Enhance your automation with the SICK WFM180-120P321 (6037836) fork sensor. Features a 180mm width, 4kHz switching frequency, and PNP output for reliable detection.

SKU SICK-6037836 Category SICK WFM

Product Description

Product Overview

Part Number: 6037836
Model: WFM180-120P321
Functional Principle: Optical detection (Fork sensor)
Fork Width: 180 mm
Fork Depth: 124 mm
Light Source: Visible red light (LED)
Switching Output: PNP (Dark switching)
Connection: Male connector M8, 3-pin
Enclosure Rating: IP67

Product Description

The SICK WFM180-120P321, part number 6037836, is a sophisticated fork sensor engineered for high-speed industrial applications where precision and durability are paramount. As part of the WFM product family, this sensor utilizes an optical detection principle to identify objects passing through its 180 mm wide fork. One of its standout advantages is the “plug-and-play” design; the sender and receiver are pre-aligned within a single rugged metal housing, eliminating the need for time-consuming alignment or manual adjustments during installation.

This sensor is powered by a visible red light LED, making it easy to align with the intended sensing path. With a remarkable switching frequency of 4 kHz and a response time of just 125 µs, it ensures reliable performance even in fast-moving production lines. The WFM180-120P321 features a PNP switching output and operates in “dark on” mode. Its robust IP67-rated enclosure provides excellent protection against dust and water ingress, making it suitable for harsh industrial environments. Whether detecting small parts or monitoring material flow, this sensor delivers consistent results with a minimum detectable object size of 1 mm.

Key Performance Features

High Switching Frequency: Operates at 4,000 Hz, making it ideal for high-speed counting and detection tasks.
Minimum Detectable Object (MDO): Highly sensitive optics allow for the detection of objects as small as 1 mm.
No Adjustment Required: Fixed alignment between sender and receiver ensures immediate operational readiness without configuration.
Visible Alignment Aid: The bright red light spot allows for quick visual verification of the sensor’s status and position.
Rugged Construction: Durable aluminum die-cast/zinc housing resists mechanical stress and environmental factors.
Fast Response Time: A response time of ≤ 125 µs guarantees accuracy in precision-critical processes.

Ideal Applications

Packaging Industry: Detecting labels, monitoring foil presence, or counting containers on conveyors.
Electronics Production: Precise positioning and detection of small components or circuit boards.
Machine Building: Monitoring the presence of parts in automated assembly stations.
Material Handling: Detecting the leading edge of objects or triggering gates in sorting systems.
Food and Beverage: Object counting and flow monitoring in wash-down environments (utilizing the IP67 protection).

Features

Functional principle	Optical detection principle
Dimensions (W x H x D)	10 mm x 200 mm x 141.8 mm
Housing design (light emission)	Fork shaped
Fork width	180 mm
Fork depth	124 mm
Minimum detectable object (MDO)	1 mm
Light source	LED, visible red light
Adjustment	None

Mechanics/electronics

Supply voltage	10 V DC … 30 V DC ¹⁾
Ripple	< 10 % ²⁾
Current consumption	< 20 mA ³⁾
Switching frequency	4 kHz ⁴⁾
Response time	125 µs ⁵⁾
Stability of response time	± 15 µs
Switching output	PNP
Switching output (voltage)	PNP: HIGH = V_S – ≤ 1.5 V / LOW = 0 V NPN: HIGH = approx. V_S / LOW ≤ 1.5 V
Switching mode	Dark switching
Output current I_max.	100 mA
Initialization time	140 ms
Connection type	Connector M8, 3-pin
Protection class	III ⁶⁾
Circuit protection	U_V connections, reverse polarity protected Output Q short-circuit protected Interference pulse suppression
Enclosure rating	IP67
Weight	Approx. 80 g … 190 g ⁷⁾
Housing material	Metal, Aluminum

¹⁾ Limit values, reverse-polarity protected, operation in short-circuit protected network: max. 8 A.
²⁾ May not exceed or fall below U_v tolerances.
³⁾ Without load.
⁴⁾ With light/dark ratio 1:1.
⁵⁾ Signal transit time with resistive load.
⁶⁾ Reference voltage DC 50 V.
⁷⁾ Depending on fork width.