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Cylindrical metal sensor with angled head and 2 m PVC cable

Sick

Sick VL18-3E3412 Photoelectric retro-reflective sensor NPN

SKU CH-PXY4-CZ20G

Photoelectric retro-reflective sensor with visible red LED, 0.05 m to 3.7 m sensing range, NPN light-switching output, 10 V DC to 30 V DC supply, IP67-rated brass housing with 2 m PVC cable

  • Detects objects up to 3.7 m away with visible red LED
  • NPN light-switching output gives clear signal when beam is reflected
  • IP67 metal and plastic housing resists dust and water ingress
  • Operates reliably from –25 °C to +70 °C ambient temperature
  • 2 m PVC cable with 0.14 mm² conductors simplifies installation

Industrial sensing for automated lines

The Sick VL18-3E3412 is a cylindrical photoelectric retro-reflective sensor designed for presence detection in industrial automation. Its metal housing and IP67 rating suit harsh environments where dust or moisture are present. The sensor operates on 10 V DC to 30 V DC supply voltage with an NPN light-switching output. It targets engineers integrating reliable object detection into conveyors or packaging equipment.

Retro-reflective range and response limits

The sensor detects objects from 0.05 m up to 3.7 m maximum range using visible red LED light with a 2.8° dispersion angle. A potentiometer allows sensitivity adjustment for the application. Response time is 2 ms, which sets the practical speed limit for moving targets. The 2 m PVC cable with 0.14 mm² conductors carries both power and signal without a separate connector.

Wiring and mounting checks before ordering

Verify that your control system accepts an NPN switching signal and provides a DC supply within the 10 V to 30 V window with ripple below 10 %. Confirm the 3.1 mm cable diameter fits your cable glands or routing clips. The brass nickel-plated metal housing measures 60.6 mm in diameter and requires a suitable mounting bracket. Operating temperature spans –25 °C to +70 °C for both operation and storage.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Electrical Trade Tools & Kits, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $72.99
Cheaper than about 67% of the 5,006 comparable items (median $95.99).

Specifications

Product
Brand nameSick
Model nameSICK VL18-3E3412

Questions about this item

Should I choose the VL18-3E3412 or a different Sick model for a 3 m detection task?

The VL18-3E3412 covers 0.05 m to 3 m with a reflector, making it suitable for that range.

What does the 3.7 m maximum sensing range mean on the production line?

It indicates the farthest distance the sensor can detect a reflector under ideal conditions; the rated operating range is 3 m.

How does the NPN output and 10–30 V DC supply affect wiring into my PLC?

The sensor sinks current when the beam is reflected, so connect the load between the output and the positive rail of a 10–30 V DC supply.

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