A. Product Overview

The Autonics PSN17 Series is a range of rectangular inductive proximity sensors designed for non-contact detection of metallic objects.

The series includes models such as:

• Autonics PSN17-5DN

• Autonics PSN17-8DN

These sensors are commonly used in industrial machinery and automation systems where reliable metal detection, position sensing or object presence detection is required.

The PSN17 Series uses an NPN transistor output, making it suitable for use with compatible PLC inputs, controllers, counters and automation systems.

The compact rectangular body helps simplify installation in machines where cylindrical proximity sensors may not be convenient.

Key Features

• Brand: Autonics

• Series: PSN17

• Product type: Inductive proximity sensor

• Sensor shape: Rectangular

• Detection method: Inductive

• Detectable material: Metallic objects

• Output type: NPN

• Detection method: Non-contact

• Models: PSN17-5DN and PSN17-8DN

• Suitable for industrial automation

• Suitable for machine position detection

• Suitable for conveyor applications

• Suitable for PLC based control systems

• Compact rectangular design

B. Working Principle

The Autonics PSN17 Series inductive proximity sensor works using an electromagnetic field generated at the sensing surface.

When there is no metallic target near the sensor, the electromagnetic field remains stable.

When a metallic object enters the sensing area, the electromagnetic field is disturbed.

The internal electronics detect this change and switch the sensor output.

Because the PSN17 Series works on an inductive sensing principle, it can detect metallic objects without requiring physical contact.

The NPN output signal can then be sent to a compatible PLC, controller, counter or relay interface.

The control system can use this signal to perform functions such as:

• Detecting whether a metal part is present

• Confirming machine position

• Counting metal components

• Detecting conveyor objects

• Checking component movement

• Starting or stopping a machine sequence

• Triggering an alarm

• Confirming actuator position

C. Why Is the Autonics PSN17 Series Used?

The Autonics PSN17 Series is used when industrial equipment needs reliable non-contact detection of metal objects.

1. Metal Object Detection

The sensor can detect metallic components without touching them.

2. Position Detection

It can detect whether a machine component has reached the required position.

3. Conveyor Monitoring

The sensor can detect metallic products or machine components moving through a conveyor system.

4. Production Counting

The output can be connected to a PLC or counter to count metallic objects passing through a production line.

5. Machine Automation

The sensor can provide a digital input signal for automated machine control.

6. Limit Position Detection

It can be used to detect the end position of moving machine parts.

7. Repetitive Industrial Detection

Because no mechanical contact is required, inductive proximity sensors are suitable for repeated detection cycles.

8. Compact Installation

The rectangular body is useful where installation space or mounting geometry makes cylindrical sensors difficult to use.

9. Reliable Metal Detection

Inductive sensing is widely used in industrial applications because it provides stable detection of metallic targets without optical alignment.

D. Suitable Buyers

The Autonics PSN17 Series NPN Rectangular Inductive Proximity Sensor is suitable for:

• Industrial automation companies

• Machine manufacturers

• OEM machine builders

• Control panel manufacturers

• PLC system integrators

• Conveyor manufacturers

• Packaging machine manufacturers

• CNC machine manufacturers

• Assembly line manufacturers

• Material handling companies

• Special purpose machine manufacturers

• Factory maintenance departments

• Production plants

• Automation engineers

• Electrical contractors

• Instrumentation companies

• Robotics system integrators

• Automotive component manufacturers

• Metal processing industries

• Industrial equipment manufacturers

It is especially suitable for buyers searching for an Autonics proximity sensor, NPN proximity sensor, rectangular inductive sensor, metal detection sensor, industrial proximity sensor or non-contact position sensor.

FAQ

1. What is the Autonics PSN17 Series?

The Autonics PSN17 Series is a range of rectangular inductive proximity sensors designed for non-contact detection of metallic objects.

2. Which models are included in this PSN17 Series product range?

The models covered here are:

• PSN17-5DN

• PSN17-8DN

3. What type of sensor is the Autonics PSN17?

It is an inductive proximity sensor.

4. What type of objects can the PSN17 Series detect?

The sensor is designed to detect metallic objects.

5. Is the Autonics PSN17 Series contact or non-contact?

It uses non-contact sensing, so the sensor does not need to physically touch the target.

6. What is the output type of PSN17-5DN and PSN17-8DN?

These models use an NPN output.

7. What is an NPN proximity sensor?

An NPN proximity sensor switches its output in a way commonly used with compatible sinking or sourcing PLC input arrangements, depending on the control system design.

The PLC input compatibility should always be checked before wiring.

8. What is the difference between PSN17-5DN and PSN17-8DN?

Both belong to the same PSN17 rectangular inductive proximity sensor family. The main difference is the sensing specification associated with each model.

The correct model should be selected according to the required sensing distance and installation conditions.

9. Can the Autonics PSN17 Series detect plastic?

No. Inductive proximity sensors are primarily designed for detecting metallic objects.

For non-metallic targets, another sensing technology such as capacitive or photoelectric sensing may be more suitable.

10. Can the PSN17 Series detect stainless steel?

Inductive proximity sensors can detect metallic materials including stainless steel, although the effective sensing distance can vary depending on the material.

11. Can PSN17-5DN be connected to a PLC?

Yes. Its NPN output can be connected to a compatible PLC digital input.

The wiring and PLC input type should be checked before installation.

12. Can PSN17-8DN be connected to a PLC?

Yes. It can be used with a compatible PLC or industrial controller requiring an NPN sensor input.