Posted to News on 23rd Mar 2009, 13:54
Just launched by sensor market leader IFM Electronic Ltd are even more all-stainless steel inductive sensors. These three, part of IFM's successful C-series, are designed specifically with metalworking and machining applications in mind. The 'C' in 'C-series' stands for 'coolant' because these sensors and their connectors are designed to work in an oily, coolant-swamped environment.
For the one-piece housing the threaded body and the sensing face are made of stainless steel. The housing material and novel sealing concept ensure optimum protection against penetrating moisture such as oils or coolants.
With a reinforced sensing face, the full-metal sensors of the C series withstand much greater mechanical stress than a sensor with a plastic face. This has been substantiated in severe vibration, shock, impact and coolant immersion tests.
C-series full-metals sensors are available directly from IFM Electronic in the standard M12, M18 and M30 designs and rated for an operating temperature of -25 to 70degC. The seal conforms to an IP devised some years ago by IFM Electronic, as no standard exists. IFM calls it 'IP68 coolant'. The standard EN 60529 refers only to water, so IFM Electronic tests the sensors in commercial coolants; if they survive extended immersion in coolant this is stated on the datasheet.
Oil-resistant connector series ecolink EVC and the C-series full-metal sensors form an optimised sensor and connector combination for the machine tool industry.
In addition to the C series, IFM Electronic also supplies full-metal sensors which are specially adapted to welding applications (R series) and hygienic and wet areas (T series).
