Description
The Panasonic GX-F8A is an ultra-compact rectangular (square) inductive proximity sensor from the GX-F series, designed for flush or non-flush front-facing metal detection in space-constrained machine tools, fixtures, and automation cells. It detects ferrous and non-ferrous metals (reduced range for non-ferrous) via an oscillating magnetic field.
- GX-F8A → NPN Normally Open (NO) output, 3-wire DC, 2.5 mm nominal sensing range (flush mountable), built-in short-circuit & reverse polarity protection.
- Housing: 20×8×12 mm approx. rectangular PBT resin — much smaller footprint than cylindrical Ø8 mm sensors.
- Connector/Cable: Typically supplied with 1 m oil-resistant PVC cable (fixed cable type — “A” suffix = cable outlet, “B” = M8 connector variant exists in other GX-F8 family members).
The GX-F series is known for IP68g (oil-tight) & IP67 rating — suitable for coolants, cutting oils, and washdown environments common in machining centers.
Key Features
- Sensing Distance: 2.5 mm nominal (flush mount) — detectable object: Iron 15×15×1 mm
- Output: NPN Open Collector, NO (Normally Open) — sinks current to 0V when metal detected
- Supply: 12–24 V DC (10–30 V DC range)
- Protection: IP68 / IP68g (oil immersion resistant), IP67 front — withstands metal chips & coolant spray
- LED Indicators: Red operation LED (lights when target detected)
- Mounting: Flush mount in metal (side or front holes) — 2 mounting screws M2.6 typical
- Country of Origin: Japan / Malaysia (Panasonic Industrial)
Model & Variant Reference (GX-F8 Family)
Model | Output | Sensing Face | Cable / Connector | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
GX-F8A | NPN NO | Front (rectangular) | 1 m cable | Most common — DC 3-wire NPN system |
GX-F8A-P | PNP NO | Front (rectangular) | 1 m cable | PNP (source) PLC input systems |
GX-F8B | NPN NO | Front (rectangular) | M8 4-pin connector | Quick-disconnect version |
GX-F8V | NPN NO | Side (top-view — check GX-H8 for side-detect) | 1 m cable | When front face blocked — use GX-H series for side detect |
⚠️ Important Notes:
NPN vs PNP: GX-F8A = NPN (sinking — black wire goes to 0V/PLC input COM when ON). If your PLC expects PNP (sourcing — +24V switched), order GX-F8A-P. Japanese/Asian machines often NPN; European often PNP. Flush Mount: The 2.5 mm range is specified for flush mounting in a metal cutout. Non-flush (projecting) would increase range but risks false triggers from surrounding metal — follow manual cutout dimensions. Wiring: Brown (+24V), Blue (0V), Black (Output — NPN: pulls low when ON). Ensure load (PLC input) is wired between +24V and input terminal (NPN sink config). Material Sensitivity: Rated range based on iron (Fe). For aluminum/brass/copper — derate to ~ 60–70% of stated range (check correction factor in datasheet).
Technical Specifications (GX-F8A — NPN NO, 2.5 mm, 1 m Cable)
Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
Model / Order Code | GX-F8A (Panasonic Industrial Devices — GX-F Series) |
Sensor Type | Inductive Proximity — Rectangular Front-detection |
Nominal Sensing Distance (Sn) | 2.5 mm (flush mount) — Standard detect target: Fe 15×15×1 mm |
Usable Sensing Distance (Sa) | 0 … 2.0 mm (recommended operating range for stable detection) |
Output Type | NPN Open Collector (NO — Normally Open) |
Max. Load Current | 100 mA (DC resistive) |
Supply Voltage | 12–24 V DC (10–30 V DC allowable) |
Current Consumption (No Load) | ≤ 13 mA |
Repeatability | ≤ 0.04 mm |
Response Frequency | ≥ 500 Hz |
Hysteresis | ≤ 10 % of Sn |
Protection Circuitry | Reverse polarity protection, Over-current (short-circuit) protection, Surge absorber |
Connection | 3-wire PVC cable, 1 m length (Oil-resistant, heat/cold resistant) |
Housing Material | PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) — UL94 V-0 |
Mounting | Flush mount (cutout per drawing — M2.6 screw holes) |
Protection Rating | IP68 / IP68g (oil-tight), IP67 (front face) |
Operating Temp. | -25 … +70 °C (no freezing/dewing) |
Dimensions (W×H×D) | ~ 20 mm × 8 mm × 12 mm (main body — check exact dwg) |
Weight | ~ 15 g (with cable) |
Standards | CE, UL (component), RoHS |
Warranty & After-Sales
- Factory new units: 12 months warranty
- Refurbished units: 3-6 months warranty (trigger test on Fe target + output check)
- Technical support for:
- NPN vs PNP wiring (GX-F8A vs GX-F8A-P — PLC input sink/source config)
- Flush-mount cutout dimension & non-ferrous metal correction factor
- Cable vs M8 connector variant cross-reference (GX-F8B = M8 plug)
- Alternative: GX-H8A (side-detect/top-view inductive) if front face is obstructed
- Compatible mounting brackets & extension cables (M8 gender changers) available separately
Delivery Time
- Standard delivery: 3-5 working days (stock items)
- Express shipping available upon request
Why Choose Our Store
- Genuine Panasonic GX-F series sensors — not clones with inferior shielding & drift
- Global supply network with competitive pricing
- Expertise in inductive sensor selection (flush vs non-flush, NPN/PNP, material factor)
- Comprehensive technical documentation (cutout dwg, wiring diag, sensitivity curve)
- Responsive customer service and support
Applications
- Workpiece Presence Check: Detect machined part seated in fixture before clamp/cycle start (CNC VMC/HMC).
- Slide / Cylinder End Position: Confirm piston rod or slide table reached home/end (compact size fits tight spaces).
- Tool Breakage / Missing Tool: Sense small metal tab or tool tip presence (high repeatability ≤ 0.04 mm).
- Stamping / Die Protection: Verify part ejected from die before press close.
- Retrofit: Replace larger Ø8 mm barrel sensors in space-limited retrofits — rectangular format mounts via screws.



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