SICK WF2-40B416 Fork Sensor – High-Speed Micro Detection

SICK WF2-40B416 Fork Sensor – High-Speed 0.2 mm Micro-Object Detection

The SICK WF2-40B416 fork sensor is designed for tasks that demand extremely precise detection in tight machine spaces. With its 2 mm fork width and ability to detect objects as small as 0.2 mm, it offers dependable performance in applications where accuracy cannot fail. The sensor uses an infrared light beam to provide stable readings even when materials vary in color or texture. Its quick 10 kHz switching rate and fast ≤100 µs response time support high-speed production processes, while the compact aluminum design ensures long-term durability. Simple Teach-in controls make configuration fast for technicians and machine integrators.

The WF2-40B416 is built to solve the common challenge of detecting very small components or narrow gaps during rapid movement. By combining high responsiveness with excellent repeatability, the sensor helps reduce false triggers and minimizes production interruptions. Its adjustable light/dark switching allows users to adapt to changing material conditions, making it suitable for labeling machines, assembly lines, and packaging systems. The rugged aluminum housing and broad operating temperature range support continuous operation in demanding industrial environments. With a straightforward button-based Teach-in system, operators can fine-tune sensitivity without complex tools, ensuring consistent results across different setups.

Why SICK WF2-40B416?

The SICK WF2-40B416 stands out because it captures incredibly small objects with remarkable speed, even in compact machine layouts. Its ultra-narrow 2 mm fork, rapid switching performance, and effortless Teach-in tuning make it a reliable “set-and-forget” sensor for high-precision automation. It’s the ideal choice when you need accuracy without compromising on speed or stability.

What Problem Does It Solve?

The WF2-40B416 solves the challenge of detecting tiny parts or labels that most sensors miss—especially during fast, continuous movement. It eliminates inconsistent readings, reduces machine stoppages, and ensures every product is recognized with the same precision. When traditional sensors struggle with micro-object detection or varying material conditions, this model delivers consistent, dependable performance.

Key Features & Specifications – SICK WF2-40B416: Part Number 6028450

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Commercial Information – SICK WF2-40B416 (6028450)

The Applications of SICK WF2-40B416

1. High-Speed Label Position Verification in Packaging Lines

Packaging machines that apply small labels at high speed often struggle with detecting very thin edges, which can lead to crooked placement or skipped labels. The WF2-40B416 is highly suitable for these situations because its narrow fork opening and fine detection capability help it identify even slight variations in label position. As the label web moves quickly, the fast switching response ensures each label is monitored before it reaches the applicator. This prevents downstream scanning issues and reduces waste created by misaligned or missing labels. By offering stable detection even during rapid motion, the sensor helps maintain smooth and accurate packaging operations.

2. Micro-Component Detection in Electronics Assembly

Electronics manufacturers frequently move extremely small components such as fine pins, thin insulation pieces, or tiny contact strips. Conventional sensors can struggle with these miniature parts because their shape and reflectivity often vary. A sensor like the WF2-40B416, which detects very small objects with precision, enhances reliability during pick-and-place operations. It ensures that each part is present before the equipment attempts to lift or insert it, reducing the chance of empty picks or missing components. The sensor’s quick response is important for high-speed assembly machines, allowing them to stop instantly if a part is not detected. This helps reduce rework and improves assembly accuracy.

3. Edge and Loop Control in Narrow Web Processing

Processes involving thin films, adhesive strips, or narrow metallic foils require extremely accurate edge tracking to avoid uneven rolling or tearing. A compact infrared fork sensor is often used in these applications to sense the precise position of the moving web. The WF2-40B416’s ability to detect fine edges makes it suitable for monitoring materials that shift quickly across rollers. Its high-speed response allows the control system to correct alignment before the web drifts off path. This level of precision is important for operations such as slitting, laminating, and coating, where consistent material positioning directly influences quality and reduces scrap.

4. Presence Verification for Small Mechanical Parts in Assembly Fixtures

Automated equipment often needs confirmation that small parts—such as miniature springs, washers, or small metal fittings—are positioned correctly before the next mechanical step begins. Sensors designed for narrow-gap detection are commonly installed in fixture pockets to ensure every component is in place. The WF2-40B416, with its ability to notice very small objects, helps prevent a machine from cycling when a part is missing. Its rapid switching makes it suitable for fast assembly environments where each second counts. By stopping the process at the moment something is wrong, the sensor helps avoid machine damage, misassembled products, and production delays.

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