The Contrinex range of high pressure, inductive proximity sensors sets new standards in high pressure performance being able to withstand a continuous pressure of 500 bar compared with standard products that are usually limited to around 350 bar. Under high-pressure duty cycle testing, these sensors proved to be as much as ten times more reliable than many contemporary products.

This increase in performance is due in part to the use of a unique manufacturing process but is also due to the fundamental Contrinex design that uses a technology that provides a sensing distance of some four times longer than other sensors of this type.  This means that the critical front ceramic face of the sensor can be can be much thicker and stronger to withstand even the highest application pressures.

Pressure-resistance also demands a high quality seal, particularly between the ceramic sensing face and the metal housing.  This prevents harmful quantities of liquids and gases from entering the housing even at maximum pressure.

With the Contrinex process, the stainless steel sensor housing is copper plated and then heated before the ceramic face is fitted.  This assembly is then allowed to cool to create a very strong seal between the front face and the body. Once cold, the surplus copper is then removed by etching.  This shrinking process, which produces a pressure of up to 200 N/mm² at the interface, results in an outstanding pressure seal that will withstand 500 bar continuously and peaks of up to 800 bar.

These sensors are particularly suitable for use in high-pressure hydraulic systems, construction equipment, offshore installations and similar applications.  The range has been extended recently to cover all sizes that are available in PNP and NPN types and in plug and cable versions.