01
Machine axes & slides
Confirm a metallic carriage, stop or tooling element has reached the required position.
ifm · Position sensors
ifm Inductive Sensors
Contactless detection of metallic targets for machine position, presence and short-range displacement tasks. Select the housing, sensing range, mounting style, target metal, environment and IO-Link functions around the real machine geometry.
Metal detectionWear-free switchingIO-Link by modelK=1 optionsP|Prox distance
DetectionMetalInductive field detects conductive targets
OperationContactlessNo mechanical actuator or wear point
Compact routes0.8–40 mmDepending on family and housing
Smart variantsIO-LinkSwitching plus distance/diagnostic data
Machine applications
Inductive sensing in the system architecture
Use inductive sensors where the target is metallic and reliable short-range position or presence detection matters more than long optical range.
02
Fixtures & assembly
Detect metal components, carriers, pallets, pins and fixtures without contact.
03
Machine tools
Use full-metal or coolant-resistant routes where oil, chips, washdown or impact risk is high.
04
P|Prox
Use current IO-Link displacement families when the application needs an actual distance value rather than only ON/OFF.
Operating principle
Metal changes the sensor's electromagnetic field
An inductive sensing coil creates an alternating electromagnetic field. A conductive target entering the active zone produces eddy-current losses and changes the circuit behaviour. The electronics evaluate that change as a switching event or, on suitable P|Prox devices, as a digital distance value.
Flush mountingCan be embedded in metal subject to the model's installation rules.
Non-flush mountingUsually offers greater range but needs a free zone around the active face.
K=1Review when similar range across different target metals is required.
Weld-field immuneDedicated routes for welding environments and magnetic-field exposure.
Current product routes
Select by housing, range and environment
Do not choose only from thread size. Target metal, mounting condition, switching frequency and environment can materially change the correct family.
| Route | Typical format | Current range guidance | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miniature | Ø3 / Ø4 / Ø6.5 | 0.8…4 mm | Tight machine spaces |
| IO-Link compact | M8 / flat pack | 6…7.5 mm | Smart switching / distance |
| Flat pack | 20 × 8 × 32 mm | 8 mm | Low-profile flush mounting |
| Weld-field immune | M8 / flat pack | 2…8 mm | Automotive welding |
| K=1 | M8 / M12 / block | 1.5…40 mm | Mixed metal targets |
| Full-metal | Current cylindrical routes | Model dependent | Harsh mechanical exposure |
Smart sensor data
IO-Link in inductive sensing
IO-Link variants can remain simple proximity switches while also providing parameterisation, status and process values to the controller.
01
Adjust switching behaviour
Teach or adjust switching points and selected timing/output functions from the controller or configuration software.
02
Sensor condition indication
Current damping value, device status, operating hours, power cycles and selected counters are available on supported models.
03
P|Prox process value
Current P|Prox devices output absolute target distance digitally and are available in M8, M12, M18 and M30 formats.
Engineering selection
Must be confirmed before quoting
The same nominal M12 housing can exist with different range, mounting, output, connector and environmental characteristics.
Target materialSteel, stainless, aluminium, brass, copper or mixed metals.
Target sizeSmall targets may reduce usable sensing range.
Flush / non-flushConfirm free-zone and mounting geometry.
Sensing distanceUse real operating distance, not only nominal range.
Switching frequencyImportant for fast counting or rotating targets.
EnvironmentCoolant, welding, washdown, shock and temperature.
Technology alternatives
Inductive or another ifm position technology?
Do not use an inductive sensor for a non-metal target simply because the mounting is convenient.
| Requirement | Review | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Metal target, short range | Inductive | Fast contactless machine-position detection |
| Non-metal object | Photoelectric / ultrasonic / capacitive | Select by material, range and environment |
| Long precise distance | Photoelectric distance | Longer measuring range |
| Pneumatic piston | Cylinder sensor | Designed around piston magnet geometry |
| Metal displacement in dirty area | P|Prox | Digital distance without optical line of sight |