Detecting a metallic object through solid metal

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busarider29
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I have looked at various off-the-shelf industrial sensors for detecting objects but I cannot find anything that will detect metal through metal. I have a metal plate that is 1/4" thick. I need to detect a metal object on the other side of the metal plate. The metal object on the other side of the plate will be ~0.5mm from touching the plate, and in some cases may even touch the plate. Is there any solution that could reliably detect the metal object on the other side of my 1/4" thick steel plate?
 
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Attached is a rough sketch of side view. Let's say depth of the sketched components is ~1 inch. I will not have access for measurement from the top, only from the bottom. I want to be able to detect when/if the rectangular piece comes down and lays flat. Both pieces are metal, although not the same type or density. The top piece could in some cases touch the bottom piece, but not in all cases. Lubrication oil will be present between and around both pieces.
CrossSection.jpg
 
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busarider29 said:
I want to be able to detect when/if the rectangular piece comes down and lays flat. Both pieces are metal, although not the same type or density.
What are the 2 metals ?
Is the "flap" section hinged at one end ?
 
busarider29 said:
Is there any solution that could reliably detect the metal object on the other side of my 1/4" thick steel plate?
Yes. There are many solutions.
Unfortunately you will need to know the metal alloys involved to decide which method to use.
Are you able to specify the different types of metal alloys or are they fixed ?
 
If the object is also steel, it could be detected using a magnetic field, but this would put some force on it.
 

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