XS518B1NAM12 is a shielded inductive proximity sensor from the XS5 series, with 5 mm sensing range, NPN normally-open output, 4-pin M12 connector, 200 mA load current, and IP67/IP69K rating.
vs. XS9E11RPBL01M12 — different animal, same stable
The obvious cross-shop is the XS9E11RPBL01M12 — both are 3-wire DC inductive sensors from the same brand bay, but they're built for different holes. The XS9E11 is a plastic rectangular body, 40 mm tall, 10 mm sensing range, PNP normally-closed output, and only IP67. The XS518B1NAM12 is an M18 threaded cylinder, 5 mm shielded, NPN normally-open, and carries IP69K. They don't share a mounting footprint, output polarity, or logic state. If your panel is wired for PNP NC and bolted to a plastic block, this M18 barrel won't drop in — you're looking at a bracket redesign and a logic inversion at the PLC. The only overlap is the supply voltage range and connector style (4-pin M12), but the pinout may differ (NPN vs PNP). Meet it where it is: if the old sensor is a rectangular PNP NC, stay with the XS9 family. If you have an M18 threaded hole and need NPN NO, this is the part.
Threaded M18 body mounts through a standard 18 mm hole with two locknuts — no bracket needed. Shielded sensing face limits the effective range to 5 mm but keeps the electromagnetic field confined to the front, so you can flush-mount it in metal without worrying about side interference. The 4-pin M12 connector is a straight plug; orient it so the cable doesn't strain the gland. Wire color code depends on the cable assembly, but the sensor side is consistent: brown (V+), blue (V-), black (NO output). No programming, no DIP switches — bolt it in, torque to hand-tight plus a quarter turn, and cycle power.