Turck Inductive Sensors for Express Washes

How Proximity Sensors Work

At their heart, inductive proximity sensors operate by generating an electromagnetic field. When a metallic object enters this field, it causes a change in the field's characteristics, which the sensor then detects. This detection triggers an output signal, essentially acting as an electronic switch that communicates with your car wash's control system. Standard inductive sensors, often using a ferrite core, can be influenced by the type of metal they are detecting, requiring careful calibration or adjustments if your car wash serves a diverse range of vehicles with different metal components.

However, Turck distinguishes itself with its advanced Uprox (Factor 1) technology. Unlike conventional sensors that rely on a single coil, Uprox sensors use separate, independent sender and receiver coils. This innovative design enables Uprox sensors to detect all types of metals, whether steel, aluminum, or copper, at the same distance. For car wash operators, this means unparalleled consistency and reliability, eliminating the need for complex corrections based on a vehicle's specific metal composition and streamlining installation and maintenance.

Why Choose Turck Uprox Sensors for Car Wash Applications?

For car wash owners, operators, and technicians, investing in the right sensors helps you operate continuously without unintended interruptions and ensures your valuable assets are protected. Turck Uprox sensors offer distinct advantages that directly translate into improved performance and reduced operational headaches within the harsh car wash environment.

Unrivaled Detection Accuracy and Consistency (Factor 1 Technology)

Turck's patented Uprox Factor 1 technology is a game-changer for car wash automation. This advanced sensing capability ensures that all metal targets are detected at the same distance, regardless of whether they are ferrous (like steel) or non-ferrous (like aluminum or copper). In a car wash, vehicles come in all shapes, sizes, and compositions. From heavy-duty trucks to lightweight sports cars, the materials can vary significantly. With Uprox sensors, you avoid the complexities of manual adjustments or compensation factors based on the metal present. This consistent detection simplifies system setup, improves operational reliability, and reduces the likelihood of missed detections or false triggers, which can lead to costly operational interruptions or damage.

Enhanced Durability and Longevity in Harsh Environments

Car washes are notoriously tough on equipment, with constant exposure to water, chemicals, and physical abrasion. Turck Uprox sensors are engineered to withstand these conditions, offering superior durability compared to many standard options.

Extended Sensing Range

Uprox sensors offer a longer operating range, allowing them to be mounted further away from potential hazards such as spinning brushes, high-pressure spray nozzles, or vehicle contact points. This increased distance significantly reduces the risk of mechanical damage, extending the sensor's lifespan.

Full Flush Embedding

A key advantage of Uprox sensors is their ability to be fully embeddable, meaning they can be installed flush within metal structures without compromising performance. This flush mounting provides an additional layer of protection against direct impacts and environmental elements, making these sensors ideal for the challenging conditions of car washes. Some Turck shielded sensors can even be recessed up to a half-turn of thread for added resilience.

Robust Construction

Many Turck sensors, including the Uprox3 series, feature high-quality PTFE coating. This coating is not just for protection against weld spatter (as in industrial settings); it also provides excellent resistance to the corrosive chemicals and detergents commonly used in car washes, ensuring reliable performance over time.

Immunity to Interference

Turck Uprox sensors boast excellent immunity to magnetic AC and DC fields, a critical feature in car wash environments where motors, pumps, and other electrical equipment can generate significant electromagnetic interference. This immunity ensures stable and accurate detection without disruptions.

Maximized Uptime and Reduced Maintenance

Downtime in a car wash means lost revenue. Turck Uprox sensors are designed to maximize your system's availability by delivering reliable performance and minimizing maintenance requirements. Their consistent detection prevents errors that could halt the wash cycle, and their robust construction reduces the frequency of replacements due to damage or failure. Furthermore, Turck's "efficient sensor program" means a smaller number of variants are needed to cover a wide range of applications and target metals. This streamlined approach simplifies your inventory management for spare parts, making maintenance quicker and less complex when needed.

Introducing Turck Uprox3: The Next Generation of Performance

What sets Turck uprox®3 Factor 1 sensors apart is the combination of rugged design, advanced detection capabilities, and unmatched reliability in tough operating conditions. Whether your priority is reliable detection through layered grime and foam, immunity to strong magnetic fields, or the ability to operate in compact or confined spaces, Turck delivers solutions trusted by professional car wash operators to keep their systems running efficiently.

