Industrial Sensors for Reliable Automation
Explore KALEN industrial sensors for object detection, positioning, counting and machine automation. Our portfolio includes inductive, capacitive and magnetic proximity sensors together with diffuse, retro-reflective and through beam photoelectric sensors.
Select the sensing principle around the application.
KALEN Automation supplies industrial sensors for machine builders, automation integrators, equipment manufacturers and distributors. Our product portfolio focuses on non-contact sensing for factory automation, machinery, conveyors, packaging systems and automated production equipment.
Proximity Sensor Technologies
Non-contact sensing technologies for machine position, component presence and material detection in industrial equipment.
- Inductive Sensors for metal detection
- Capacitive Sensors for selected metal and non-metal targets
- Magnetic Sensors for position detection
Photoelectric Sensor Technologies
Optical sensing technologies for detecting objects, products and movement across conveyors, packaging machines and industrial automation systems.
- Diffuse Photoelectric Sensors
- Retro-Reflective Photoelectric Sensors
- Through Beam Photoelectric Sensors
Proximity sensors for non-contact detection.
Choose the sensing technology according to target material, machine design and detection requirement.
Inductive Sensors
Non-contact industrial sensors for detecting metal components in machinery, automation equipment, conveyors and production systems.
View Inductive Sensors →
Capacitive Sensors
Industrial capacitive sensing for selected metal and non-metal materials including plastics, liquids and other process targets.
View Capacitive Sensors →
Magnetic Sensors
Compact magnetic sensing solutions for machine position detection and presence confirmation in industrial automation equipment.
View Magnetic Sensors →Photoelectric sensors for object detection and counting.
Select diffuse, retro-reflective or through beam sensing according to detection distance, installation layout and application requirements.
Diffuse Photoelectric Sensors
Single-housing optical sensors that detect objects from light reflected directly by the target, without a separate reflector.
View Diffuse Sensors →
Retro-Reflective Photoelectric Sensors
Optical sensors using a reflector for dependable object detection across conveyor systems, packaging machinery and automated equipment.
View Retro-Reflective Sensors →
Through Beam Photoelectric Sensors
Separate emitter and receiver units provide reliable object detection for longer sensing distances, counting and presence applications.
View Through Beam Sensors →Start with what you need to detect.
The right industrial sensor depends on target material, detection distance, installation layout and machine requirements. Start with the object and then narrow the technical specifications.
Metal Parts
Inductive sensing for gears, fixtures, metal components and machine positioning.
Plastic & Non-metal
Capacitive or photoelectric sensing depending on target material and required distance.
Boxes & Packages
Photoelectric sensing for presence, counting and packaging automation.
Liquids & Materials
Capacitive sensing for selected presence and material level applications.
Machine Components
Non-contact sensing for repeatable machine position and component detection.
Moving Products
Photoelectric sensing for conveyors, production lines and automated handling.
Narrow the choice by key sensor specifications.
After choosing the sensing principle, confirm the installation, detection and electrical requirements before selecting a final model.
Sensing Principle
Inductive, capacitive, magnetic, diffuse, retro-reflective or through beam.
Sensing Distance
Match the detection range to the target and machine geometry.
Housing Format
Select a sensor design that fits the available mounting space.
Output Requirement
Confirm compatibility with the PLC or machine control system.
Connection Method
Choose cable or connector configurations according to equipment design.
Application Conditions
Consider the target, installation, movement and surrounding environment.
Compare the sensing method before choosing a model.
Use this overview to narrow the appropriate product category. Final electrical and mechanical specifications should be confirmed on the selected product model.
| Sensor Category | Primary Target | Sensing Method | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inductive Sensors | Metal | Inductive | Metal part and machine position detection |
| Capacitive Sensors | Metal / non-metal | Capacitive | Presence and selected level detection |
| Magnetic Sensors | Magnetic target | Magnetic sensing | Machine position detection |
| Diffuse Photoelectric | General objects | Reflection from target | Object presence detection |
| Retro-Reflective | General objects | Sensor + reflector | Conveyor and packaging detection |
| Through Beam | General objects | Emitter + receiver | Longer-range presence and counting |
Exact sensing distance, voltage, switching frequency, protection rating, wiring and dimensions vary by model. Confirm the final technical specification before ordering.
Sensors built around real automation tasks.
Packaging Machinery
Detect products, cartons and component positions during packaging operations.
Conveyor & Logistics
Object presence, counting and positioning across material handling systems.
Machine Tools
Detect metal components, fixtures and moving machine parts.
Assembly Equipment
Confirm part presence and support repeatable automated assembly.
Factory Automation
Industrial sensing for automated machinery and production systems.
OEM Equipment
Sensor selection around equipment design and machine integration requirements.
Industrial sensor supply for OEMs, integrators and distributors.
KALEN supports sensor selection and industrial supply for machine builders, equipment manufacturers, automation projects and repeat purchasing requirements.
Six focused sensor categories for different detection and automation requirements.
Narrow the choice around target, sensing distance and installation.
Discuss project-specific sensor and equipment integration requirements.
Evaluate application suitability before larger purchasing requirements.
Common questions when selecting industrial sensors.
What is the difference between proximity and photoelectric sensing?
Proximity technologies detect targets without mechanical contact using sensing principles such as inductive, capacitive or magnetic detection. Photoelectric sensors use light for object detection.
Which KALEN sensor category is suitable for metal detection?
Inductive sensors are commonly used for non-contact detection of metal objects in industrial machinery.
Which sensor can detect non-metal materials?
Depending on the material and application, capacitive or photoelectric sensing may be suitable.
What is the difference between diffuse, retro-reflective and through beam sensors?
Diffuse sensors receive light reflected directly from the target. Retro-reflective sensors use a reflector. Through beam sensors use separate emitter and receiver units.
Can KALEN help select a sensor for my machine?
Yes. Send the target material, required sensing distance, installation information and electrical requirements so the suitable sensor category can be narrowed down.
Does KALEN support OEM and industrial purchasing projects?
KALEN supports equipment manufacturers, automation users, integrators and distributors with sensor selection and supply requirements.
Not sure which sensor fits your machine?
Send us the target material, sensing distance, power supply, output requirement, installation information and expected quantity. We will help narrow the sensor choice.