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Cylindrical M18 plastic sensor, 78 mm long, axial red LED, M12 4-pin connector

Sick

Sick VL18-3N3640 Photoelectric Retro-Reflective Sensor NPN

SKU CH-CVQ3-P3EBQ

Cylindrical M18 photoelectric retro-reflective sensor with 0.05 to 3.7 m range, NPN dark-switching output, IP67 enclosure and M12 connector

  • Detects objects up to 3.7 m with visible red LED
  • Cylindrical M18 × 1 housing fits standard mounts
  • NPN dark-switching output handles 100 mA loads
  • IP67 enclosure withstands dust and water immersion
  • Operates from –25 °C to +70 °C on 10–30 V DC

Industrial Photoelectric Sensor M18

The Sick VL18-3N3640 is a cylindrical photoelectric retro-reflective sensor built for industrial automation. It operates on 10 V DC to 30 V DC supply voltage and provides an NPN dark-switching output. The M12 4-pin male connector allows straightforward wiring into control systems. Its IP67 enclosure rating protects against dust and water ingress.

Suited for Conveyor and Presence Detection

This unit fits machines that need reliable object detection up to 3.7 metres using a reflector. The visible red LED spot reaches 150 millimetres at three metres, making alignment simple. Builders who require background suppression or polarising filters for transparent materials should look at other sensor types. The fixed sensing range with no adjustment means the mounting position must be precise.

3.7 Metre Maximum Sensing Range

The decisive specification is the sensing range maximum of 0.05 m to 3.7 m with a standard range to 3 m. At 250 Hz switching frequency and 2 ms response time the sensor handles fast production-line speeds. The 100 mA output current drives PLC inputs directly. Operating temperature spans –25 °C to +70 °C for harsh environments.

How it compares

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Price $75.99
Cheaper than about 65% of the 5,006 comparable items (median $95.99).

Specifications

Product
Brand nameSICK
Model nameSICK VL18-3N3640

Questions about this item

How can I confirm the SICK VL18-3N3640 is detecting correctly after wiring it to 10 V DC ... 30 V DC?

Apply power and watch the NPN dark-switching output change state when the visible red beam is interrupted; the 2 ms response time and 250 Hz switching frequency give immediate feedback at up to 3.7 m range.

What comes in the box with the VL18-3N3640 and what must I source separately?

The sensor body with M18 x 1 threads and a male M12 4-pin connector is included; you must supply a compatible M12 cable, a 10 V DC ... 30 V DC power source and a reflector for retro-reflective operation.

Which sensing-range version should I choose for a 3 m detection distance?

The VL18-3N3640 covers 0.05 m ... 3 m with a Ø 150 mm light spot at 3 m, so this single model handles the required distance without needing a different capacity.

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