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Ask the supplier to separate standard configuration from custom engineering, then document six requirement blocks: sensing function, mechanical interface, electrical interface, environment, compliance and commercial/lifecycle needs. Request an exact model code or controlled custom drawing, a model-level document package and samples for testing on the real machine. KJT Sensors states that it supports housing, output, cable, connector, sensing-range and harsh-environment customization, but the agreed scope and validation criteria must be recorded for each project.
Configuration of a proven platform is different from development of a new sensor variant.
A useful request contains function, mechanics, electrical, environment, compliance and commercial information.
Connector type alone is insufficient; coding, pin count, pin assignment and mating part must match.
A modified housing, face, cable entry or material can change which test reports remain applicable.
Test samples against the real target, bracket, cable route and controller before approving production.
Freeze the approved specification and agree on change notification and end-of-life handling.
It is configuration when the requirement selects from validated options already available on a sensor platform. It is custom engineering when the supplier must change the sensing design, electronics, housing geometry, materials or environmental construction beyond those options.
| Request | Usually configuration | May require custom engineering |
|---|---|---|
| Different standard cable length | Yes | If a special cable construction or test is required |
| Available NPN/PNP or NO/NC output | Yes | If new output electronics or protocol are required |
| Existing connector option | Yes | If the pinout or connector system is non-standard |
| Existing housing material/length | Yes | If tooling or mechanical design must change |
| New sensing range or blind zone | Sometimes | Often |
| Higher temperature or chemical resistance | Sometimes | If materials, sealing or qualification must change |
This distinction affects quotation, development time, minimum order quantity, documentation and validation. Ask the supplier to state which path applies before approving cost or schedule.
Common customization areas include housing, thread, cable, connector, output, sensing range, material and environmental construction. The KJT Sensors service page lists these as supported project areas, subject to technical review.
| Parameter | Information to provide | Acceptance evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Housing and mounting | Dimensioned envelope, thread, sensing-face position, bracket and access | Approved drawing and fit check |
| Cable | Length, jacket material, flexing, oil/chemical exposure and bend radius | Cable specification and sample inspection |
| Connector | Type, coding, pin count, pin assignment, mating part and orientation | Connector drawing and continuity test |
| Output | Supply, PNP/NPN, NO/NC, analog or communications requirement, load/input characteristics | Output circuit, wiring diagram and bench test |
| Sensing behavior | Target, minimum/maximum distance, approach direction, speed and objects to ignore | Defined application test with real samples |
| Environmental design | Temperature, dust, water, coolant, chemicals, shock and vibration | Applicable model data and agreed test evidence |
For M12 screw-locking connectors, IEC 61076-2-101:2024 defines the connector interface. It does not define your machine's signal assignment. The project drawing must still state coding, pinout and cable wiring explicitly.
Use the following six-part brief. A supplier can only give a defensible model recommendation when all six are clear.
What must be detected or measured?
What are the target material, size, color, surface and temperature?
What is the required sensing or measuring range?
How fast does the target move, and what is the shortest valid event?
What must the sensor ignore?
Available envelope and mounting drawing
Thread, bracket, flush/non-flush requirement and adjustment access
Connector direction and cable exit
Collision, tool-change or cleaning risks
Supply voltage and permitted current
PLC or controller input type
PNP/NPN, NO/NC, analog or communications output
Connector coding, pinout, cable length and shielding requirements
Minimum and maximum temperature measured at the mounting point
Dust, water, washdown, oil, coolant and chemicals
Shock, vibration, electromagnetic interference and outdoor exposure
Hazardous-area classification, if applicable
Destination countries and required standards
Required declarations, certificates, drawings and inspection records
Traceability, labeling and document-language requirements
Whether the custom change affects an existing approval or test report
Prototype quantity and target test date
Forecast annual quantity and production launch date
Packaging or private-label requirements
Required change-notification period and end-of-life process
Attach target samples, photographs and a dimensioned sketch where possible. For a replacement project, also include the original model number, nameplate, data sheet, wiring and installed photographs.
