Sick
Sick VL18-3N3912 Photoelectric retro-reflective sensor NPN electrician tool
A photoelectric retro-reflective sensor with NPN dark-switching output, 0.05 to 3.7 m sensing range and IP67-rated cylindrical housing
- Detects objects up to 3.7 m with visible red LED
- NPN dark-switching output reacts in 2 ms for fast control
- IP67 enclosure withstands dust and water immersion
- Operates from –25 °C to +70 °C in harsh environments
- 2 m PVC cable with 0.14 mm² conductors simplifies wiring
Sick VL18-3N3912 retro-reflective sensor
The Sick VL18-3N3912 is a photoelectric retro-reflective sensor with NPN dark-switching output. It suits automation engineers and electricians who need reliable object detection on conveyors or packaging lines. The cylindrical angled housing measures 60.6 mm and uses visible red LED light with a 2.8° dispersion angle. Sensitivity is set via an onboard potentiometer.
Check supply voltage and wiring before ordering
Verify that your control system provides 10 V DC to 30 V DC with ripple below 10 %. The sensor draws a maximum of 30 mA and requires an NPN-compatible input. A 2 m PVC cable with 0.14 mm² conductors and 3.1 mm outer diameter is fitted, so confirm cable routing and connector compatibility in your panel. The IP67 enclosure rating protects against dust and temporary immersion.
Thermals noise and power in normal use
Operating temperature spans –25 °C to +70 °C, matching the storage range, so the unit tolerates cold starts and warm machine environments without derating. Power consumption stays at or below 30 mA, generating negligible heat inside the plastic housing. No moving parts or fan are present, so acoustic noise is effectively zero during the 2 ms response cycles.
Highlights
- Detects objects up to 3.7 m with visible red LED
- NPN dark-switching output reacts in 2 ms for fast control
- IP67 enclosure withstands dust and water immersion
- Operates from –25 °C to +70 °C in harsh environments
- 2 m PVC cable with 0.14 mm² conductors simplifies wiring
Specifications
| Brand | Sick |
|---|---|
| Model | SICK VL18-3N3912 |
Questions about this item
What comes in the box with the SICK VL18-3N3912 and is a reflector included?
The sensor ships with a 2 m PVC cable permanently attached; a retro-reflective target is not supplied and must be purchased separately.
How do I choose between the 3.7 m maximum range and the 3 m operating range?
Use the 3 m figure for reliable detection with standard reflectors; the 3.7 m maximum applies only under ideal conditions with high-grade reflectors.
What does the 2 ms response time mean for my conveyor line?
The output switches within 2 ms of the beam breaking, so objects moving at typical line speeds will be detected without missing pulses.
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