Sensors
Accurate measurement for automation and mobile machines. SCN offers absolute and incremental encoders, linear and rotary position sensors, inclination, pressure, level and flow sensors, load cells, and inductive, photoelectric and ultrasonic sensors. Our specialists help you find the right sensor for your environment and interface.
-
-
Inductive sensors (157)
-
Inclination sensors (130)
-
Temperature sensors (104)
-
Photoelectric sensors (83)
-
Load cells (71)
-
Pressure sensors and transmitters (63)
-
Hall Effect Sensors (31)
-
Linear position sensors - Magnetostrictive (31)
-
Linear & Rotary position sensors - Potentiometers (31)
-
Draw wire sensors (25)
-
Incremental encoders (19)
-
Flow sensors (18)
-
Ultrasonic sensors (17)
-
Level sensors (13)
-
Condition monitoring sensors (10)
-
Linear position sensors - Incremental (9)
-
Coded magnetic safety switches (9)
-
Capacitive sensors (5)
-
Safety light curtains (2)
Industrial sensors – position, detection and process measurement for machines and automation
Industrial sensors turn position, presence, pressure, temperature or force into a signal that a PLC, a controller or an IoT system can use. They are built for vibration, dirt, wash-down and wide temperature ranges, with outputs such as PNP/NPN, 4–20 mA, 0–10 V, IO-Link, CANopen and industrial Ethernet. SCN supplies sensors from Posital, Wenglor, Opkon, Huba Control, Precision Sensors, Laumas, Rheintacho, Gemac, Celduc, KP Sensors and Sensata.
Position and motion: absolute rotary encoders, incremental encoders, magnetostrictive and incremental linear position sensors, potentiometers, draw wire sensors, inclination sensors and Hall effect sensors. Detection: inductive sensors, photoelectric sensors, ultrasonic sensors and coded magnetic safety switches. Process and force: pressure sensors and transmitters, temperature sensors, flow sensors, level sensors, load cells and condition monitoring sensors.
How to choose: define what is measured or detected and over what range, then the output signal your control system reads. Check the mounting, the material and distance to the target, the IP rating, the temperature range and any approvals such as ATEX or functional safety.
Frequently asked questions
Which sensor detects metal, plastic or liquid?
Inductive sensors detect metal without contact at distances of a few millimetres up to around 40 mm. Photoelectric sensors detect almost any material, including plastic, glass and cardboard, from a few centimetres to many metres. Ultrasonic sensors work on transparent, shiny or dusty targets and liquid surfaces, which makes them a common choice for level measurement.
PNP, NPN, 4–20 mA or IO-Link – which output do I need?
Choose the output your PLC input reads. Switching sensors usually have PNP (common in Europe) or NPN outputs. Measuring sensors give 4–20 mA, which tolerates long cables and detects a broken wire, or 0–10 V. IO-Link adds parameter setting and diagnostics over the same three-wire cable, and encoders often use SSI, CANopen or industrial Ethernet.
Which IP rating does an industrial sensor need?
IP67 is the usual minimum on a machine: dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion. Where equipment is cleaned with high-pressure, hot water – food, beverage and pharma lines or mobile machines – choose IP69K. Check also the connector or cable gland, since the whole installation is only as tight as its weakest point.
What is the difference between a sensor and a transmitter?
A sensor is the element that reacts to the measured quantity, for example a pressure cell or a coil. A transmitter adds electronics that convert the reading into a standard signal such as 4–20 mA or 0–10 V that a control system can read directly. In everyday use the words often overlap, especially for pressure.
Not sure which model you need?
Get help choosingRead more in our guides
Facts and advice that make the choice easier.
IP ratings explained – IP65, IP67, IP68 and IP69KInductive proximity sensors – how they work and how to choosePhotoelectric sensor types – how to choose the right oneAll guides