A complete response should identify the proposed solution and its evidence, not just quote a price. Request:
proposed base model and full custom code;
marked requirement matrix showing compliant, conditional and unsupported items;
controlled drawing and wiring diagram;
current data sheet and applicable compliance documents;
prototype scope, quantity, price and schedule;
production MOQ, lead time and inspection plan;
assumptions, exclusions and open technical questions;
change-notification and end-of-life terms.
If the supplier cannot confirm a requirement, it should be identified as an evidence gap rather than converted into an optimistic claim.
Validate in three stages: bench confirmation, machine trial and specification freeze.
Check model identity, dimensions, connector/pinout, supply, output behavior and switching or measurement response against the approved documents. Do not energize unfamiliar wiring until it has been checked by qualified personnel.
Install the sample with the intended bracket, target, cable route and controller. Test worst-case target variants, speed, alignment, contamination, temperature and operating state. Define the required observation duration from the process cycle and risk; do not use a universal “one-week” rule.
Record the approved sensor code, drawing revision, data sheet, cable, connector, pinout, output, labeling and test acceptance. Production purchase orders and incoming inspection should reference this controlled package.
It can. Never assume that a customized variant inherits every document associated with the standard model. A change to sealing, housing, sensing face, cable entry, electronics or materials can affect the technical basis of an existing test or declaration.
Ask the supplier to state in writing:
which documents apply to the custom code;
which changes remain within an existing assessed configuration;
whether retesting or a new declaration is required;
which requirements remain the machine builder's responsibility.
Safety and hazardous-area applications require qualified compliance review. A standard industrial detection sensor must not be converted into a safety device by description alone.
KJT Sensors states that it supports application consultation, model selection, model replacement, OEM/ODM customization, product testing, documentation and production coordination. The current scope is described on the KJT Sensors service and support page.
The most efficient starting point is the six-part brief above. KJT Sensors can then determine whether a standard model, configured variant or custom development is appropriate. Final capability, MOQ, schedule, documents and validation must be confirmed in the project quotation and specification.
Application: [machine and sensing task]
Target: [material, size, color, surface, temperature]
Range and speed: [minimum/maximum distance, target speed, shortest event]
Mechanical: [drawing, envelope, mounting, connector direction]
Electrical: [supply, output, PLC input, connector, pinout, cable]
Environment: [temperature, dust, water, oil, chemicals, shock/vibration, EMC]
Compliance: [markets, standards, required documents]
Quantity and timing: [prototype quantity/date, annual volume, launch date]
Please return: proposed model/custom code, data sheet, drawing, wiring, applicable documents, sample plan, MOQ, lead time, assumptions and lifecycle terms.
There is no defensible universal number. Configuration of validated options is usually faster than new mechanical or electronic development. Request the schedule after the supplier has reviewed the controlled requirement set.
Often, yes. Even a simple change must specify cable construction, exact length, connector coding, pin assignment, orientation and applicable sealing requirement.
Base the quantity on the number of test locations, destructive or environmental tests, repeatability needs and spare requirements. The validation plan should determine the number, not a generic rule.
Use a controlled custom code tied to the approved drawing and specification revision. Do not reorder using an informal description such as “same as last time.”
A successful custom sensor project starts with a controlled requirement, not a catalog search. Separate configuration from engineering, submit the six-part brief, require model-level evidence, validate samples and freeze the approved specification. This process gives both the machine builder and KJT Sensors a clear basis for quotation, testing and repeat production.
Ready to discuss a custom sensor? Submit the completed inquiry template through KJT Sensors service and support.
KJT Sensors service and support, reviewed 2026-09-29.
KJT Sensors company profile, reviewed 2026-09-29.
IEC 61076-2-101:2024 — M12 screw-locking circular connectors.
Content Notice: This is draft sourcing and engineering guidance. Customization scope, documentation, MOQ, lead time and certification impact must be confirmed for each project. Electrical, safety and compliance decisions require qualified review. A named technical reviewer must approve this article before publication.
