Inductive proximity switches enable you to detect metal objects, both ferro and non-ferro. Please bare in mind that detection of non-ferro objects gives you a reduction of the switching distance. The factor of this reduction depends on which non-ferro metal is being used.
As a rule of thumb one can say that the front-cap surface of the sensor, needs to be completely covered by the object that needs to be detected. If you fail to follow this rule, faulty detection could take place.
Various kinds of inductive proximity switches have been developed according to their application, or environmental conditions in which they are being used, for example in off-road vehicles. Inductive sensors also vary in shape in relation to their application. Major producers of inductive switches are for example:
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