in industrial automation, due to its reliability and robust design. This allows them to be placed in areas exposed to:

Factor in the varied operational performance required such as, the types of materials they need to detect, environmental conditions, speeds of operation, different variants of inductive sensors are available to meet these application specific requirements. The classification of this types of sensors are as follows:

• standard inductive sensors,

• inductive sensors resistant to high pressure,

• inductive sensors for applications in the food industry,

• reduction Factor 1 inductive sensors,

• inductive sensors with a steel face,

• inductive sensors resistant to magnetic fields,

• inductive sensors for welding areas,

• inductive sensors resistant to high temperatures,

• inductive sensors for hazardous areas,

• Namur inductive sensors,

• ring inductive sensors and tube sensors,

• inductive distance sensors.

Some tasks may also require the use of advanced industrial sensors. These include inductive position measurement systems and high-speed inductive position measurement systems.

A key piece of information for a company when choosing a particular model is the sensing range of the sensor itself. Nominal values given in selected models determine the range of operation, using steel objects as the reference. When it is necessary to detect copper items, for example, the operating range may be shorter.

The role of inductive proximity sensors in industrial automation

Inductive proximity sensors in industrial automation are primarily used on production lines where it is important to detect metal components. For example, to check whether each bottle has been properly capped.

Another application of an inductive proximity sensor can be to detect the correct position of an actuator or mechanical guide rail or end stop.

In can manufacturing lines for example, the Inductive sensor is used to detect the presence of parts for pushing out the top lid, which is used to seal the cans tightly. The inductive sensor is used to accurately monitor for correct part presence and position, transmit this information to the control system, at which point a signal is sent to pusher arm actuator to move to the end position, closing and sealing the can lid in place.

The task the inductive proximity sensor is therefore, to detect the presence and position of an item. The sensor can also be responsible for counting products. Its use has a direct impact on productivity and efficiency. In many cases, it also makes it possible to improve the safety of production processes.

The advantages inductive proximity sensors bring are enormous. However, the type of inductive proximity sensor used depends on the operational and environmental requirements of the industry in which the company operates. The operating principle of the different inductive sensor types is similar, but they may have different technical features and parameters.

An example of this would be inductive sensors for use in hydraulic applications which are resistant to high pressure, these can operate at pressures measuring up to 500 bar. Another example would be in high temperature production processes where inductive sensors for high temperature environments can withstand conditions up to 230°C. Other variants have a higher IP Rating for use in areas where high pressure cleaning is required.

Advantages of using inductive proximity sensors in industrial security systems

Inductive proximity sensors are distinguished by their ease of installation and adaptability to various industrial applications. Due to their high versatility, they have a wide range of use.

An important aspect is also the potential to reduce damage or failure of industrial machinery by the use of inductive proximity sensors. The non-contact detection of the correct position of moving parts on production lines significantly reduces the risk of serious malfunctions and downtime in production. This improves Overall Equipment Efficiency and reduces maintenance costs.

Optimization of the production process has a huge impact on productivity. Inductive proximity sensors are a robust, reliable, easy installation, quick and easy to integrate onto existing production lines. The Inductive proximity sensor plays a major part in automating manufacturing processes.