GX-M18B Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The GX-M18B is an inductive proximity sensor manufactured by Panasonic Industrial Automation Sales. This sensor is designed for non-contact detection applications with a 4mm sensing distance in a compact M18 cylindrical threaded housing. The product is currently classified as obsolete, making identification of suitable substitute components essential for system maintenance and new design implementations. The GX-M18B operates as an NPN-NC output device with shielded construction and IP68/IP69K ingress protection ratings.

Substiute Parts

GX-M18B
Panasonic Industrial Automation SalesIn Stock: 712GX-M18B Datasheet
GX-M18B
Current Part
GX-318M-B-N
Panasonic Industrial Automation SalesIn Stock: 991GX-318M-B-N Datasheet
GX-318M-B-N
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Key Parameters

Parameter GX-M18B Specification
Manufacturer Part Number GX-M18B
Manufacturer Panasonic Industrial Automation Sales
Series GX-M
Product Status Obsolete
Sensor Type Inductive
Sensing Distance 0.157" (4mm)
Output Type NPN-NC, 3-Wire
Response Frequency 2kHz
Shielding Shielded
Material - Body Nickel-Plated Brass
Voltage - Supply 12V ~ 24V
Termination Style Cable Leads
Operating Temperature -25°C ~ 70°C
Ingress Protection IP68, IP69K
Indicator LED
Package / Case Cylinder, Threaded - M18
RoHS Status RoHS Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) 1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

The GX-318M-B-N qualifies as a functional substitute for the GX-M18B based on the following critical parameters that determine substitutability:

Core Compatibility Parameters:

  • Sensor Type: Both are inductive proximity sensors
  • Sensing Distance: Both provide 0.157" (4mm) detection range
  • Output Type: Both feature NPN-NC, 3-Wire configuration
  • Shielding: Both employ shielded construction
  • Material - Body: Both use Nickel-Plated Brass
  • Termination Style: Both utilize Cable Leads
  • Package / Case: Both are housed in Cylinder, Threaded - M18 form factor
  • Ingress Protection: Both meet IP69K rating (GX-318M-B-N additionally supports IP67 and IP67G)

Operational Differences: The GX-318M-B-N operates with an expanded voltage supply range (10V ~ 30V versus 12V ~ 24V) and extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C versus -25°C ~ 70°C). The response frequency differs at 600Hz compared to 2kHz. The GX-318M-B-N is classified as Active product status with ROHS3 compliance, whereas the GX-M18B is Obsolete with RoHS compliance.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter GX-M18B GX-318M-B-N Compatibility Notes
Sensor Type Inductive Inductive Identical
Sensing Distance 0.157" (4mm) 0.157" (4mm) Identical
Output Type NPN-NC, 3-Wire NPN-NC, 3-Wire Identical
Shielding Shielded Shielded Identical
Material - Body Nickel-Plated Brass Nickel-Plated Brass Identical
Voltage - Supply 12V ~ 24V 10V ~ 30V GX-318M-B-N has wider range; compatible with GX-M18B voltage requirements
Termination Style Cable Leads Cable Leads Identical
Operating Temperature -25°C ~ 70°C -40°C ~ 85°C (TA) GX-318M-B-N has extended range; compatible with GX-M18B operating conditions
Ingress Protection IP68, IP69K IP67, IP67G, IP69K Both meet IP69K; GX-318M-B-N additionally rated IP67 and IP67G
Indicator LED LED Identical
Package / Case Cylinder, Threaded - M18 Cylinder, Threaded - M18 Identical mechanical form factor
Response Frequency 2kHz 600Hz GX-318M-B-N has lower response frequency; verify application timing requirements
Product Status Obsolete Active GX-318M-B-N is currently manufactured and supported
RoHS Status RoHS Compliant ROHS3 Compliant Both meet RoHS requirements; GX-318M-B-N meets updated ROHS3 standard

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The GX-318M-B-N is the designated substitute for the obsolete GX-M18B. Selection of this substitute is supported by:

Product Lifecycle Considerations: The GX-M18B is classified as obsolete, making the active-status GX-318M-B-N the appropriate choice for continued system support and new implementations.

Compliance and Certification: Both components meet RoHS environmental compliance requirements. The GX-318M-B-N carries ROHS3 certification, representing compliance with the most current regulatory standard.

Electrical and Mechanical Compatibility: The GX-318M-B-N maintains identical output configuration (NPN-NC, 3-Wire), sensing distance (4mm), and mechanical housing (M18 threaded cylinder). The expanded voltage supply range (10V ~ 30V) and extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C) of the GX-318M-B-N provide operational flexibility while remaining compatible with GX-M18B system requirements.

Application-Specific Verification: Applications requiring response frequencies at or above 600Hz are compatible with the GX-318M-B-N. Applications with timing requirements exceeding 600Hz response frequency must be evaluated against the GX-318M-B-N specification prior to implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the GX-318M-B-N directly replace the GX-M18B in existing installations?

A: Yes. The GX-318M-B-N provides identical sensing distance (4mm), output type (NPN-NC, 3-Wire), mechanical form factor (M18 threaded cylinder), and termination style (cable leads). The expanded voltage and temperature ranges ensure compatibility with GX-M18B system specifications.

Q: What is the primary difference between these two sensors?

A: The GX-318M-B-N operates at 600Hz response frequency compared to the GX-M18B at 2kHz. For applications requiring faster response times, this specification difference must be evaluated. The GX-318M-B-N also provides extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C versus -25°C ~ 70°C) and wider voltage supply range (10V ~ 30V versus 12V ~ 24V).

Q: Is the GX-318M-B-N currently available?

A: Yes. The GX-318M-B-N is classified as Active product status with current manufacturing support from Panasonic Industrial Automation Sales.

Q: Are there any mechanical compatibility concerns with the M18 threaded housing?

A: No. Both sensors use identical M18 threaded cylinder packaging. Mechanical mounting and installation procedures remain unchanged.

Q: What ingress protection ratings apply to the GX-318M-B-N?

A: The GX-318M-B-N is rated IP67, IP67G, and IP69K. Both the GX-M18B and GX-318M-B-N meet the IP69K specification, ensuring compatibility in high-pressure wash and harsh environment applications.

Q: Does the GX-318M-B-N meet current environmental compliance standards?

A: Yes. The GX-318M-B-N carries ROHS3 certification, meeting current regulatory requirements for hazardous substance restrictions in electrical and electronic equipment.

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