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Cylindrical M18 plastic sensor 78 mm long with M12 connector

Sick

Sick VL18-4N3640 Photoelectric retro-reflective sensor NPN

SKU CH-QB9R-X60B6

Detects objects up to 3.7 m with visible red LED, NPN output, IP67 housing and M12 connector

  • Detects objects up to 3.7 m with visible red LED
  • NPN switching output selectable for light or dark operation
  • M12 4-pin connector simplifies wiring in 10–30 V DC systems
  • IP67-rated plastic housing withstands –25 °C to +70 °C environments
  • 250 Hz switching frequency suits fast automated processes

Photoelectric retro-reflective sensor M18

The Sick VL18-4N3640 is a cylindrical photoelectric retro-reflective sensor designed for industrial detection tasks. It operates on 10 V DC to 30 V DC supply voltage with an NPN switching output and selectable light or dark switching via an L/D control cable. The sensor connects via a male M12 4-pin connector and weighs 100 g.

IP67 enclosure rating and low power draw

The plastic PBT/PC housing achieves an IP67 enclosure rating for dust and water protection. Power consumption is 30 mA with a response time of 2 ms and a switching frequency of 250 Hz. Circuit protection includes A, B, C and D safeguards while the protection class is III.

Sensing range up to 3.7 metres

The sensing range maximum extends from 0.05 m to 3.7 m using visible red light from an LED source. The light spot size reaches 150 mm at 3 m distance with an angle of dispersion of approximately 2.8 degrees. Ambient operating temperature spans -25 °C to +70 °C.

How it compares

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

Price $80.99
Cheaper than about 60% of the 5,006 comparable items (median $95.99).

Specifications

Product
Brand nameSick
Model nameSICK VL18-4N3640

Questions about this item

How is the Sick VL18-4N3640 sensor mounted and which wiring step is often missed?

Mount the M18 x 1 threaded barrel into a matching hole or bracket, tighten the lock nuts, then connect the 4-pin M12 male connector; the step often missed is wiring the L/D control cable to select light or dark switching before power-up.

What maintenance or replacement will the sensor need over time?

The plastic PBT/PC housing and PMMA optics should be cleaned periodically to maintain the 3.7 m maximum range; the unit has no user-serviceable parts, so replacement means swapping the entire sensor if output fails or the IP67 seal is compromised.

What limit appears first during continuous operation at the 250 Hz switching frequency?

The 2 ms response time sets the minimum pulse width, so sustained 250 Hz operation leaves no timing margin; the 100 mA output current limit will be reached first if the load draws near the maximum.

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