Autonics PRDT12-4DO M12 4mm DC 2 Wire Inductive Proximity Sensor

A. Product Overview

The Autonics PRDT12-4DO M12 4mm DC 2 Wire Inductive Proximity Sensor is designed to detect metallic targets without physical contact.

The sensor uses an M12 cylindrical threaded body and provides a nominal sensing distance of 4 mm. It is designed for flush installation, allowing the sensing face to be mounted appropriately within machinery or metal structures.

The PRDT12-4DO uses a DC 2 wire connection and Normally Open switching operation. It can be used with compatible PLC inputs, controllers, relays, counters, and industrial automation systems.

Key Specifications

• Brand: Autonics
• Model: PRDT12-4DO
• Product Type: Inductive Proximity Sensor
• Body Size: M12
• Sensing Side Diameter: 12 mm
• Sensing Distance: 4 mm
• Setting Distance: Up to approximately 2.8 mm
• Installation Type: Flush
• Wiring Type: DC 2 Wire
• Output Operation: Normally Open
• Power Supply: 12 to 24 VDC
• Operating Voltage: 10 to 30 VDC
• Standard Sensing Target: 12 × 12 × 1 mm iron
• Response Frequency: Approximately 450 Hz
• Hysteresis: Maximum 10 percent of sensing distance
• Operation Indicator: Red LED
• Protection Rating: IP67
• Sensor Shape: Cylindrical Threaded Type

B. Working Principle

The Autonics PRDT12-4DO inductive proximity sensor works using electromagnetic induction.

When power is supplied to the sensor, an electromagnetic field is generated around the sensing face.

When a metallic object enters this electromagnetic field, eddy currents are produced inside the target material.

These eddy currents affect the internal oscillator circuit of the sensor.

The sensor detects this change and switches its output.

The working process can be understood as:

Power supplied → Electromagnetic field generated → Metal target approaches → Eddy currents are created → Oscillation changes → Sensor detects target → Output switches

Because the sensor does not physically touch the object, it provides reliable detection with minimal mechanical wear.

Flush Mounting

The PRDT12-4DO is designed for flush installation.

This allows the sensor to be mounted within metal structures according to the required mounting clearance and installation specifications.

DC 2 Wire Operation

The sensor uses two wires for both power supply and switching operation.

This wiring configuration is useful in applications where simple two wire sensor connections are required.

C. Why Is the Autonics PRDT12-4DO Used?

The PRDT12-4DO is used when industrial machinery needs accurate and repeatable detection of metallic objects.

Metal Presence Detection

The sensor can confirm whether a metallic object is present at a specific position.

Typical targets include:

• Steel components
• Metal plates
• Gears
• Machine fixtures
• Brackets
• Mechanical parts

Position Detection

It can detect when a moving machine component reaches a required position.

Typical applications include:

• Cylinder position sensing
• Slide position sensing
• Machine arm detection
• Fixture positioning
• Mechanical stop detection

PLC Input Detection

The sensor output can be connected to a compatible PLC.

The PLC can use the sensor signal for:

• Machine sequencing
• Interlocking
• Position confirmation
• Product counting
• Alarm generation
• Process control

Replacement for Mechanical Limit Switches

In suitable applications, an inductive proximity sensor can replace a mechanical limit switch.

Because there is no physical contact between the sensor and target, mechanical wear can be reduced.

Conveyor Applications

The sensor can detect metallic products, carriers, brackets, or components moving through conveyor systems.

Packaging Machinery

Packaging machines can use the sensor for detecting metal mechanisms and confirming machine positions.

CNC and Machine Tool Applications

The sensor can provide metal detection and machine position feedback in CNC equipment and machine tools.

D. Suitable Buyers

The Autonics PRDT12-4DO M12 4mm Inductive Proximity Sensor is suitable for a wide range of industrial buyers.

Industrial Automation Companies

Automation integrators can use the sensor with PLC systems for machine sequencing, position sensing, and metal detection.

Machine Manufacturers

OEM manufacturers can integrate the sensor into machines requiring non contact detection of metallic components.

Packaging Machine Manufacturers

Packaging equipment manufacturers can use the sensor for machine mechanism monitoring and position confirmation.

Conveyor Manufacturers

Conveyor systems can use the PRDT12-4DO for product sensing, position feedback, and automation control.

CNC Machine Manufacturers

CNC and machine tool manufacturers can use the sensor for machine position and metallic target detection.

Automotive Component Manufacturers

Automotive production machinery can use inductive proximity sensors for component presence detection and machine sequencing.

Special Purpose Machine Manufacturers

SPM manufacturers can use the sensor for automated movement detection and position confirmation.

Control Panel Manufacturers

Panel builders can integrate the sensor with compatible PLC and control circuits.

Factory Maintenance Departments

Maintenance teams can use the PRDT12-4DO as a replacement sensor when the machine requires:

• M12 body
• 4 mm sensing distance
• Flush mounting
• DC 2 wire connection
• Normally Open switching
• 12 to 24 VDC operation

FAQ

1. What is the Autonics PRDT12-4DO?

The Autonics PRDT12-4DO is an M12 inductive proximity sensor designed for non contact detection of metallic objects.

2. What is the sensing distance of PRDT12-4DO?

The nominal sensing distance is 4 mm.

3. What is the setting distance?

The recommended setting distance is up to approximately 2.8 mm.

4. What size is the PRDT12-4DO?

The sensor uses an M12 cylindrical threaded body.

5. Is PRDT12-4DO flush or non flush?

The sensor is designed for flush mounting.

6. Is PRDT12-4DO a 2 wire or 3 wire sensor?

It is a DC 2 wire proximity sensor.

7. Is the output Normally Open or Normally Closed?

The PRDT12-4DO uses Normally Open operation.

8. What power supply does PRDT12-4DO require?

The nominal power supply is 12 to 24 VDC.

9. What is the operating voltage range?

The operating voltage range is approximately 10 to 30 VDC.

10. What materials can PRDT12-4DO detect?

The sensor is designed for detecting conductive metallic materials.

11. What is the standard sensing target?

The standard sensing target is approximately 12 × 12 × 1 mm iron.

12. Can PRDT12-4DO detect stainless steel?

Yes. It can detect stainless steel, although the effective sensing distance may differ compared with iron.

13. Can PRDT12-4DO detect aluminum?

Yes. Aluminum can be detected, but the effective sensing distance may be lower than the rated distance based on iron.

14. Can the sensor detect plastic?

No. Standard inductive proximity sensors are primarily designed for metallic objects.

15. Can it detect glass or wood?

No. Glass and wood are non metallic materials and are generally not detected by a standard inductive proximity sensor.