BALLUFF

About BALLUFF

In the field of sensor technology for machines and systems, Balluff offers the entire technological diversity with its different operating principles. We offer high-quality and precise sensors and systems for every application and requirement, from displacement measurement and identification to object detection and fluid measurement. Sensors for everyday industrial applications as well as for use in extreme and harsh environments. In addition, we offer you the best network and connection technology as well as an extensive range of accessories. Our sensor technology forms the basis for the automation and digitalization of your machines and plants. We offer sensors in highest precision and best quality for your processes.

Inductive Sensors

Highest quality and accuracy for automation. Automation without inductive sensors can hardly be imagined. Wear-resistant and reliable non-contact detection of metallic objects is essential in mechanical engineering, electronics production, automotive, food, and plastics industries.

Balluff offers a broad portfolio of inductive sensors in various designs for almost every application: standard sensors, increased switching distance sensors, hygienic models, high-pressure types, Ex-zone versions for hazardous areas, and Factor-1 sensors. Some variants feature ceramic or PTFE coatings to prevent weld spatter adherence. Available also are all-metal Factor-1 sensors.

With Balluff inductive sensors, you can automate, monitor, and control processes with maximum precision—even in extreme environments.

Inductive Sensors
01 Inductive standard sensors with preferred types
02 Inductive 2-wire sensors
03 Pressure-rated inductive sensors
04 Hygienic inductive sensors
05 Inductive Factor 1 sensors
06 Inductive full-metal sensors
07 Magnetic-field-resistant inductive sensors
08 Weld-immune inductive sensors
09 Temperature-rated inductive sensors
10 Inductive sensors for hazardous areas
11 Inductive NAMUR sensors
12 Inductive ring and tube sensors
13 Inductive distance sensors
14 Inductive positioning systems

Capacitive Sensors

Reliably detect objects and fill levels. Capacitive sensors detect objects and the fill level of non-conducting materials, liquids, pellets, and powders—either directly or through container walls.

The patented Smart Level technology compensates for moisture, foam, and adhesion of all kinds—even through glass and plastic walls up to 10 mm thick. This makes them ideal for fill-level measurement of conductive media and ensures high application reliability.

Our sensors are available in various compact designs. As adhesive sensors, they adapt flexibly to different housing shapes and can be easily removed when needed.

Capacitive Sensors
01 Capacitive sensors for object detection
02 Capacitive level sensors without media contact
03 Capacitive level sensors with media contact
04 Capacitive sensor heads for amplifiers
05 Capacitive sensors with special properties
06 Amplifiers for capacitive sensor heads

Photoelectric Sensors

Impressive specialist sensors that check for presence, shape, color, distance, and thickness. Photoelectric sensors are optimized for robotics, automation, assembly, and handling applications.

These high-performance sensors excel at detecting and counting parts, monitoring stack heights, through-glass detection, aligning small parts, mark detection, fill-level monitoring, and more.

Balluff offers a wide range of models using red light, infrared, and laser technology, with or without background suppression. Various designs—including compact mini versions—ensure maximum flexibility for diverse applications in robotics, automation, installation, and handling systems.

Photoelectric Sensors
01 Diffuse and through-beam sensors
02 Diffuse sensor
03 Diffuse sensor with background suppression
04 Retroreflective sensors
05 Through-beam sensors
06 Fork sensors
07 Angle sensors
08 Optical windows
09 Light grid
10 Light bands
11 Color sensors
12 Contrast sensors
13 Luminescence sensor
14 Fiber-based devices for plastic and glass fibers
15 Plastic and glass fibers for fiber-based devices
16 Micromote – optical sensor heads
17 Micromote – amplifiers for optical sensor heads
18 Photoelectric distance sensors

Ultrasonic Sensors

The accurate all-rounder for position detection, distance measurement, and detection of solid, powder, or liquid media. BUS ultrasonic sensors offer highly reliable performance in a wide range of industrial applications.

They measure fill levels, heights, and sag without contact, and can count or monitor the presence of objects. Regardless of color, transparency, or surface texture, ultrasonic sensors consistently deliver accurate results. Even fog, dust, and impurities do not affect their performance.

Ultrasonic Sensors
01 Ultrasonic sensors with a digital output
02 Ultrasonic sensors with analog output
03 Pressure-rated ultrasonic sensors

Mechanical Cam Switches

For positioning and limit switch tasks. Position and row-position counters are classics in the metal-working industry and worldwide automotive production, proving their value in automation for decades.

Mechanical sensors are used for positioning and limit switch tasks across machine tools, presses, flexible production centres, robots, assembly systems, conveyors, and general machine/plant construction. They have consistently delivered strong, reliable performance as traditional workhorses of industrial automation.

Mechanical Cam Switches
01 Mechanical single position limit switches
02 Mechanical multiple position switches
03 Mechanical multiple position limit switches with interchangeable plunger unit
04 Mechanical single position limit switches with safety switch positions
05 Mechanical multiple position limit switches with safety switch positions
06 Mechanical single position limit switches with positive opening
07 Mechanical multiple position limit switches with positive opening
08 Mechanical single position limit switches for extended temperature range
09 Mechanical multiple position limit switches with extended temperature range
10 Inductive single position limit switches

Magnetic Encoder System

The BML absolute linear magnetic encoder systems from Balluff ensure absolute positional feedback in every position and can be used immediately—no reference run required. They resume operation instantly after a power loss or system restart.

They deliver superior machine performance through fast and precise measurement with excellent reproducibility. High system availability is ensured by durable magnetic tape with Permagnet® Technology and a robust metal housing that provides long service life.

Installation is simple and fast with dedicated calibration software.

