What it is and what it does
The Omron E2E-X5MB1DL12 5M is an inductive proximity switch from the E2E NEXT series. It's an M12×1 body, unshielded, with a 5 mm sensing range and a PNP normally-open output. The 5-meter PVC cable gives you room to run it to the PLC without a junction box. Out here in the grease, that long body and the 5 mm range mean you can mount it a bit farther from the target and still get a solid detect on steel or aluminum. It also carries IO-Link at 38.4 kbps, so if your system talks that language, you can pull parameters and diagnostics back to the controller. Otherwise it works as a straight PNP switch at standard oscillation frequency.
What the ratings mean for fit
Unshielded means the sensing field extends sideways — good for position sensing where the target isn't centered on the face, but be aware it can see metal from the side and trigger false if you have other metal nearby. The M12 body fits standard 12 mm mounting clamps. PNP NO output is sinking-style for a PLC high-side input; if your controller is NPN, you'll need a converter or a different model. The 5 m PVC cable is oil-resistant and flexible enough for cable carriers in light duty, but on a lube route where it sees hot oil spray, make sure the cable is protected from abrasion. The body itself is IP67 — can take a washdown, but don't submerge it.