Materials

The outer material is a key factor when choosing a sensor, since it must be suitable for the application's ambient conditions. This is the only way to ensure reliable operation of machinery and plants. The following materials are used by Pepperl+Fuchs in manufacturing its sensors and the associated connection technology.

Sensor Materials

Aluminum Sensor Housing

Some cubic magnetic field sensors (NAMUR or Reed contact) have a stable, space-optimized aluminum housing. This means that these sensors are light, but still stable and robust, and there is no interference to magnetic field detection from a metallic housing. Ideal for mounting in the door, gate, or elevator area.

Stainless Steel Sensor Housings in Multiple Alloys

Sensors with a stainless-steel housing are especially suitable for use in aggressive ambient conditions. This type of steel is stainless, meaning that housings of this design offer optimal protection against corrosion. They are therefore suitable for harsh industrial environments. If a low-alloy stainless steel (1.4305, in the "GS" type code) is not sufficient for special applications, Pepperl+Fuchs offers sensors in higher-alloy stainless-steel housings (1.4404, type code "GH").

Pepperl+Fuchs offers sensors with a sensing face in two versions: sensors with a sensing face made from plastic material (e.g., MB60-*) and sensors in a full metal design or with a metal face (e.g., MMB60-*).

Typical applications: applications in which increased protection against corrosion is required, such as outdoor applications. However, stainless-steel housings can be used where the sensor comes into contact with aggressive media, and where frequent cleaning cycles with high-pressure cleaners are expected.

PBT Sensor Housing

Semi-crystalline, glass-fiber-reinforced polybutylenterephtalate (PBT) has various properties that make it an attractive option for sensor housing material. PBT is geometrically accurate, abrasion-resistant, heat-resistant, and cold-resistant. PBT housings are resistant to hydrocarbons (e.g., trichloroethylene), acids (e.g., 28 % sulphuric acid), sea water, and water heated to +70 °C

Typical applications: standard applications in industrial environments without special requirements.

Phenol Formaldehyde Resin (PF) 

Magnetic field sensors with housing made of phenol formaldehyde resin offer high temperature resistance and surface strength. The material is also very cost-effective.

Polyamide Sensor Housing (PA)

Polyamides are materials with high strength, torsional rigidity, and impact strength. Sensor housings made of this material offer resistance to diluted lyes, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, gasoline, alcohols, esters, ketones, fats, and oils. However, polyamides are susceptible to strong acids.

Typical applications: standard applications in industrial environments without special requirements.

Polycarbonate Housing (PC)

Sensors with polycarbonate housing are rugged and hard-wearing, as polycarbonate offers high strength, resistance to impact, torsional rigidity, durability, and optimal insulation against electrical voltage.
Polycarbonate meets the requirements of fire class B2 according to DIN 4102.