Product Overview

The SICK CMB capacitive proximity sensor is a robust, non-flush mounting device designed for reliable detection of non-conductive materials in industrial environments. With a metric housing diameter of Ø30 mm and a thread size of M30 x 1.5, it offers secure installation in demanding applications. The sensor features a sensing range from 0 mm to 25 mm and a safe sensing range of 19.13 mm (Sa = 0.8 × Sr at temperatures below 0 °C or above 60 °C), ensuring reliable safety performance under extreme conditions. Its PNP switching output with complementary function enables seamless integration into existing control systems, while support for wire-pinning and IO-Link configurations provides flexibility in parameter adjustment and diagnostics. The IP67, IP68, and IP69K enclosure ratings ensure complete protection against dust and immersion in water, making it suitable for harsh environments including wet or high-mist conditions.

Key Features and Technology

The CMB capacitive proximity sensor leverages advanced capacitive sensing technology to detect non-conductive materials without physical contact. It supports both wire-pinning and IO-Link configurations, enabling precise sensitivity adjustment via a 11-turn potentiometer or through digital parameterization. The sensor’s output is configurable as PNP with complementary functionality, allowing compatibility with a wide range of industrial control systems. IO-Link enables real-time access to sensor parameters such as sensitivity, enabling remote diagnostics and Smart Task functions for optimized performance. The device meets rigorous electromagnetic compatibility standards including EN 61000-4-2 (ESD >40 kV), EN 61000-4-4 (burst ±4 kV at 5 kHz), and EN 61000-4-5 (surge protection >2 kV on supply and output). It is also designed to withstand mechanical stress with shock resistance up to 30 g over 11 ms and drop testing from heights of 1 m (twice) and 0.5 m (100 times).

Technical Characteristics

The CMB sensor operates within a supply voltage range of 10 V DC to 36 V DC, with a ripple of ≤10% and a voltage drop of ≤2 V DC under load. Current consumption remains low at ≤20 mA, ensuring energy efficiency in continuous operation. The switching frequency is set at 50 Hz, suitable for standard industrial cycle timing. With a sensing range of 0 mm to 25 mm and a safe sensing range of 19.13 mm, the sensor provides both detection capability and safety assurance. It features a DC 4-wire electrical wiring configuration with PNP switching output. The potentiometer adjustment allows sensitivity tuning over 11 turns, while IO-Link supports remote access to sensitivity settings and sensor parameters including Smart Task functions for enhanced diagnostics and maintenance.

Configuration and Integration

The CMB sensor integrates easily into industrial automation systems through its M12 male connector (4-pin) and PNP switching output. The complementary output function simplifies signal compatibility with existing PLCs or control logic. Sensitivity can be adjusted either via a physical potentiometer (11 turns) or digitally using IO-Link, enabling both on-site tuning and remote parameterization. This dual configuration supports flexible deployment in varying environments. A screwdriver for potentiometer adjustment is included in the package, ensuring straightforward setup during installation. The sensor’s support for IO-Link allows real-time monitoring of operating conditions and access to advanced functions such as sensitivity calibration and diagnostic data retrieval, improving system reliability and reducing downtime.

Operating Environment

The CMB capacitive proximity sensor is designed for operation in harsh industrial environments with full protection against dust and water ingress. It meets IP67, IP68, and IP69K ratings, allowing safe use in wet, submerged, or high-pressure wash conditions including those involving steam or chemical exposure. The device operates reliably across a wide temperature range where the safe sensing range (Sa) is maintained at 19.13 mm under extreme temperatures below 0 °C or above 60 °C. It complies with EN 61000-4-2 to -4-8 for electromagnetic interference resistance and IEC 60068-2-27 and IEC 60068-2-31 for mechanical durability, ensuring consistent performance in vibration-prone or shock-exposed settings.

Industrial Applications

The CMB capacitive proximity sensor is ideal for detecting non-conductive materials such as plastics, paper, and ceramics in manufacturing processes. Its robust housing and high environmental protection make it suitable for use in food processing, packaging, automotive assembly lines, and material handling systems where exposure to moisture or dust is common. The safe sensing range ensures compliance with safety standards when used in proximity to hazardous materials. Applications include level detection in conveyors, presence detection of non-metallic parts, and automated stop functions in production lines. Its compatibility with both wire-based and IO-Link configurations allows integration into legacy systems as well as modern smart factories requiring real-time diagnostics and parameter monitoring.