Balluff M18 Steel Face Sensors Increase Uptime in Harsh Environments

Factor 1 Technology extends sensing range to 8mm, even when flush mounted

To combat the pervasive problem of premature sensor failure in harsh welding and stamping applications, Balluff has expanded its family of rugged steel-faced inductive proximity sensors to include additional models in the popular M18 tubular form factor.


Compared to conventional plastic-faced sensors, the stainless steel sensing face fights failure from impact, abrasion, and erosion while new Factor 1 technology extends the sensing range to 8mm, even when flush-mounted in metal, for additional mechanical protection.

Factor 1 technology allows the sensor to detect both ferrous and non-ferrous materials at the same full range, a boon in cases where sensor de-rating for non-ferrous materials forces a reduction in the distance between sensor and target material, increasing the likelihood of damaging impacts. An important benefit of Balluff's Factor 1 technology is true weld-field immunity, enabling sensor status to be continuously monitored even during a welding cycle.

Application-specific types are available with options such as anti-weld-spatter coating, and ferrous-selective and non-ferrous-selective variants.

All models come with a protection rating of IP68, assuring resistance to liquid ingress even when fully submerged for extended periods of time.

Key features include:

IP68 enclosure rating exceeds IP67 standards for liquid ingress protection
Stainless steel face withstands mechanical impact, abrasion, and weld spatter burn through
Factor 1 technology detects all metals at full range and weld-field immunity
Extended 8mm range of a non-flush sensor in a flush-mount design
Flush-mount design enables embedded mounting in the tooling for impact protection
Available ferrous-selective and non-ferrous-selective versions
Optional improved coating enhances protection against weld-spatter buildup
About Balluff Inc.:
Balluff Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of Balluff GmbH, Neuhausen, Germany. Balluff is a leading supplier of networked IO-Link control system architectures that unlock the potential of the IIoT and Industry 4.0. Balluff offers a wide range of intelligent IO-Link and industrial Ethernet sensors in a variety of technologies including inductive, photoelectric, capacitive, and magnetic as well as magnetostrictive linear position sensors, magnetic tape linear encoders, industrial RFID systems, and industrial vision systems. Balluff provides cost-saving, process-enhancing solutions to machine builders and manufacturers to control, regulate, automate, assemble, position, and monitor manufacturing, assembly, and packaging sequences. Industries served include: automotive, packaging, food processing, beverages, tire, primary metals, conventional and alternative energy, semiconductor, plastics, and fluid power.

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