Inductive distance sensors
Inductive sensors
Non-contact measurement Absolute analog / IO-Link output Teachable linearity
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.
Choose by housing + signal
Select the right measuring range and interface, then match installation and connection type.
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
Short definition: An inductive distance sensor provides an absolute output (voltage, current, or IO-Link) that changes with the distance to a metallic target—useful for continuous position/distance feedback, not just ON/OFF switching.
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.
Technical features Filter
Style / housing
Cylindrical Block style Miniature
Interface
Analog, voltage Analog, current IO-Link Analog, temperature
Connection type
Cable Cable with connector Connector
Installation
Flush mounting Non-flush Quasi-flush
Selection tip: Start with the required measuring range and output (voltage/current/IO-Link), then confirm mounting and connection constraints.
| 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.
It means the sensor provides a continuous, absolute output signal that corresponds to distance (rather than only a switching ON/OFF state). Depending on the model, this is delivered as analog voltage, analog current, or IO-Link.
The teach function allows you to set or adapt the working range and linearity behavior for your setup, helping enable faster commissioning and reducing downtime during sensor replacement.
Balluff inductive distance sensors cover measurement ranges from 0.2 to 50 mm (with teachable options depending on the series). Choose the range based on the minimum and maximum distance you need to measure to the metallic target.
Analog voltage/current is ideal for straightforward PLC analog inputs and fast signal processing. IO-Link is ideal when you want parameterization, diagnostics, and standardized point-to-point communication in addition to the measured value.
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