E2E-X18ME1-M1 OMRON Cylindrical Proximity Sensor
Product Overview
Omron E2E-X18ME1-M1 | Inductive Proximity Sensor — M30 Unshielded, 18 mm Sensing Distance, NPN NO, M12 Connector, DC 3-Wire, IP67, E2E Series
Part Number: E2E-X18ME1-M1
Alternate Part Number: E2EX18ME1M1
Manufacturer: Omron Corporation (Japan)
Product Category: Inductive Proximity Sensor
Series: Omron E2E Series
UNSPSC Code: 41110000
Core Specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Body Size |
M30 (30mm cylindrical threaded barrel) |
| Sensing Type |
Inductive (electromagnetic) |
| Mounting Type |
Unshielded (non-embeddable) |
| Sensing Distance |
18 mm |
| Standard Sensing Object |
30 × 30 × 1 mm iron plate |
| Output Configuration |
DC 3-wire, NPN, Normally Open (NO) |
| Connection |
M12 4-pin metal connector |
| Supply Voltage |
10-30 VDC (12-24 VDC nominal) |
| Load Current |
5-300 mA |
| Response Frequency |
100 Hz max. |
| Protection Rating |
IP67 |
| Operating Temperature |
−40 to +85°C |
| Housing Material |
Nickel-plated brass |
| Sensing Surface Material |
Thermoplastic PBT polymer |
| Differential Travel |
10% max. of sensing distance |
| Insulation Resistance |
50 MΩ min. (at 500 VDC) |
| Dielectric Strength |
4,000 VAC, 50/60 Hz for 1 min. |
| Vibration Resistance |
10 to 55 Hz, 1.5 mm amplitude, 2 hr each in X/Y/Z |
Product Description
The Omron E2E-X18ME1-M1 is an M30-body unshielded inductive proximity sensor with an 18mm sensing range and NPN Normally Open output — the largest standard configuration in Omron's E2E series, suited for detecting ferrous metal targets at distances that smaller sensors cannot reach.
The M12 pre-wired connector variant (-M1 suffix) makes installation and replacement straightforward: the sensor installs in any M30×1.5 threaded hole or 30mm bracket hole, the connector mates with a standard M12 4-pin cable, and the NPN output connects directly to the NPN-compatible inputs of most PLCs and industrial controllers without additional circuitry.
The E2E series prioritizes field reliability across extreme temperature, contamination, and vibration environments — conditions where a sensor may operate continuously for years while exposed to cutting fluid, coolant spray, metallic swarf, and mechanical vibration.
Detection Principle
The E2E-X18ME1-M1 generates a high-frequency oscillating electromagnetic field from a coil embedded behind its sensing face. When a ferrous metal target enters this field, eddy currents are induced on the target's surface — these currents draw energy from the oscillating field, damping the oscillator's amplitude.
The sensor's electronic circuit detects this damping and switches the NPN output transistor from OFF to ON when the damping exceeds the switching threshold. This detection mechanism is contact-free and mechanically wear-free — the sensor has no moving parts in its detection function.
Target Material and Distance Considerations
The 18mm specification is measured with Omron's standard sensing object: a 30×30×1mm flat iron plate. Real-world sensing distances depend on:
- Target size: Smaller targets produce less eddy current damping and trip the threshold at a shorter distance
- Target material: Non-ferrous metals (aluminium, copper, brass) generate eddy currents at different efficiency and will be detected at shorter distances
- Target thickness: Very thin metal foil or sheet reflects less energy than the 1mm iron standard
Wiring and Output
The M12 4-pin connector follows the standard Omron pin assignment: Pin 1 (+V supply), Pin 3 (0V common), Pin 4 (NPN output signal). Pin 2 is not used on this 3-wire NO model.
The NPN output sinks current to the common (0V) when a target is detected — a normally-open configuration where the output is OFF (high impedance) with no target present and ON (sinking current through load) when the target is within the sensing range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: The sensor is unshielded — what clearance is required from the mounting hardware?
Unshielded proximity sensors require minimum clearance between the sensor barrel and any surrounding ferrous metal mounting structure. For an M30 unshielded sensor, the minimum lateral clearance from surrounding metal is typically equal to twice the barrel diameter (60mm on each side). If flush metal mounting is required, the shielded variant (E2E-X10ME1-M1, with 10mm sensing distance) is the correct choice.
Q2: Can the E2E-X18ME1-M1 detect aluminium or other non-ferrous metals?
Yes, but at shorter sensing distances. For aluminium, the effective sensing distance is typically 40-60% of the iron value (approximately 7-11mm). For copper and brass, it's even shorter (25-40%). Operating distance should be set conservatively relative to the reduced effective range.
Q3: The sensor is IP67 rated. Can it be used in a washdown environment with high-pressure cleaning?
IP67 covers immersion up to 1 metre for 30 minutes, which exceeds splash, mist, and low-pressure rinse conditions. However, IP67 does not cover sustained high-pressure water jets — that would require an IP69K rating. For typical machine tool coolant flooding and spray environments, IP67 is adequate.
Q4: There is a 10% hysteresis band — what does this mean for the installation?
Hysteresis means the switch-on point and switch-off point are at slightly different distances — the target must move away by approximately 10% of the sensing distance (about 1.8mm) beyond the switch-on point before the output turns off. This prevents chattering and ensures a clean, stable output signal.
Q5: Can the output cable be extended, and if so, how far?
The E2E-X18ME1-M1 uses an M12 connector; extension cables are standard industrial items. In metal conduit, the output cable can theoretically be extended up to 100 metres without performance degradation. For most factory floor installations with extensions up to 20-30 metres, no special precautions are needed.
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