• Unparalleled Switching Distances: Turck uprox®3 Factor 1 sensors deliver the highest switching distances available today among inductive sensors. For example, the M8 models can detect metal objects at a distance of up to 3 mm, even when flush-mounted, while the M12, M18, and M30 models achieve switching distances of 6 mm, 10 mm, and 20 mm, respectively. This means more reliable detection of vehicle components, even when they are covered by water, soap, or debris.
• Rugged, Fully Sealed Construction: Designed for the harshest conditions, select Turck sensors feature PTFE-coated threaded barrels to resist mechanical loads, prevent adhesion of contaminants, and provide maximum protection against corrosion, weld spatter, and chemical ingress.
• True Factor 1 Performance on All Metals: Turck’s patented technology accurately detects all metals, including copper, aluminum, stainless steel, or steel, with the same precision and range, eliminating concerns over missed signals caused by different target materials.
• Exceptional EMC and Magnetic Field Immunity: Thanks to innovative, ferrite-free construction, Turck Inductive Proximity Sensors deliver reliable performance in environments with strong magnetic fields and electrical interference, critical for modern car washes with extensive automation and powered equipment.
• Compact, Versatile Designs: With options as small as 4 mm diameter or M5 housing, plus shortened overall lengths, Turck enables installation in tight spaces and retrofits. Fewer variants are needed to cover virtually every detection application, which helps lower maintenance inventory and simplifies system design.

Applications and Benefits

 Turck proximity sensors are designed to handle the demanding environment of car wash operations, delivering reliable performance even in constant moisture and chemical exposure, ensuring each phase of the wash process is triggered accurately and efficiently.

For example, these sensors are commonly used to confirm the presence and precise position of vehicles as they enter each wash stage, ensuring proper alignment for conveyor belts, rollers, or contactless washing arms. They enable automated systems to deploy chemicals, activate brushes or dryers, and sequence rinse cycles with pinpoint accuracy, minimizing the risk of missed spots or mechanical collisions that can lead to equipment damage.

Their rugged construction and chemical-resistant coatings are especially valuable for tunnel and in-bay automatic car washes, where frequent exposure to caustic detergents and water spray would quickly degrade standard sensors.

Beyond vehicle detection, Turck sensors monitor doors, gates, and moving wash components, supporting safe operation.

Because these sensors are available in a variety of shapes, mounting options, and electrical interfaces, they can be easily integrated into existing wash systems, from compact self-serve bays to high-speed express tunnels.

By maintaining consistent, error-free operation even in high-moisture, high-interference environments, Turck sensors help car wash professionals reduce downtime, improve equipment longevity, and deliver a consistently superior wash experience to customers.

• Position detection of moving wash components (arms, conveyors, brushes)
• Confirming vehicle presence and sequencing
• Monitoring gate, door, or barrier positions
• Ensuring safe operation, even under intense spray, vibration, or temperature swings

How to Choose the Right Turck Proximity Sensor for Your Needs

Selecting the correct Turck proximity sensor is crucial for optimizing your car wash's performance. Turck offers a comprehensive range of inductive proximity sensors designed to meet diverse application requirements, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for your system.

Things to Consider:

• Housing Styles: Turck proximity sensors are available in various housing styles, including standard cylindrical barrel designs (e.g., M8, M12, M18, M30), compact smooth barrel types (like Ø 4mm or M5), and even rectangular formats (e.g., 40x40 for IO-Link compatible models). The choice depends on available mounting space and the required sensing distance.
• Mounting Options: Most Uprox sensors allow for full flush installation in all metals without derating, providing maximum protection. While Uprox3 sensors are optimized for flush mounting, some earlier Uprox+ models could be sub-mounted, offering flexibility depending on your specific needs.
• Electrical Connections: Sensors come with various electrical connection options, including pre-wired cables (such as PUR or PVC for durability) or connector types (like M8 or M12) for easy replacement and maintenance.
• Output Types: Turck sensors are available with different output configurations, including PNP (positive switching), NPN (negative switching), and 2-wire options, ensuring compatibility with your existing control systems.
• Environmental Protection: Crucial for car washes, Turck sensors typically feature high IP ratings, such as IP67, indicating excellent protection against dust and water immersion. This ensures reliable operation even under constant exposure to moisture and cleaning agents.

