Sick
Sick VL18-3N3412 photoelectric retro-reflective sensor NPN electrician tool
Photoelectric retro-reflective sensor with NPN dark-switching output, 0.05 m to 3.7 m range, IP67 metal housing, 2 m PVC cable
- Detects objects up to 3.7 m with visible red LED
- Adjustable sensitivity via 270° potentiometer for precise tuning
- Fast 250 Hz switching frequency suits rapid cycles
- Rugged IP67 nickel-plated brass housing withstands harsh environments
- Operates reliably from –25 °C to +70 °C
Cylindrical M18 photoelectric retro-reflective
The Sick VL18-3N3412 is a cylindrical metal sensor with a nickel-plated brass housing measuring 60.6 mm in length. It uses visible red LED light to detect objects at distances from 0.05 m to 3.7 m. The unit operates on 10 V DC to 30 V DC supply voltage and provides an NPN dark-switching output rated at 100 mA maximum current. An IP67 enclosure rating protects against dust and temporary immersion in industrial environments.
Suited for automated lines needing radial optical
This sensor suits conveyor monitoring and presence detection where a radial beam and 270° potentiometer sensitivity adjustment simplify setup. The 2 m PVC cable with 0.14 mm² conductors offers a fixed wiring solution. Buyers who require a teach-in button, IO-Link connectivity, or a plug-in M12 connector should look at other models because this device uses only potentiometer adjustment and a pre-wired cable connection.
Straightforward bracket mounting
The M18 x 1 thread allows direct mounting into a tapped hole or nut without special brackets. Wiring is a standard three-wire DC connection: brown to positive, blue to negative, black to the load. The most common issue is misaligned reflector positioning; the 2.8° dispersion angle and 150 mm light spot at 3 m help locate the beam centre during commissioning. Ensure the supply voltage stays within the 10 V to 30 V DC range to avoid output instability.
Highlights
- Detects objects up to 3.7 m with visible red LED
- Adjustable sensitivity via 270° potentiometer for precise tuning
- Fast 250 Hz switching frequency suits rapid cycles
- Rugged IP67 nickel-plated brass housing withstands harsh environments
- Operates reliably from –25 °C to +70 °C
Specifications
| Brand | SICK |
|---|---|
| Model | VL18-3N3412 |
Questions about this item
What supply voltage must my system provide for the VL18-3N3412 sensor to operate?
The sensor requires a DC supply between 10 V and 30 V with ripple below 10 %.
Will the sensor's M18 × 1 thread fit the mounting brackets I already use for other M18 devices?
Yes, the housing uses a standard M18 × 1 thread, so it fits existing M18 brackets and nuts.
How can I verify the sensor is detecting correctly after wiring the NPN output?
With a reflector in place, the NPN output pulls low when the beam is blocked; measure the output voltage or watch the PLC input change state.
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