GX-M18B-P Inductive Proximity Sensor - Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The GX-M18B-P is an inductive proximity sensor manufactured by Panasonic Industrial Automation Sales, designed for non-contact detection applications with a 4mm sensing distance. This sensor features PNP-NC output configuration, operates across 12V to 24V supply voltage, and is housed in a shielded M18 threaded cylinder package. The product is currently classified as obsolete, making identification of suitable substitute components essential for system maintenance and new design implementations where equivalent functionality is required.

Substiute Parts

GX-M18B-P
Panasonic Industrial Automation SalesIn Stock: 904GX-M18B-P Datasheet
GX-M18B-P
Current Part
GX-318M-B-P
Panasonic Industrial Automation SalesIn Stock: 1179GX-318M-B-P Datasheet
GX-318M-B-P
Similar

Key Parameters

Parameter Specification
Sensor Type Inductive
Sensing Distance 0.157" (4mm)
Output Type PNP-NC, 3-Wire
Voltage Supply Range 12V ~ 24V
Response Frequency 2kHz
Shielding Shielded
Package / Case Cylinder, Threaded - M18
Ingress Protection IP68, IP69K
Operating Temperature -25°C ~ 70°C
Material - Body Nickel-Plated Brass
Termination Style Cable Leads
RoHS Status RoHS Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the GX-M18B-P is determined by strict alignment of the following critical parameters:

Core Compatibility Criteria:

  • Sensor Type: Inductive (fixed requirement)
  • Sensing Distance: 0.157" (4mm) (fixed requirement)
  • Output Type: PNP-NC, 3-Wire (fixed requirement)
  • Package / Case: Cylinder, Threaded - M18 (fixed requirement)
  • Shielding: Shielded (fixed requirement)
  • Termination Style: Cable Leads (fixed requirement)

Allowable Parameter Variations:

  • Voltage Supply Range: Substitute must accommodate the 12V ~ 24V operating window of the original part
  • Response Frequency: Substitute may differ if application timing requirements are met
  • Operating Temperature: Substitute range must encompass or exceed the original -25°C ~ 70°C specification
  • Ingress Protection: Substitute rating must meet or exceed IP68, IP69K
  • Material - Body: Nickel-Plated Brass (consistent across qualified substitutes)

The GX-318M-B-P meets all core compatibility criteria and represents a direct functional equivalent for the obsolete GX-M18B-P.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter GX-M18B-P (Main Part) GX-318M-B-P (Substitute) Compatibility Assessment
Sensor Type Inductive Inductive Match
Sensing Distance 0.157" (4mm) 0.157" (4mm) Match
Output Type PNP-NC, 3-Wire PNP-NC, 3-Wire Match
Voltage Supply Range 12V ~ 24V 10V ~ 30V Compatible (wider range accommodates original)
Response Frequency 2kHz 600Hz Substitute lower; verify application timing requirements
Shielding Shielded Shielded Match
Package / Case Cylinder, Threaded - M18 Cylinder, Threaded - M18 Match
Ingress Protection IP68, IP69K IP67, IP67G, IP69K Compatible (IP69K match; IP67 lower than IP68)
Operating Temperature -25°C ~ 70°C -40°C ~ 85°C Compatible (wider range exceeds original)
Material - Body Nickel-Plated Brass Nickel-Plated Brass Match
Termination Style Cable Leads Cable Leads Match
RoHS Status RoHS Compliant ROHS3 Compliant Compatible (ROHS3 is current standard)

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The GX-318M-B-P is qualified as a direct substitute for the obsolete GX-M18B-P based on matching core electrical and mechanical specifications. The substitute part is classified as Active product status, ensuring ongoing availability and supply chain continuity.

Compliance Considerations:

  • GX-M18B-P: RoHS Compliant
  • GX-318M-B-P: ROHS3 Compliant (current regulatory standard)

The GX-318M-B-P provides enhanced environmental operating range (-40°C ~ 85°C versus -25°C ~ 70°C) and extended voltage tolerance (10V ~ 30V versus 12V ~ 24V), offering improved operational flexibility for existing installations.

Parameter Variance Acknowledgment: The response frequency reduction from 2kHz to 600Hz in the substitute part requires evaluation against specific application timing demands. The ingress protection rating includes IP67 in addition to IP69K, with IP67 representing a lower classification than the original IP68 specification. These variations must be assessed within the context of the target application environment and performance requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

A: The GX-318M-B-P matches all core specifications: inductive sensor type, 4mm sensing distance, PNP-NC 3-wire output, M18 threaded cylinder package, shielded configuration, and cable lead termination. Physical and electrical compatibility is established. Application-specific validation of response frequency (600Hz versus 2kHz) and ingress protection rating (IP67/IP69K versus IP68/IP69K) is required.

Q: What is the difference in ingress protection ratings between these parts?

A: The GX-M18B-P specifies IP68 and IP69K. The GX-318M-B-P specifies IP67, IP67G, and IP69K. IP68 provides protection against continuous immersion; IP67 provides protection against temporary immersion. Both parts include IP69K rating for high-pressure jet protection. Environmental exposure conditions determine whether the IP67 rating is acceptable for your application.

Q: How does the response frequency difference affect sensor performance?

A: The GX-M18B-P operates at 2kHz response frequency; the GX-318M-B-P operates at 600Hz. Response frequency defines the maximum switching speed. Applications requiring detection of rapidly moving objects or high-speed switching cycles must confirm that 600Hz meets timing requirements. Lower frequency operation may be acceptable for static or slow-moving detection scenarios.

Q: Are the voltage supply ranges compatible?

A: Yes. The GX-M18B-P operates at 12V ~ 24V; the GX-318M-B-P operates at 10V ~ 30V. The substitute part's wider voltage range fully accommodates the original specification, providing additional operational margin.

Q: What is the product status difference, and why does it matter?

A: The GX-M18B-P is classified as Obsolete; the GX-318M-B-P is classified as Active. Active status ensures continued manufacturing, availability, and technical support. Obsolete status indicates the original part is no longer produced and may face supply constraints.

Q: Are both parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. The GX-M18B-P is RoHS Compliant; the GX-318M-B-P is ROHS3 Compliant. ROHS3 represents the current regulatory standard and includes additional restricted substance requirements beyond the original RoHS specification.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)