Sick
Sick VS/VE18-3P3440 Through-beam photoelectric sensor PNP
Through-beam photoelectric sensor with 20 m maximum range, PNP dark-switching output and M12 connector
- Through-beam sensing reaches up to 20 metres maximum range
- Dark-switching PNP output delivers 100 mA load current
- Sensitivity adjusted via 270° potentiometer for precise setup
- M12 4-pin connector enables quick industrial wiring
- IP67-rated nickel-plated brass housing withstands –25 °C to +70 °C
Industrial Through-beam Sensor
The Sick VS/VE18-3P3440 is a cylindrical through-beam photoelectric sensor built for industrial detection tasks. Its M18 threaded metal housing fits standard mounting points on conveyors or machine frames. The sensor emits an infrared LED beam with a 2.8° dispersion angle, creating a 700 mm spot at the maximum 14 m sensing range. A 270° potentiometer allows precise sensitivity adjustment for varying target materials.
Thermals Noise Power
The nickel-plated brass housing meets IP67 enclosure rating, protecting internal electronics from dust and water ingress during normal operation. Operating temperature spans –25 °C to +70 °C, suiting unheated factories or outdoor installations. The unit draws 30 mA from a 10–30 V DC supply with 10 % ripple tolerance, and the PNP dark-switching output handles up to 100 mA. Switching frequency reaches 250 Hz with a 2 ms response time.
Bundled Extras Impact
Supplied as a new sensor unit with an M12 4-pin male connector for quick wiring into standard fieldbus cables. Built-in circuit protection covers reverse polarity, short-circuit, overload and voltage transients without external components. The test input lets a PLC disable the sender by pulling TE to 0 V for diagnostic routines. UL file NMFT2.E175606 confirms compliance for North American panel builds.
Highlights
- Through-beam sensing reaches up to 20 metres maximum range
- Dark-switching PNP output delivers 100 mA load current
- Sensitivity adjusted via 270° potentiometer for precise setup
- M12 4-pin connector enables quick industrial wiring
- IP67-rated nickel-plated brass housing withstands –25 °C to +70 °C
Specifications
| Brand | SICK |
|---|---|
| Model | SICK VS/VE18-3P3440 |
Questions about this item
How do I install the VS/VE18-3P3440 sensor, and which step is commonly missed?
Mount the M18 x 1 threaded barrel using the 75 mm housing length as reference, connect the 4-pin M12 male connector to a 10 V DC to 30 V DC supply with PNP input, then set the 270° sensitivity potentiometer while the beam is aligned — the step often missed is verifying the 14 m sensing range after tightening the lock nuts.
What maintenance or replacement will the VS/VE18-3P3440 need over time?
Clean the radial optical lens periodically to maintain the 2.8° dispersion angle and 700 mm spot size at 14 m; the infrared LED is rated for the full operating life, so no light-source replacement is required, but re-check potentiometer setting if the enclosure IP67 seal is ever compromised.
What limit appears first when the VS/VE18-3P3440 runs continuously at high speed?
The 250 Hz switching frequency caps the maximum detection rate, so sustained rapid cycling hits the 2 ms response time before thermal or voltage limits become an issue.
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