I am building a CNC machine and I have decided to use mechanical limit switches. why? cos this is cheap and works perfectly as i know. But I don't get it one thing Some people are using proximity , optical, inductive switches as limit switch., and why people are using those switches when mechanical exits!? What is the benefit?!
Well, one benefit, is that those types of switches are sealed off from the environment, so no dust, moisture etc to worry about. Having said that, I have mechanical switches on my XY axes and an encapsulated reed switch on my Z. It's all a matter of choice really.