How to identify an unknown industrial part
Collect the markings and installation details that make part research possible.
Start with the complete marking
Photograph the full nameplate, connector side, and installed position. Record the manufacturer and every suffix. Keep the old part until its identity has been checked.
A family name is not an exact order code. For example, OMRON E3Z includes different sensing methods and output types. Record the cable-length suffix as well as the sensor model.
Separate part identity from machine identity
Send the machine or controller model separately. A controller label does not identify every module fitted to that installation.
For modular I/O, record the module order number and its terminal or BaseUnit markings. Include readable photos of wiring labels without changing the wiring.
Send a research packet
Provide the visible part number, manufacturer, machine model, fault description, quantity, and destination country. If a marking is unreadable, say so rather than guessing.
For a sensor, include the target object, working distance, output wiring, and connector. The OMRON specification table distinguishes these details; a similar case alone is insufficient.