SICK offers single-beam photoelectric safety switches that provide large scanning ranges. Available in a variety of shapes and size, these products feature safety performance complying with Type 1 or 4, EN 61496 and PL c or PL e, in accorance with EN ISO 13849. Cylindrical models like the L2000/L21 and L4000 offer scanning ranges up to 60 m, while rectangular types like the L2000/L28 and W26/3 provide ranges to 18 m and 70 m, respectively. The safety switches can be used in robots, processing machines, machining centers, palletizing systems, high-bay warehouses, transfer lines, and other dangerous applications.

The 9M50 magnetic proximity switch is available from Canfield Connector. This compact, full featured part is designed to fit the D-shaped groove detail designed into linear actuators, allowing it to be inserted anywhere along the linear actuator. The switch is available in reed and electronic styles, either NPN or PNP, and is encapsulated to meet IP67 NEMA6 environmental protection. Capable of operating from -10 to +70 degrees Celsius, it withstands shocks up to 30G (reed) or 50G (electronic), vibration up to 9G, and sensitivity to 60 gauss parallel (reed) or 40 gauss parallel (electronic).

Carlo Gavazzi features proximity switches in a variety of styles, from 4 mm to 30 mm, with both digital and analog outputs. The switches have shielded standard, unshielded standard, and extended range sensing choices, at a default sensing distance of 2 mm. Output options include NPN, PNP, Namur, 2-wire AC, 2-wire DC, 4-20 mA, and 0-10 VDC. Housing options including short or long plastic or metal, along with metal face and high temperature variations.

ISE Controls is a source for inductive and capacitive proximity switches. For sensing metals, they offer inductive switches produced by manufacturers like Balluff, Baumer, Contrinex, IDEC, Sick, Softnoz, and Sunx. By contrast, capacitive proximity switches detect object mass in non-metals, clear solids, and even liquids. Brands offering these products through ISE Controls are Balluff, Baumer, IDEC, SICK, and SIE.

Myriad proximity switches are offered through KMParts.com. They sell optical switches in plastic or metal housings, including reflected light-beam varieties without background suppression (M18 x 1), with fixed background suppress (M30 x 1.5), without polarization filter (M18 x 1), or with polarization filter (M30 x 1.5). Inductive proximity switches are also available, and come in both round and rectangular designs and plastic or metal housings. Finally, the company carries capacitive proximity switches in M12, M18, and M30 round designs, and 32 x 20 x 8 mm or 114 x 40 x 40 mm rectangular designs.

NTE Electronics offers a full line of switches, including toggle, rocker, waterproof, illuminated, security, and snap action varieties. Examples include the bat handle toggle switch, which has a Neoprene seal and slow make/slow break contacts, as well as a 0.5" diameter mounting hole and insulation resistance to 100 Megohms. Round hole rocker switches, meanwhile, come standard with a solder lug or 0.185" Tab Q.C. terminal type, 0.717" or 0.795" mounting hole, and 100,000 cycle mechanical life; other styles include snap-in and square bezel. More than a dozen other combinations are available, as well, including toggle, rocker, and automotive/marine waterproof switches, toggle and rocker illuminated switches, anti-vandal and magnetic alarm security switches, and standard or watertight snap-action switches.

KSR Kuebler manufactures magnetic proximity switches that have an expected life greater than 3 billion switching operations. They offer rotational speed detection in the 200 to 3,000 rpm range, and a switched output up to 1,000 cycles/second, depending on the model. These products are also suitable to applications that require a switched output for proximity sensing, linear limit detection, logging/counting, or actuation. In addition, the list of materials from which these parts can be constructed is a long one; it includes brass, stainless steel, glass-reinforced polyamide, aluminum, and polyethylene.

Automation Direct distributes proximity switches from a group of Euorpean manufacturers. The round selection includes 3-5 mm PY and PD Series, stainless steel, 3-wire DC switches; 8 mm AE Series switches; 12 and 18 mm, 2- or 3-wire DC metal switches; and IP65-rated, 2- and 3-wire, DC, 30 mm switches. Other options within this group include triple sensing distance, extended sensing distance, and analog output. Furthermore, the company sells three series of rectangular, IP67-rated, 3-wire, DC proximity switches. Most of them are available in fixed or quick-disconnect cable styles, and feature LED status indicators to verify operation.

O'Keefe Controls offers non-contact air proximity switches that contain no moving parts and detect objects up to 0.125" away, in addition to magnetic proximity switches for sensing magnets or steel parts. The air/electric switches include the P/N OKC-661, which has the best vibration resistance and 20 ms response time; P/N OKC-664, with the greatest current capacity at 10 A; and the P/N OKC-819, which is the smallest and fastest of the models, with 10 ms response. Meanwhile, the magnetic proximity switch has a 2-position, 3-way, normally closed configuration, with a 0.08" diameter valve orifice. It filtration rating is 5 microns, and depending on the model, its pressure limit ranges from 30 to 100 psig. Its sensing range is greater than 0.0625", and it can pick up wire diameters down to 0.04".

Turck manufactures a wide selection of proximity sensors under three different brands. WeldGuard switches are embeddable or non-embeddable barrel-style sensors that have potted-in or quick disconnect cables. Made from stainless steel or Teflon, the parts range in size from 8 mm to 30 mm. Next are stainless steel front face sensors, which come embeddable barrel standard, and with either potted-in cable or quick disconnect functionality. Lastly, the company offers Stoneface proximity switches that are embeddable or non-embeddable, again, either potted-in cable or quick disconnect. Sizes offered go up to 32 mm.