Inductive distance sensors
Inductive sensors
Our BAW inductive distance sensors measure various positions and distances and can differentiate between material variants. They work without making contact, helping deliver a long service life free from wear.
The included teach function provides an adjustable linearity range—supporting quick commissioning during initial installation and short downtimes when replacing sensors.
Multiple configurations make inductive distance sensors easy to integrate into many applications, including monitoring movements in joining, pressing, or clamping equipment and detecting axle imbalances and expansions. Sensors supply an absolute analog voltage, analog current, or IO-Link signal.
What are the key features of Balluff inductive distance sensors?
Balluff inductive distance sensors are designed for reliable, repeatable distance measurement with flexible outputs and teachable performance tuning.
Core performance features
- Compact, solid and reliable
- Non-contacting and thus free from wear
- Absolute measuring principle
- Measurement range from 0.2 to 50 mm, also teachable
Signal & stability benefits
- Quick response time, high reproducibility, and linearity
- Broad temperature range, minimal temperature drift
- Simple application via analog interfaces and IO-Link
Which series are available (and how do I compare them)?
Use this spec-style overview to compare housing style, measuring range, interface, connection type, and installation method.
| Series | Style housing | Range / measuring range | Interface | Connection type | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cylindrical miniature version without thread (S-BAW G6) | D6.5 | 2 mm | Analog, voltage Analog, temperature |
Cable Cable with connector |
Flush |
| Cylindrical version with metric thread (S-BAW M)
Threads: M30x1.5, M18x1, M12x1, M8x1
|
Threaded | 16 mm | IO-Link Analog, voltage Analog, current Analog, temperature |
Cable / Cable with connector / Connector | Flush / Non-flush / Quasi-flush |
| Square version made of plastic (S-BAW Q) | Block style | 50 mm | Analog, voltage | Connector | Non-flush |
| Cubic version with through holes (S-BAW R14) | Block style | 15 mm | Analog, voltage | Cable with connector | Non-flush |
| Cubic compact version with through-holes for flush installation (S-BAW R3) | Block style | 4 mm | Analog, voltage | Cable / Cable with connector | Flush |
| Cubic version with through-holes for flush installation (S-BAW R6) | Block style | 2 mm | Analog, voltage | Cable / Connector | Flush |
| Cuboid version for non-flush installation (S-BAW Z1) | Block style | 5 mm | Analog, voltage Analog, temperature |
Cable | Non-flush |
| Cylindrical version for flush installation (S-BAW Z8)
Thread: M12x1
|
Threaded | 2 mm | Analog, voltage | Connector | Flush |
Selection guidance: define your measurement task (distance, material variant influence, target type), then choose the interface (voltage/current/IO-Link) and verify installation constraints for stable linearity.
Where are inductive distance sensors used?
Inductive distance sensors are typically used when you need continuous feedback of distance or position to metallic targets—especially in industrial automation where contact-free measurement improves uptime.
Typical applications
- Movement monitoring in joining, pressing, and clamping equipment
- Mechanical engineering: position and distance monitoring on axes and tooling
- Detection of axle imbalances and expansions
- Commissioning setups where teachable linearity speeds changeovers
Why teams choose BAW
- Wear-free sensing thanks to non-contact operation
- Fast response with high reproducibility
- Flexible integration across many housings and connection options
- Simple outputs via analog voltage/current or IO-Link
FAQ: Balluff inductive distance sensors
Quick answers to help you specify the right measuring range and output type.
