All-metal inductive sensors with a metal face

An all-metal inductive sensor has both a metal housing and a metal sensing face. This distinguishes it from a standard cylindrical sensor, which may have a metal shell and a plastic active face. The all-metal design is chosen for applications that demand a robust face, always according to the declared properties of the specific model.

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What the design tells you

A closed metal active face changes the design of the face, but does not by itself determine all operating limits. A photo will not tell you the type of stainless steel, chemical resistance, permissible stress or behaviour towards aluminium. These properties must be assigned to the order code, not just to the product's appearance.

How sensing through a metal face works

The electronics and sensing system are designed for the given metal active face. They detect without contact the change caused by an approaching metal target. This design does not mean that you can cover any standard sensor with your own sheet metal and keep it working. Additional metal in the active field changes the detection conditions.

The pictured LANBAO LR18X-Q series belongs to the manufacturer's Full Metal group. When choosing, compare the target material, the required range, the mounting type and the output design. Properties of other LANBAO series cannot be transferred to this sensor based on a similar housing.

A robust face still needs a gap

A proximity sensor is not a mechanical stop. Leave room for overtravel, vibration and manufacturing tolerances. A collision can shift the bracket, dent the face or damage internal parts even without visible cracking of the housing. If the part travels too close, adjust the fixture geometry or consider a suitable model with a longer range.

For the flush version, respect the face plane and surrounding metal according to the drawing. For the non-flush version, keep the required free space. Tighten the nuts to the specified torque and relieve the cable so that its pull does not shift the set working gap.

Operation with chips, oil and deposits

Deposits of metal particles can affect the electromagnetic field and cause false switching. A metal face does not eliminate this principle. Introduce a cleaning method suitable for the surface material and compare the function before and after cleaning. In abrasive environments, also check wear, bracket edges and the cable.

1. Record the initial working gap and the material of the test part.
2. Check switching on and off at the limit positions of the actual part.
3. Check the condition of the face after the usual production and cleaning cycle.
4. If the behaviour changes, distinguish between deposits, bracket shift, face damage and an electrical fault.

FAQ

Is a stainless steel housing always all-metal?

No. A stainless steel shell may have a plastic sensing face. An all-metal design must also include the active face.

Does a metal face mean the same range on aluminium and steel?

No. Approximately the same range for different metals must be stated as a Factor 1 property or otherwise documented in the technical data.

Can an all-metal sensor be used in a cleaning bath?

Suitability depends on the bath composition, temperature, exposure and all materials of the assembly. Also check the seals, cable and connector; the metal shell alone is not enough.

Choosing a design and related topics

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Factor 1 sensors · Chemically resistant sensors · Longer sensing distance

For a specific selection, prepare the material and dimensions of the target, the working gap, the environmental conditions and the required electrical connection. An overview can be found in the categories Special sensors and Inductive sensors.

Technical documents: LANBAO: LANBAO LR18X-Q. This guide helps with selection; binding parameters, wiring and mounting are defined by the documentation of the ordered model.