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Cylindrical plastic photoelectric sensor, straight housing, M12 connector

Sick

Sick VTE18-3N8640 Photoelectric Proximity Sensor NPN

SKU CH-VGP5-98XQQ

Detects objects at 10 mm to 700 mm using infrared light with an NPN dark-switching output and IP67-rated cylindrical housing

  • Detects objects up to 800 mm away with infrared LED
  • Precise 2.8° beam angle reduces false triggers
  • NPN dark-switching output integrates directly into PLC logic
  • IP67-rated plastic housing withstands dust and water jets
  • Operates reliably from –25 °C to +70 °C

Sick VTE18-3N8640 Photoelectric Proximity Sensor NPN

The Sick VTE18-3N8640 is a cylindrical photoelectric proximity sensor designed for industrial automation and object detection tasks. It operates on a 10 V DC to 30 V DC supply and provides an NPN dark-switching output. The infrared LED source gives a sensing range of 10 mm to 700 mm with a 2.8° angle of dispersion. An IP67 enclosure rating and operating temperature span of –25 °C to +70 °C suit harsh environments.

M12 4-pin connector installation

Connection uses a male M12 4-pin plug for quick wiring into standard sensor cables. A potentiometer on the housing allows manual adjustment of the sensing threshold without software tools. The 2 ms response time supports high-speed counting or positioning. Common issues include misalignment beyond the 2.8° dispersion angle and contamination of the PMMA optics, which reduces the effective range.

Verify supply voltage wiring

Confirm that the control system provides 10 V DC to 30 V DC with ripple below 10 % and can accept an NPN sinking output. The cylindrical housing measures 78 mm in overall dimension; ensure the mounting location accommodates this length and the M12 connector clearance. Dark-switching logic means the output activates when the beam is interrupted, so verify the PLC programme expects that behaviour. Buyers who require a PNP sourcing output or a longer sensing distance should look for a different sensor model.

How it compares

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

Price $79.99
Cheaper than about 61% of the 5,006 comparable items (median $95.99).

Specifications

Product
Brand nameSICK
Model nameSICK VTE18-3N8640

Questions about this item

How can I verify the VTE18-3N8640 is detecting objects correctly after wiring it?

The sensor has a dark-switching NPN output that pulls the signal low when an object enters the 10 mm to 700 mm sensing range; you can confirm operation by measuring the output voltage change with a multimeter or watching the PLC input LED toggle as a target moves through the beam.

What comes with the VTE18-3N8640 and what must I source separately?

The unit includes the cylindrical sensor with a built-in M12 4-pin male connector; you will need to purchase a compatible M12 4-pin cable or cordset and a 10 V DC to 30 V DC power supply separately.

Which sensing distance version of the VTE18-3N8640 should I choose for my application?

This model provides a sensing range of 10 mm to 700 mm with a maximum of 800 mm, so select it when your detection distance falls within that window; the potentiometer lets you fine-tune the switching point inside the range.

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