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Low Cost Automation Tutorial

#018 Sensor Mounting - 2

Category : Locating Technology
November 6, 2009

Proximity sensors can be: magnetic (reed switch type), high frequency oscillation, capacitive types. The sensors are offered in a various form factor such as rectangular, cylindrical, through-hole styles, and the popular cylindrical types are threaded on the outer body to facilitate easy adjustments.

Proximity sensor mounting

(1) Characteristics and detection distance of proximity sensors
Prox. sensor type Detection distance, characteristics, etc.
High frequency oscillation type
Detection distance varies with the sensor's sensing surface area size and shielding methods (shielded or not shielded). For actual applications, use within 70% of the max. distance shown in product specifications to assure ample detection sensitivity.
Detection distance will vary with target material. Take iron/steel as 100 (std. ref.), the detection sensitivity would be: stainless steel approx. 70%, aluminum 30~40%, copper approx. 30%.
All metals can be detected.
Magnetic
(Reed switch type)
Can only detect magnetically permeable objects. Detection distance: 4~50mm
Low cost since they require no power supply.
Shortcomings: slow response, cable length limitations
Capacitive type
(Differential transformer type)
Can detect magnetically permeable objects. Detection distance: 0~40mm
Shortcomings: slow response, cable length limitations

(2) Cylindrical proximity sensor mounting examples
[Fig.1] shows an example of proximity sensor mounting using a shaft collar (4-hole type) and a mounting bracket.

[Fig.2] is an example using a post clamp.

[Fig.1,2]

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