16 Proximity Switch Manufacturers in 2023
This section provides an overview for proximity switches as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 16 proximity switch manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked proximity switch companies as of June, 2023: 1.ZF Switches & Sensors, 2.SMK.
Table of Contents
What Is a Detection Switch?
A detection switch is a switch used to detect the position of an object and turn it on and off or switch circuits.
They operate by detecting infrared, microwave, magnetism, light, vibration, or pressure. When a switch is used to detect contact, infrared, magnetism, light, or heat, the switch is operated by the change in electrons or resistance emitted when the built-in sensing element detects light, etc. The switch is operated by the change in electrons or resistance emitted when the built-in detection element detects light, etc.
Applications of Detection Switches
Detection switches are used in stores, residences, products, production plants, and experimental equipment. When selecting a detector switch, it is necessary to consider size, detection accuracy, noise immunity, and durability.
The following are examples of detection switches in use.
- Automatic door systems that detect the approach of a person using infrared rays and activate the system
- Systems in factories that detect the passage of objects and sound an alarm
- Detection systems for IC cards and magnetic strip cards at entrance gates
Principle of Detection Switches
Among detection switches, this section explains the detection methods of switches that operate by contact, switches that operate by magnetism, switches that operate by light, and switches that operate by temperature change.
- Contact type: In the case of contact sensing, the change in pressure due to contact is measured by the amount of change in resistance of the sensing element using a diaphragm or the like, and the switch is operated. Other methods include mechanical contact actuation by contact.
- Magnetic type: Detects the amount of change in magnetism using a sensing element such as a reed switch, Hall element, or magnetoresistive element to drive the switch. Depending on the type of sensing element used, there are switches that do not require a power supply, switches that can respond quickly, and switches with high sensitivity.
- Optical type: Switches are operated by detecting light using a sensing element called a photodiode. A photodiode is a sensing element that converts light into electricity.
- Thermal type: A thermal resistive element, whose resistance changes with temperature, is used as a sensing element to operate the switch. A diaphragm or the like is used to detect the amount of resistance changed by temperature.
Types of Detection Switches
There are two types of detection switches: "contact type" and "non-contact type" as the first type of detection method.
1. contact-type detection switch
Contact-type detection switches are a method that switches the contact points by the action of a physical force. Since the sensing body directly contacts the switch to switch the circuit, there is no error in detection, but there is a disadvantage that the physical contact causes the detection switch to malfunction and deteriorate over time.
2. non-contact detection switches
Non-contact detection switches are detection switches activated by magnetism or light. Unlike contact-type switches, there is no direct contact with the sensing element, so the main body of the sensing switch has a long service life. However, they tend to be more expensive than simple contact-type detection switches.
List of 16 Proximity Switch Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
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- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
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- United States of America
- China
- Germany
- Ireland
- Japan
- Taiwan
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ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD
Detector Switches
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NIDEC COPAL ELECTRONICS
Detect switch
Company Overview
NIDEC COPAL ELECTRONICS was established in Japan in April, 1967 as a specialty manufacturer of electronic components. NIDEC’s offerings have increased to serve the automotive, construction, medical equipment, FA equipment, analytical measuring equipment, and residential security industries. Among the offerings are components for LiDAR, railway pressure sensors, CPAP, dialysis, MRI, and ultrasonography machines, wireless base stations, and power tools. These components include switches, sensors, mirrors, motors, and fans.
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Panasonic Industry Europe
Detector switch
Company Overview
Panasonic Industry Europe is the European branch of Panasonic, a global manufacturer of electronics and houseware, originally founded in 1918. Panasonic Industry Europe manufactures in 4 categories: components, devices, energy & building, and automation devices & solutions. Components include relays, capacitors, resistors, sensors, switches, connectors, couplers. Devices include wireless connectivity, e-bike systems, motors, compressors, thermal solutions, GPS antennas, as well as electronic materials. Energy & building includes batteries, fuel cells, solar sells, power tools, and home IoT. Automation devices & solutions include sensors for factory automation, industrial motors, laser welding, and more.
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Sweeta
Detector switch
Company Overview
SWEETA was established in 1995 and is headquartered in New Taipei City, Taiwan. SWEETA is a manufacturer of switches, AC sockets, and circuit breakers globally. Most products have been certified to meet international safety standards such as UL, CSA, VDE, and others. SWEETA has an extensive product line. A few listings include AC sockets, plug adapters, switches, thermostats, and test tweezers.
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OMRON Electronic Components
Doorswitch
Company Overview
OMRON Electronic Components Europe is the European division of OMRON Corporation, which is based in Kyoto, Japan, and has head offices around the world. The European division has its own development and manufacturing facilities providing local customer support provided in all European countries. The European division produces PCBs and other components for the eSports, alternative energy, automated test equipment, and entertainment industries. The company’s four primary product divisions are relays, switches, connectors, and sensors including flow sensors and IoT sensors.
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Canal Components
Detector switch
Company Overview
Canal Components Inc. is headquartered in New Taipei City, Taiwan. The company is a distributor of quality electrical and mechanical components to customers worldwide. The company sources from suppliers in China and Taiwan as well as perform in-house production in its ISO 9001-certified factories providing product testing. The company’s product categories include switches, sockets, fuses, and other component parts. The company also has a line of waterproof and washable electronic parts. The company bridges communication between suppliers and customers and encourages inquiries from customers about products.
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Dawning Precision
Detector switch / Hook switch
Company Overview
Dawning Precision Co., Ltd. was established in 2006 and is a manufacturer of electronic switches and connectors located in New Taipei City, Taiwan. Products offered include tact switches, slide switches, detector switches, push switches, and phone jacks, which are essential components in electronic devices and systems, providing efficient connectivity and control. Their products are used in IoT applications such as cloud devices, smart homes, automotive, white goods, and healthcare products. The company is compliant with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification standards.
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Proximity Switch Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of June 2023 in United States of America
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ZF Switches & Sensors | 50% |
| 2 | SMK | 50% |
Ranking as of June 2023 Globally
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ZF Switches & Sensors | 12.5% |
| 2 | SMK | 12.5% |
| 3 | Sweeta | 6.3% |
| 4 | Panasonic Industry Europe | 6.3% |
| 5 | Canal Components | 6.3% |
| 6 | See-Plus Industrial | 6.3% |
| 7 | Diptronics | 6.3% |
| 8 | Marquardt | 6.3% |
| 9 | Zippy Technology | 6.3% |
| 10 | Dawning Precision | 6.3% |
| 11 | Taiway Electronics Components | 6.3% |
| 12 | E-Switch | 6.3% |
| 13 | ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD | 6.3% |
| 14 | Switronic | 6.3% |
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the proximity switch page as of June 2023. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- ZF Switches & Sensors: 157,500
- OMRON Electronic Components: 29,020
- Panasonic Industry Europe: 1,000
Newly Established Company
- ZF Switches & Sensors: 2008 (15 years ago)
- Dawning Precision: 2006 (17 years ago)
- Sweeta: 1995 (28 years ago)
Company with a History
- E-Switch: 1907 (116 years ago)
- Marquardt: 1925 (98 years ago)
- SMK: 1925 (98 years ago)
