What does "Factor 1" mean for inductive sensors?

What does "Factor 1" mean for inductive sensors?

Many people associate the mark "F1" and the name "Factor 1" with sensors intended for welding environments.

But this connection is only accidental.

It is true that most inductive sensors for welding also have the so-called "Factor 1".

But "Factor 1" does not mean that the sensor is intended for a welding environment.

Inductive sensors react differently to different metals materials.

The sensing distance varies according to the type of detected material.

How much the sensing distance is reduced is determined by the so-called "correction factor".

Approximate values ​​of the correction factor are given in this table :

Sensors marked "F1" or "Factor 1 sensors" have a value of correction factor = 1.

It means that such sensors have the same switching distance for all common metal materials.