Technical Specifications:

• Designs:
  • Ø 4 design - 1 mm
  • M5 design - 1 mm
  • M8 design - 3 mm
  • M12 design - 6 mm
  • M18 design - 10 mm
  • M30 design - 20 mm
• Common Specifications:
  • Switching Distances:
    • 1 mm
    • 3 mm
    • 6 mm
    • 10 mm
    • 20 mm
  • Lengths:
    • 30.2 mm
    • 39 mm
    • 42.5 mm
    • 42.7 mm
    • 52 mm
    • 54 mm
    • 62 mm
    • 64 mm
  • Electrical Connections:
    • M12
    • Connector, M12 x 1
    • Connector, M18 x 1
    • Cable PUR, 2 m
    • Cable PUR, 7 m
    • Cable PVC, 2 m
    • Cable PVC 7 m
  • Housing Materials:
    • Plastic
    • Stainless Steel
    • PTFE coated
  • Mounting:
    • Flush
    • Non-Flush
    • Flush/Non Flush
  • Operating Voltages:
    • DC
      • 10 - 30 VDC
      • 10 - 65 VDC
      • 10 - 300 VDC
    • AC
      • 20 - 250 VAC

When choosing your Turck proximity sensor, consider the material and size of the object you need to detect, the required sensing distance, any space constraints for installation, and the specific environmental conditions of the sensor's location.

Installation Guidelines:

Proper installation of Turck inductive proximity sensors is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity in demanding car wash environments. Begin by selecting a mounting location that is free from excessive vibration and mechanical impact, ensuring the sensing face is aimed at the target for accurate detection. When installing flush-mount models, make sure the sensor is completely embedded in the mounting surface to prevent accidental damage and minimize false triggering from splashes or stray debris. For environments exposed to chemical sprays or high-pressure water, use the recommended sealing gaskets or O-rings and verify that all electrical connections are securely fastened and protected against moisture ingress. Options like M12 connectors or PUR/PVC cables rated for harsh conditions are preferred. Leave adequate clearance for the sensor’s specified switching distance, and avoid installing near large ferromagnetic objects that could interfere with detection accuracy. Finally, after installation, test the sensor’s operation with both metallic targets and your actual car wash system components to confirm a reliable response and seamless integration with automation controls. Following these guidelines will help reduce downtime, prevent unplanned maintenance, and support the consistent operation of your wash equipment.

Maintenance Guidelines:

Regular maintenance of Turck inductive proximity sensors is crucial for maximizing the service life and reliable performance of your car wash equipment. Begin by visually inspecting sensors at scheduled intervals, looking for any signs of physical damage, buildup of contaminants and debris, or corrosion on the housing and electrical connectors. Clean the sensor face gently with a soft cloth and mild, non-abrasive detergent to remove grime, soap film, or chemical residues that could impair detection. Check the integrity of mounting hardware—loose fasteners or misaligned sensors can lead to improper readings and unnecessary downtime. Examine cable runs and connectors to ensure they remain securely fastened and free from moisture ingress; damaged or worn cables should be replaced promptly to prevent signal loss. It is also important to periodically verify that the sensor’s switching distance and response remain within manufacturer specifications, especially in systems exposed to temperature swings or vibration. Scheduling functional tests with your car wash automation controls helps confirm that sensors reliably detect vehicle presence under real-world operating conditions. By following these maintenance steps, operators can prevent costly breakdowns, extend sensor longevity, and ensure the consistent, efficient performance required in demanding car wash environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key advantages of Turck uprox®3 sensors over standard inductive sensors?

Turck uprox®3 sensors provide up to 300% greater switching distance than conventional ferrite-core sensors, true Factor 1 detection on all metals, and heightened resistance to magnetic fields and harsh chemicals—attributes critical for car wash reliability.

How do I select the right sensor size for my application?

Turck offers a broad range of dimensions, from compact 4 mm or M5 housings to robust M8, M12, M18, and M30 versions. Selection depends on the available mounting space, required switching distance, and the specific position-sensing need within your wash system.

Will these sensors work with my existing car wash controller or automation system?

Most Turck sensors offer industry-standard electrical connections and interfaces, enabling seamless integration with car wash controls and existing hardware. Refer to product specifications for compatibility with your system requirements.

How do these sensors handle harsh wash bay conditions?

With high-quality PTFE coatings and superior EMC properties, uprox®3 sensors resist corrosion, chemical exposure, and electromagnetic interference, ensuring reliable performance where other sensors struggle.

Do Turck sensors reduce downtime?

Absolutely! Their long life, immunity to magnetic fields, and ability to detect all target metals consistently help keep your wash bays running efficiently.