Capacitive sensors work by measuring the dielectric of the material around the sensor. This dielectric value increases both when there is more material in front of the sensor and the closer that the material gets to the sensor. This means that capacitive sensors work differently than inductive proximity sensors. Capacitive sensors can detect virtually any material whereas inductive sensors are designed to sense only ferric materials. Capacitive sensors are indifferent to color and work with both liquids and solids. Since all materials have different dielectric properties, it is possible to adjust a capacitive sensor to detect the presence of a specific material under a variety of conditions. This makes capacitive sensors great at detecting the presence of objects (especially non-metal objects) and detecting the level of material in containers, tanks, and silos. https://www.rechner.com/
Capacitive proximity sensors, sometimes referred to as capacitive proximity switches, are ON/OFF output devices that are used to detect the presence of an object at a specific distance or the presence of material in front of the sensor. These sensors can detect the presence of objects through non-conductive containers such as cardboard boxes, and plastic or glass vessels. While some applications benefit from the sensor being in direct contact with the material you wish to detect (like in level applications) it is not always necessary.
Analog versions of capacitive proximity switches also exist. These sensors will not just turn ON or OFF when a specific amount of material is in front of the sensor but will give you a continuously changing reading as more material is moved in front of the sensor or as an object gets closer to the sensor. Users can install these sensors for quality control or for measuring the height of a material. Using these sensors on the side of a plastic/glass container or beside a stack of paper can warn you that you are running out of materials before they completely gone. They can also be used for multiple different products while eliminating the need to readjust the sensor for different materials. The most common method of implementing this is by creating different profiles for different products in a computerized system like a PLC. https://www.rechner.com/