Inductive sensor M18 metal face 79 mm connector M12 NPN NO Sn = 5 mm FE

The selective NMF18101-FE inductive sensor stands out for its high material selectivity - it detects only steel and ferrous metals, disregarding aluminium and its alloys.

The M18 standard product is an element of detection systems used in industry and production. M18 sensors offer versatile dimensions suited to typical automation installations, ensuring durability and easy integration.

Technical specification:

• Diameter: M18, reinforced design for operation in harsh conditions and intensive use
• Length: 79 mm, larger threaded mounting surface provides a more stable fit
• Detection range: 5 mm, repeatable signal activation distance ensures precise detection
• Detected materials: Steel and other ferrous metals (aluminium ignored), detection focused on the actual steel part, not on individual aluminium filings, chips or dust remaining in the surroundings
• Correction factor K: K = 1 for steel (full, natural sensing range), the actual detection range allows a model to be selected based on the specific distance to the steel part, regardless of the presence of aluminium in the surroundings
• Housing: Threaded, resistant to loosening during machine operation and vibration
• Housing material: Stainless steel, high resistance to corrosion and chemical exposure
• Sensor face material: Stainless steel, increased durability of the sensor's active face under intensive use
• Mounting: Flush mounting, stable operating characteristics around metal surroundings
• Switching function: NO, output activated upon detecting a metal object
• Plug type: M12, the plug-in connection reduces the risk of installation errors
• Supply voltage: DC 10-30V, stable operation in DC-powered installations

Applications

• Positioning of steel profiles and structures – The use of the part-position sensor in steel profile positioning systems increases the reliability of industrial automation processes.
• Robots welding steel structures – Applications of the FE proximity sensor include checking the presence of components in robots welding steel structures.
• Production of steel wire and rope – The inductive proximity sensor supports checking the presence of steel wire or rope during production.
• Packaging and labelling – Applications of the FE contactless sensor include checking the presence of steel parts at packaging and labelling stations.
• Production of fasteners – The FE inductive sensor is used in the production of bolts, nuts and other steel fasteners, confirming their presence in the process.

Benefits/Features

• K=1 for steel – the K=1 correction factor is the natural reference value for steel, meaning the rated operating distance Sn corresponds to the full, actual detection range.
• Part-position sensor – enables checking the position of a steel component in a machine, focusing detection on the actual part.
• Distance checking to the part – can be used to check the position of a steel surface relative to the sensing element.
• K=1 + actual range – combining these parameters makes it easier for the designer to determine the required distance to the steel part.
• Steel presence sensor – allows automatic checking of the presence of the actual steel component at a specific point in the process.

When to choose this model

• For steel resistance welding – the part-presence sensor can check the correct position of steel components before the resistance welding process begins.
• When the actual range matters – choose this model if, when designing an application, you want to base the detection distance on the value given in the documentation.
• When aluminium contamination is present at the station – the steel detection sensor can be used to check the actual part without risk of false triggering from aluminium.
• When you need contactless steel checking – the contactless sensor allows checking the presence and position of a part without mechanical contact with its surface.

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.