
July 29, 2019
Balluff’s new generation of high-precision inductive factor 1 sensors accurately detect ferrous (iron-based) metals like steel and non-ferrous metals like aluminum and brass at the same rated switching distance. Typical inductive sensors have a reduced range for non-ferrous metal, requiring a correcting factor to calculate their switching distance. Not so with Factor 1 sensors; they detect both types of metal with no correction factor needed.
These inductive factor 1 sensors keep operating in harsh environments. They are magnetic-field resistant, so their function is not disturbed by strong electromagnetic fields, which are often found in welding applications. A PTFE coating on the housing helps keep weld spatter from sticking to the sensor.
Balluff has engineered this new generation of sensors with an IP68 rating and extended the working ambient temperature range to –40 to +85 °C. Add their improved housing and they are a clear improvement over the previous IP67-rated generation of devices.
Key features include:
- Inductive Factor 1 sensors accurately detect all metals (ferrous and non-ferrous) at the same rated switching distance
- Magnetic-field resistant and PTFE-coated housing performs in harsh environments, is resistant to weld spatter
- IP68 rated, with extended ambient temperature range from –40 to +85 °C, both improved from previous generation
- Ceramic coated sensing face material (for BES05KU version) provides further weld spatter resistance
- Well suited for metalworking applications, including mobility tier 1, OEM, and stamping
Learn more at: www.balluff.com
Editor's Pick: Featured Article

Cables and wires in industrial robots and other moving machine parts are often required to withstand extreme stresses caused by torsion. Constant repetitive movements put materials under considerable strain. At the same time, operators expect components to function perfectly and reliably throughout their entire service life to avoid disruptions, outages and safety hazards.
For this reason, at HELUKABEL, we simulate intensive and continuous torsion stresses under realistic conditions with our high-tech testing equipment in Windsbach. We have several types of apparatus for doing this because some of our customers, for example those in the automotive industry, have very precise specifications for how a torsion test is carried out. The tests show that our cables and wires withstand speeds up to 1,000°/s, accelerations up to 2,000°/s² and torsion angles up to 720°. Hence, we make sure that each product always meets our customers’ high standards, and that they receive the impeccable quality they rightly expect from us as a leading supplier of cables, wires and accessories for more than 40 years.
What Is Torsion?
To learn the answer, click here
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