Magnetic Encoder System
01 Incremental linear magnetic encoder system
02 Absolute rotary magnetic encoder system
03 Incremental rotary magnetic encoder system
04 Magnetically coded targets

Magnetostrictive Sensors

Magnetostrictive position measurement systems are used wherever the highest reliability and precision are required for measuring position and speed.

Over long distances, these contact-free and absolute measuring systems support all industry-standard interfaces and can be used in a wide variety of applications. Even in harsh and extreme environments, they guarantee excellent machine and system availability.

Magnetostrictive Sensors
01 Magnetostrictive linear position sensors in profile housing
02 Magnetostrictive linear position sensors for industrial hydraulics
03 Magnetostrictive linear position sensors for extreme environments
04 Magnetostrictive linear position sensors for explosive areas
05 Magnetostrictive position measuring systems for mobile hydraulics
06 Magnetostrictive sensors for fill level measurement in hygienic areas
07 Redundant magnetostrictive linear position sensors
08 Magnetostrictive position measuring systems for long distances

Temperature Sensors

With our sensors, you can reliably monitor media temperatures across a wide range of applications. Designed for direct use in liquid and gaseous media, our temperature sensors deliver precise and stable measurements.

Version with rotatable, highly readable display: Flexible installation and excellent operating convenience.

Versions without display: Compact size and high vibration resistance, ideal for demanding industrial environments.

Interfaces: Supports analog signals and switching outputs.

The rugged M12 connector ensures easy system integration. All versions come with UL and CE certifications for reliable use worldwide.

Temperature Sensors

Flow Sensors

Flow sensors enable you to measure and monitor the flow of process media such as lubricant, cooling water, and other fluids across a wide variety of industrial applications.

These sensors alert you when the flow decreases or stops, allowing fast intervention to prevent unplanned machine downtime or even complete system shutdown. Like pressure and temperature sensors, flow sensors contribute significantly to overall process reliability.

No moving parts: Highly resistant to contamination and wear.
Flexible installation: Screw-in or inline versions based on flow volume or tube diameter.
M12 connector: Simplifies integration into your system.
Clear visual feedback: LED line or display to indicate flow levels.
Certified safety: UL and CE approved.

Flow Sensors

Condition Monitoring Sensors

Unscheduled stops and faults in the production process can be prevented with BCM multi-functional condition monitoring sensors. These intelligent sensors deliver essential condition data that helps automate manual inspections and supports IIoT-based smart, flexible manufacturing systems.

Multiple measured variables: Vibration, temperature, humidity, and air pressure – all in a single device.

Integrated evaluation electronics: Enables configurable data pre-processing for optimized diagnostics.

Configurable events and status indications: Allow early warnings and quick reaction to deviations.

Easy integration via IO-Link: Quick connection and flexible process data design, enabling the simultaneous transmission of several variables.

Self-awareness functions: The sensors perform self-monitoring to ensure consistent performance.

With their compact design and minimal space requirement, BCM sensors offer a powerful, space-efficient solution for continuous machine and process monitoring.

Condition Monitoring Sensors

Digital Position Indicators

The digital position indicator from Balluff sets new standards for intuitive, clear operator guidance. Washdown-capable and equipped with multiple internal sensors featuring extended IO-Link functionality, it offers a wide range of application possibilities.

Whether in classic machine tools, automation systems, or heavy-duty environments in the food & beverage sector, the digital position indicator enables quick, reliable handling of diverse products—even with rapidly decreasing batch sizes.

By supporting simple and safe semi-automated format changes, digital position indicators significantly increase both machine flexibility and system availability.

Extended IO-Link functionality: Part of the Smart Automation Monitoring System (SAMS)

Smart features: Internal temperature and humidity monitoring for enhanced process reliability.

Digital Position Indicators

Rotary Encoder

Balluff's rotary encoders are used wherever mechanical rotational angles need to be measured with high precision. The encoder converts detected movement into electrical signals to enable accurate positioning of critical machine components.

Their robust construction ensures excellent durability and stability, even under extreme environmental conditions—such as those found in food processing, packaging lines, mobile machinery, and mechanical engineering.

Whether you need an absolute encoder for precise position feedback or an incremental encoder for speed and direction monitoring, Balluff offers the right solution for your application.

Rotary Encoder

Pressure Sensors

BSP pressure sensors are designed for reliable monitoring of process pressure, hydraulic pressure, and vacuum levels in gaseous and fluid media. They are widely used in factory automation and industrial applications.

Their stainless steel housings offer high durability, making them ideal for harsh environments and extended temperature ranges.

With a rotatable housing and simple VDMA-compliant programming, these sensors provide flexible installation and easy servicing. The bright LED display ensures clear, quick pressure readings at all times.

Pressure Sensors
01 Pressure sensors with display
02 Pressure sensors without display
03 Front flush pressure sensors

RFID

Traceability through RFID systems for industry.

Our BIS RFID identification solutions provide the key technology needed to meet the essential requirements of modern manufacturing. With RFID, products and components can be uniquely assigned and traced at any time, ensuring complete transparency in all production steps.

To achieve unique identification and instant traceability, a data carrier (RFID transponder) is attached to the object. Data is exchanged between the transponder and the read/write head and transferred to the controller via the evaluation unit or an IO-Link module.

Our RFID solutions support nearly all common controllers and evaluation units for every frequency range. The core strength of RFID lies in the contactless exchange of information between the transponder and the reader—enabling modern, smart, efficient production.

RFID
01 UHF (860/960 MHz)
02 HF (13.56 MHz)
03 LF (70/455 kHz)
04 LF (125 kHz)