M18 / M30 Inductive Proximity Sensors (35mm & 55mm Body Length)
3-wire DC M18/M30 inductive proximity sensors, 35mm/55mm body, flush/non-flush, NPN/PNP, up to 40mm range.
🔍 Click to enlarge · 1/6Technical Specifications
| Sensing Type | Inductive |
|---|---|
| Thread Size | M18 / M30 |
| Body Length | 35mm / 55mm |
| Output | NPN / PNP, Normally Open (NO) / Normally Closed (NC) |
| Mounting Type | Flush; T suffix = non-flush |
| Sensing Distance | M18: 5/8/12mm (flush), 8/16/20mm (non-flush); M30: 10/15/22mm (flush), 15/25/40mm (non-flush) |
| Wiring | 3-wire DC |
| Operating Voltage | 10-30VDC |
| Response Time | 0.2ms to 2ms, depending on sensing distance and mounting type |
| Switching Frequency | 80Hz to 1KHz, depending on sensing distance and mounting type |
| Protection Rating | IP67 |
| Operating Temperature | -25°C to +70°C |
| Overload Protection | 180mA overload current protection point, built-in short-circuit protection |
| Cable Length | 2m standard, longer lengths available on request |
| Housing Material | Nickel-plated brass/copper alloy |
| Indicator | Built-in LED status indicator |
Overview
This is a 3-wire DC inductive proximity sensor series covering M18 and M30 threaded body sizes, each available in a 35mm short body or a 55mm standard body, for non-contact detection of metal targets. It is designed for machine builders, panel builders, and factory maintenance/automation engineers who need mid-to-large thread size proximity switches - for example where a longer sensing distance or a shorter body length is required for a specific mounting bracket - in position detection, presence/absence detection, or counting applications on conveyors, indexing tables, and packaging/assembly machinery.
The series spans sensing distances from 5mm (M18 flush) up to 40mm (M30 non-flush), with flush and non-flush mounting available at every sensing-distance tier, plus full NPN/PNP and normally-open/normally-closed output combinations. All models operate on 10-30VDC 3-wire DC power, carry an IP67-rated housing, run from -25°C to +70°C, and respond in as little as 0.2ms with switching frequency up to 1KHz.
Features & Benefits
Two Thread Sizes Covering Mid-to-Long Sensing Distances
M18 (up to 20mm non-flush) and M30 (up to 40mm non-flush) let engineers step up sensing range without moving to a different sensor family or brand.
Both 35mm Short Body and 55mm Standard Body
Each thread size is available in a 35mm short body and a 55mm standard body, matching limited-depth mounting brackets as well as standard mounting nuts and thicker panels, without redesigning the mechanical mount.
Flush and Non-Flush Mounting for Every Sensing-Distance Tier
Flush versions (P-suffix) can be embedded in surrounding metal without false triggering; non-flush versions (T-suffix) achieve a longer sensing distance when clearance is available.
Full NPN/PNP and NO/NC Output Combinations
Every sensing distance and body length is available in NPN or PNP wiring with normally-open or normally-closed output, matching common PLC sinking/sourcing input cards.
Fast Response for Line-Speed Detection
Response time ranges from 0.2ms (M18 flush 5mm) to 2ms (M30 non-flush 40mm), with switching frequency up to 1KHz on the fastest variant, supporting high-speed part counting and position sensing.
IP67-Rated Sealed Housing
The housing is protected against dust ingress and temporary immersion, suitable for exposed or occasionally wet factory-floor environments.
Wide Operating Temperature Range
Rated for -25°C to +70°C, covering unheated workshops and equipment near moderate heat sources within this range.
Built-In Short-Circuit Protection and LED Status Indication
Output is protected with a 180mA overload protection point, and every unit has an LED for visual confirmation of switching state during installation and troubleshooting.
