Inductive sensor M18 metal face 79 mm connector M12 NPN NC Sn = 5 mm NF

The NMF18102-NF inductive sensor, in a full-metal design, combines high mechanical resistance with selective detection of aluminium and other non-ferrous metals.

This M18 variant is a solution for industry where durability and reliability are essential. The versatile M18 size makes integration easier across many machine designs, control systems, and industrial installations.

Technical specification:

• Diameter: M18, suited to applications with higher mechanical loads
• Length: 79 mm, better resistance to shocks, vibration, and mechanical stress
• Detection range: 5 mm, wear resistance thanks to the non-contact metal detection method
• Detected materials: Aluminium and other non-ferrous metals (steel ignored), detection focused on the actual aluminium part, not on individual filings or chips generated during machining
• Correction factor K: K = 1 for aluminium (full rated sensing range), the actual sensing range allows the model to be selected based on the actual distance to the aluminium workpiece
• Housing: Threaded, a standard solution used in industrial automation and control systems
• Housing material: Stainless steel, suited for operation in moisture, dirt, and harsh industrial conditions
• Sensor face material: Stainless steel, resistance to corrosion in humid and chemical environments
• Mounting: Flush mounting, limited lateral detection field increases operating stability
• Switching function: NC, output disconnects upon detecting a metal object
• Plug type: M12, the plug-in design eases servicing and quick sensor replacement
• Supply voltage: DC 10-30V, compatible with PLC systems and industrial automation

Applications

• Positioning of aluminium profiles – Using the part-position sensor in aluminium profile positioning systems increases the reliability of industrial automation processes.
• Robots welding aluminium structures – Applications of the NF proximity sensor include checking the presence of parts in robots welding aluminium structures.
• Automatic parts feeding – Use in automatic feeding of aluminium parts on production lines increases process flow.
• Inspection before welding – The inductive sensor for aluminium performs well at welding stations, where it checks the correct position of parts before the process starts.
• Inspection of non-ferrous metal components – Applications of the NF inductive sensor include checking the position of parts made of aluminium and other non-ferrous metals.

Benefits/Features

• Non-ferrous metal detection – the device performs well when inspecting parts made of aluminium and other non-ferrous materials, where fine metal residue should not be treated as the actual workpiece.
• Part presence sensor – can check the presence of an aluminium part at a specific location without having to react to stray material particles.
• Resistant metal sensing face – the metal sensing face provides additional protection when operating near aluminium workpieces, including in environments where chips are present.
• K = 1 + non-ferrous metals – the K = 1 correction factor is an important parameter when designing applications that use non-ferrous materials.
• Resistance + selective detection – the solid construction allows operation in a harsh environment, while the detection characteristics focus on the actual aluminium workpiece.

When to choose this model

• For aluminium welding – choose this model for automatic position checking of aluminium parts during preparation and operation of welding stations.
• When aluminium is the main detection material – this aluminium sensor will be a better choice than a solution selected purely as a universal metal sensor.
• When you need to distinguish the workpiece from fine residue – the part-presence sensor can be a beneficial solution in aluminium machining processes where filings or chips are present.
• When you need a single solution for various aluminium processes – the model can be used for cutting, stamping, welding, resistance welding, assembly and transport of aluminium parts.

Connection

The sensor has an NPN output, so connect it with an M12 4-pin connection cable without LEDs. Cables with LEDs (NXOC12281…, NXOC12401…) have a yellow status LED wired for a PNP output and are not suitable for NPN sensors.