Inductive sensors detect metallic objects through variations in an electromagnetic field. They are available in cylindrical, compact, or rectangular versions, with variable sensing distances and high protection ratings (up to IP69K). Some models are made entirely of stainless steel, making them ideal for harsh environments such as food or pharmaceutical industries. There are also ring-type inductive sensors, useful for detecting small moving metal parts.

Ring-Type Inductive Sensors
Ring-type inductive sensors are devices used to detect the presence of metallic objects, including non-ferromagnetic ones, passing through the internal area of the ring. They are particularly suitable for applications such as wire break detection, clog detection, piece counting, metallic material dosing, and ejection monitoring in production processes.

Available with internal diameters ranging from 5 to 100 mm, they can detect metal spheres sized between 1 and 12 mm. Amplified models with NPN or PNP output include a standard 100 ms delay, useful for detecting fast-moving objects. Namur models, instead, require pairing with an Aeco ALTP timed amplifier, which allows adjusting the delay from 30 ms to 500 seconds.

The housing is made of plastic, and connections are available with integrated cable or M8/M12 connectors, depending on the model. There is also a version compliant with ATEX-IECEx standards, suitable for potentially explosive environments.

Metalface Inductive Sensors
The Metalface inductive sensors from the SMF Aeco series are made entirely of AISI 316L stainless steel, with a fully metal structure where the sensing element is integrated into the housing. Available in threaded cylindrical models M12, M18, and M30, they offer a high protection rating of IP68 and IP69K, making them ideal for extreme environments.

They feature sensing distances of 3, 5, or 10 mm, in fully or partially shielded versions depending on sensitivity requirements. They are available with NPN or PNP outputs (3-wire, normally open or closed) and with dual NPN+PNP output (4-wire), powered at 10-30V DC.

These sensors are widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries, where they withstand continuous high-pressure washing, as well as in metalworking due to their high robustness. They are resistant to shocks, vibrations, and impacts on the active surface, ensuring long life and reliability in harsh conditions.