Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Mechanical Switch | Proximity Sensor |
|---|---|---|
| Detection | Physical contact | Electromagnetic (non-contact) |
| Life | 100K-500K ops | Unlimited |
| Response | 5-15 ms | 1-3 ms |
| Sealing | IP40 | IP67 |
| Cost | $15-30 | $80-120 |
When to Choose Each
Mechanical: Low-volume molds, budget applications, molds with operator supervision.
Proximity: Automated lines, high-speed molding, lights-out production, molds with expensive cavities.