Applications
Models & Ordering Information
M18 - 55mm Standard Body, Flush Mount (5mm / 8mm / 12mm)
M18 - 55mm Standard Body, Non-Flush Mount (8mm / 16mm / 20mm)
M18 - 35mm Short Body, Flush Mount (5mm)
M18 - 35mm Short Body, Non-Flush Mount (8mm)
M30 - 35mm Short Body, Flush Mount (10mm)
M30 - 35mm Short Body, Non-Flush Mount (15mm)
M30 - 55mm Standard Body, Flush Mount (10mm / 15mm / 22mm)
M30 - 55mm Standard Body, Non-Flush Mount (15mm / 25mm / 40mm)
How to Select
- Choose M18 flush (5/8/12mm) or M18 non-flush (8/16/20mm) when a mid-range sensing distance is needed within an M18 thread mount.
- Choose M30 flush (10/15/22mm) or M30 non-flush (15/25/40mm) when a larger thread size or longer sensing distance is required.
- Confirm available mounting depth before selecting body length: the 35mm short body offers a reduced set of sensing distances (M18: 5mm flush/8mm non-flush; M30: 10mm flush/15mm non-flush), while the 55mm standard body offers the full range of sensing distances for each thread size.
- Pick flush (P-suffix) mounting when the sensor must sit embedded in a metal bracket or frame without false triggering.
- Pick non-flush (T-suffix) mounting when mounting space allows metal-free clearance around the sensing face and maximum sensing distance is desired.
- Match NPN or PNP output to your PLC/controller's input card type (sinking vs sourcing).
- Match NO (normally-open) or NC (normally-closed) output to your control logic: NO switches ON when metal is detected, NC switches OFF when metal is detected.
- Confirm your control cabinet supplies 10-30VDC power, as this family is 3-wire DC only (no 2-wire DC or AC variants).
📘 Need the full method? How to Choose a Proximity Sensor · NPN vs PNP Sensor Outputs Explained
When NOT to specify the M18 — and what to use instead
Detecting non-metallic or liquid targets
Why not: This is an inductive sensing family, so it only detects metal targets and has no dielectric-based sensing capability.
Use instead: The M18/M30 capacitive proximity sensor series (metal-housing or M12-connector variants), which also detect non-metallic and liquid targets.
AC-powered control circuits without a DC supply available
Why not: Wiring for this series is 3-wire DC only, rated 10-30VDC; no 2-wire AC variant exists in this product.
Use instead: The M12/M18/M30 2-wire AC inductive proximity sensor series.
Mounting depths under 35mm
Why not: The shortest body offered in this series is 35mm; the standard body is 55mm, and no shorter body length is available within this M18/M30 line.
Use instead: The M8 inductive proximity sensor series (18mm straight body available), or the M3/M4/M5 short-body (15mm) separate-amplifier inductive proximity switch series if the smaller diameter also fits.
Sensing distances beyond 40mm
Why not: The longest rated sensing distance in this family is 40mm (M30, non-flush).
Use instead: Contact the factory about a longer-range sensing technology, such as photoelectric, if 40mm is insufficient.
Safety-related guarding or interlocks
Why not: No safety rating is claimed for this product.
Use instead: A dedicated safety switch or safety light curtain (DX series).
Specifications we do not publish yet
We only publish a figure once we are confident it is true. The items below are still being validated through further testing and real-world customer feedback, so for now we would rather leave them open than guess. If one of them matters to your design, ask us for the latest validated status.
- Non-ferrous metal (aluminum/stainless/brass) sensing-distance correction factor
- MTBF / rated mechanical and electrical life
- Precise housing alloy - the spec lists it as "nickel-plated brass/copper alloy" without specifying which base metal
- Repeatability and switching hysteresis percentages, not stated for this series
- Certification marks (CE, UL, etc.)
- Cable conductor gauge for the standard 2m cable
Frequently Asked Questions
What sensing distances are available in the M18 and M30 series?
What is the difference between the 35mm and 55mm body variants?
What is the difference between flush and non-flush mounting?
What output configurations are available?
What is the operating voltage and wiring type?
What is the IP protection rating and operating temperature range?
What is the response time and switching frequency?
Does the sensor include short-circuit protection?
What cable length is supplied, and can it be customized?
What housing material is used?
Does the sensor have LED status indication?
Are certification documents available for this series?
Works Well Together
On the same machine or line, M18 is typically ordered together with: Photoelectric Sensors · Relay & Timer Modules · Laser Switch Sensors
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DDSK Laser Diffuse Reflective Sensor M12 / DK Laser Diffuse Reflective Sensor M18
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