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Cylindrical M18 plastic sensor body with 2 m PVC cable axial light emission

Sick

Sick VTE18-3F4612 photoelectric proximity sensor PNP electrician tool

SKU CH-X1MQ-H3YGM MPN VTE18-3F4612

Photoelectric proximity sensor detects objects up to 350 mm with infrared LED, PNP light-switching output, 250 Hz frequency and IP67-rated plastic housing

  • Photoelectric proximity sensing up to 350 mm range
  • PNP light-switching output with 100 mA capacity
  • IP67 enclosure withstands dust and water immersion
  • 10–30 V DC supply suits industrial power rails
  • 2 m PVC cable with 3-wire connection ready to install

Industrial proximity sensor

The Sick VTE18-3F4612 is a cylindrical photoelectric proximity sensor designed for industrial automation and electrical installation tasks. It detects objects using an energetic infrared LED principle at distances from 5 mm to 350 mm. The PNP light-switching output suits standard PLC and relay interfaces. Electricians and maintenance engineers can mount it directly via the M18 x 1 thread.

Thermal and electrical behaviour

The sensor operates from a 10 V DC to 30 V DC supply with a maximum ripple of 10 % and draws 30 mA. Switching frequency reaches 250 Hz with a 2 ms response time while the output handles up to 100 mA. Built-in circuit protection covers reverse polarity, short-circuit, overload and inductive load conditions. No active cooling is required and the unit runs silently in the –25 °C to +70 °C ambient range.

Build and daily use

The housing uses PBT/PC plastic with a PMMA optic and achieves IP67 enclosure rating for dust and water resistance. A fixed 2 m PVC cable with three 0.14 mm² conductors and 3.1 mm outer diameter carries power and signal. At 63.6 mm long and 100 g the sensor fits tight machine frames without adding bulk. The M18 thread allows quick installation in standard mounting holes and the axial optical axis simplifies alignment on conveyors or pick-and-place stations.

How it compares

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

Price $69.99
Cheaper than about 70% of the 5,006 comparable items (median $95.99).

Specifications

Product
Brand nameSICK
Model nameVTE18-3F4612

Questions about this item

How do I mount the M18 x 1 cylindrical housing and wire the 2 m PVC cable correctly?

Screw the sensor into an M18 threaded hole or nut, align the axial optical axis toward the target, then connect the three-wire cable: brown to 10–30 V DC, blue to 0 V, black to the PNP load. The IP67 enclosure seals once the cable gland is tight.

Which parts will need replacement after extended operation in a –25 °C to +70 °C environment?

The infrared LED light source and the PBT/PC housing are the primary wear items; the LED output degrades over time and the plastic can become brittle after repeated thermal cycling, so plan to replace the entire sensor when sensing range drops below 350 mm.

At what point does the 250 Hz switching frequency limit detection during continuous high-speed runs?

The 2 ms response time caps the sensor at 250 Hz; if the target passes faster than one detection every 4 ms the output cannot toggle cleanly, so the switching frequency is the first limit reached under sustained high-speed use.

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