Sick
Sick VL18-4P3212 Photoelectric retro-reflective sensor PNP
Detects objects up to 3.7 m away with a visible red LED and adjustable sensitivity
- Detects objects up to 3.7 m with visible red LED
- PNP output switches up to 100 mA at 250 Hz
- Nickel-plated brass housing rated IP67 for harsh environments
- Operates from 10 V to 30 V DC across –25 °C to +70 °C
- 2 m PVC cable with 0.14 mm² conductors simplifies installation
Industrial retro-reflective sensor for automated
The SICK VL18-4P3212 is a cylindrical photoelectric sensor that uses visible red light to detect objects between 0.05 m and 3.7 m. It provides a PNP switching output with selectable light or dark switching for integration into industrial control systems. The metal housing rated IP67 suits harsh environments.
Check supply voltage and wiring before installation
The unit requires 10 V DC to 30 V DC with ripple below 10 % and draws up to 30 mA. Verify that your controller accepts a PNP signal with a maximum load of 100 mA and a response time of 2 ms. The fixed 2 m PVC cable with 0.14 mm² conductors must reach the termination point without splicing.
Potentiometer and polarisation filter simplify setup
A 270° sensitivity potentiometer allows precise adjustment of the switching threshold for the 2.8° beam angle. The built-in polarisation filter helps reject reflections from shiny surfaces, improving reliability on reflective targets. The nickel-plated brass housing and PMMA optics resist mechanical wear and chemical exposure.
Highlights
- Detects objects up to 3.7 m with visible red LED
- PNP output switches up to 100 mA at 250 Hz
- Nickel-plated brass housing rated IP67 for harsh environments
- Operates from 10 V to 30 V DC across –25 °C to +70 °C
- 2 m PVC cable with 0.14 mm² conductors simplifies installation
Specifications
| Brand | SICK |
|---|---|
| Model | SICK VL18-4P3212 |
Questions about this item
What comes in the box and do I need a separate reflector for the VL18-4P3212?
The sensor ships with a 2 m PVC cable attached; a retro-reflector is not included and must be purchased separately to complete the sensing path.
Which sensing-range version should I choose for the VL18-4P3212?
This model provides a maximum range of 3.7 m and a specified range of 3 m with visible red light, so select it when targets fall within that distance.
What does the 250 Hz switching frequency mean on a real machine?
The sensor can change state up to 250 times per second, allowing reliable detection of objects moving at high speed on conveyors or packaging lines.
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