Name: M18 Inductive Proximity Sensor PNP NPN
Brand: SEGMENsensor
Availability: InStock

Question 1

What is the sensing distance of an M18 inductive proximity sensor?

Accepted Answer

Standard M18 inductive proximity sensor sensing distance (Sn) is 8 mm when shielded (flush-mount) and 12 mm when unshielded (non-flush). This is measured on mild steel (Fe360) targets. For non-ferrous metals: aluminum ×0.35–0.5, stainless steel 304 ×0.6–0.75, copper ×0.3. SEGMENsensor's long-range LR variant extends sensing distance to 14 mm shielded / 20 mm unshielded. Always confirm target material when specifying sensing distance.

Question 2

What is the difference between shielded and unshielded M18 proximity sensors?

Accepted Answer

Shielded (flush-mount) M18 sensors have a ferrite ring surrounding the sensing coil, which confines the electromagnetic field to the front face. They can be mounted flush with a metal panel without side interference, but have shorter sensing distance (8 mm). Unshielded (non-flush) sensors project the field beyond the housing, giving 12 mm sensing distance but requiring a clear zone around the sensor body free of metal. Choose shielded for embedded machine mounting; choose unshielded when mounting stand-off on a bracket.

Question 3

How to wire an M18 NPN NO proximity sensor to a PLC?

Accepted Answer

Standard 3-wire NPN-NO wiring: Brown wire = +V (10–30V DC positive); Blue wire = 0V (negative/common); Black wire = output (connect to PLC digital input). When the sensor detects a metal target, the black output wire switches to 0V (sinks current). The PLC input reads a LOW signal = target detected. For NPN-NC, the output is normally LOW and goes HIGH when target is present. Always add a 22Ω resistor in series if PLC input card specifies source load > 200 mA.

Question 4

Can M18 proximity sensors detect stainless steel or aluminum?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but with reduced sensing distance. On stainless steel 304, the sensing distance is approximately 60–75% of the rated mild steel value (8 mm → ~5–6 mm shielded). On aluminum, it is 35–50% (8 mm → ~3–4 mm shielded). On copper or brass, it drops to 30–40%. For reliable detection of non-ferrous metals, use the unshielded version to gain maximum sensing distance, or specify SEGMENsensor's all-metals detection variant. Always bench-test with the actual target material before finalizing the mounting distance.

Question 5

What is the IP rating of M18 proximity sensors and can they be used in washdown environments?

Accepted Answer

SEGMENsensor M18 proximity sensors are rated IP67 as standard, meaning complete dust exclusion and temporary water immersion to 1 m for 30 minutes. For food processing washdown (high-pressure steam cleaning), specify the IP68 variant with silicone seal and stainless steel 316L housing. IP67 is sufficient for coolant splash in CNC environments. IP68 is required for full immersion or high-pressure cleaning cycles. Both use M12 circular connector for reliable cable connection in wet environments.

Question 6

What is the weld-immune M18 proximity sensor and where is it used?

Accepted Answer

Weld-immune M18 proximity sensors are built with PTFE-coated or ceramic-face sensing heads to prevent weld spatter adhesion, and their internal electronics filter electromagnetic pulses from welding processes. They maintain stable switching output during MIG, TIG, and resistance spot welding operations. Essential in automotive body welding cells, stamping press feeds, and metal fabrication robot workcells where standard sensors false-trigger or have their sensing faces blocked by spatter accumulation.

Question 7

What is the MOQ and lead time for M18 proximity sensors from China?

Accepted Answer

SEGMENsensor's standard M18 inductive proximity sensor (SE2-M18 series) has MOQ 10 pcs. Sample 1–2 pcs orders are accepted. Standard stocking configurations ship in 1–2 weeks. Custom specifications (cable length, connector type, IP68, stainless housing, weld-immune, logo) ship in 2–3 weeks. Full private-label OEM requires 50 pcs minimum with 4–6 week lead time. CE and RoHS documentation included with every shipment. Factory Registration: 91440300MAEUXXQU04.

Question 8

Are SEGMENsensor M18 proximity sensors CE certified?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All SEGMENsensor M18 inductive proximity sensors carry CE marking and comply with EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. CE declaration of conformity is provided with every shipment. ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturing process. For ATEX/IECEx explosive atmosphere applications, specify the EX-rated variant — available on request for Zone 1/2 (gas) and Zone 21/22 (dust) classifications.

Parameter	Value
Housing Diameter	M18 (18 mm cylindrical)
Sensing Distance (Sn)	8 mm shielded / 12 mm unshielded (on mild steel Fe360)
Output Type	NPN-NO / NPN-NC / PNP-NO / PNP-NC (specify when ordering)
Supply Voltage	10–30V DC
Output Current	200 mA max
Switching Frequency	1,500 Hz
IP Rating	IP67 standard (IP68 on request)
Housing Material	Zinc alloy / Brass / Stainless steel 316L (specify)
Cable Length	2 m standard (custom up to 10 m)
Connector	M12×1 (4-pin) or bare wire (specify)
Certifications	CE (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU), RoHS (2011/65/EU)
Operating Temperature	-25°C to +70°C standard; -40°C to +85°C (HT variant)
Thread	M18×1
Repeatability	≤ 5% Sn
Voltage Drop (ON state)	≤ 2.5V
EMC Standard	EN 60947-5-2
MOQ	10 pcs
Lead Time	2–3 weeks (standard), 3–5 weeks (custom OEM)

M18 Inductive Proximity Sensor — PNP NPN, OEM China Factory

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NPN-NO — 3-Wire DC (most common in Asia)

PNP-NO — 3-Wire DC (common in Europe)

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