SICK HL18L-N1G5AB Laser Retro-Reflective Sensor

SICK HL18L-N1G5AB Laser Retro-Reflective Sensor – Precision Detection for Small Objects

The SICK HL18L-N1G5AB laser retro-reflective sensor is engineered for reliable detection where standard photoelectric sensors struggle, especially with very small targets or challenging backgrounds. It uses a fine, visible red Class 1 laser beam and a dual-lens design to deliver high positional accuracy over distances up to 12 meters. Housed in a compact M18 hybrid body, it fits easily into limited spaces while offering strong resistance to vibration and washdown environments. This combination of long range, speed, and pinpoint optical resolution makes it ideal for automation lines requiring stable, repeatable detection performance.

The HL18L-N1G5AB enhances process reliability by producing a concentrated 2 mm laser spot at 2 meters, helping it detect small components even when positioned closely to reflectors. Its fast 0.5 ms response time supports high-speed sorting, counting, and presence-verification tasks without missed triggers. Complementary NPN outputs allow integration into various control systems, while the visible beam shortens installation time by simplifying alignment. The IP67/IP69K housing and broad operating temperature range ensure durability in harsh production settings, including moisture-prone or outdoor environments. Overall, it reduces adjustment effort, minimizes downtime, and helps maintain consistent detection quality across demanding industrial workflows.

Why HL18L-N1G5AB?

Because it delivers laser-sharp detection in places where ordinary sensors fail. The HL18L-N1G5AB combines a precise 2 mm laser spot, long 12 m reach, and lightning-fast response to capture even tiny parts in motion. It offers the accuracy of a premium laser system in a compact M18 body that installs effortlessly.

What Problem Does It Solve?

It eliminates inconsistent detection caused by small, shiny, dark, or fast-moving objects. Production lines often suffer from miscounts, false triggers, and unstable readings—this sensor stabilizes them with a focused laser beam and dual-lens optics. It solves the challenge of achieving reliable, repeatable sensing in demanding environments where precision truly matters.

Key Features & Specifications – SICK HL18L-N1G5AB: Part Number 1080702

Download SICK HL18L-N1G5AB (1080702) Datasheet

Commercial Information – SICK HL18L-N1G5AB

The Applications

1. High-Speed Packaging Line: Detecting Small or Low-Profile Products

In fast-moving packaging environments, small pouches, folded leaflets, or thin components often pass through narrow conveyor stages where conventional sensors fail to detect them consistently. The HL18L-N1G5AB overcomes this by using a laser beam that forms a tight, clearly defined spot, enabling precise recognition of small objects even at long distances. Its rapid switching response supports operations where items move in quick succession, reducing the risk of unsealed packages or missing inserts. The compact M18 body fits easily into tight machine frames, ensuring stable detection without frequent recalibration. This improves packaging reliability and helps maintain high output quality.

2. Electronics Production: Position Confirmation of Small PCBs

Printed circuit boards are often handled in dense production lines where parts vary in size and surface reflectivity. The HL18L-N1G5AB provides stable detection thanks to its narrow laser spot, which isolates individual boards even when they have shiny metal traces or irregular edges. Its fast response supports precise timing for robotic pick-and-place actions, ensuring boards are positioned correctly before further processing. Because the sensor maintains detection accuracy despite surface inconsistencies, operators spend less time making adjustments. This results in smoother workflow transitions, reduced handling errors, and improved consistency during assembly processes involving miniaturized electronic components.

3. Warehouse & Logistics: Identifying Thin or Irregular Items on Conveyors

Automated logistics lines often encounter parcels and products that vary widely in shape, including slim packages, long tubes, or lightweight materials. The HL18L-N1G5AB’s laser beam helps differentiate these items from conveyor gaps or background structures, providing reliable triggering even when objects have an uneven outline. Its long sensing range allows flexible installation above or beside conveyors without obstructing material flow. By preventing missed counts or routing errors, the sensor supports efficient sorting and tracking operations. This contributes to reduced downtime, better inventory accuracy, and smoother handling of diverse product profiles within high-throughput warehouse systems.

4. Beverage Filling & Capping: Detecting Clear or Condensation-Covered Bottles

Beverage lines frequently deal with transparent bottles or containers that scatter light unpredictably, making them difficult for basic optical sensors to detect. The HL18L-N1G5AB uses a laser retro-reflective principle that remains stable even when bottles have condensation or glossy labels. Its quick response ensures each container is registered before filling or capping mechanisms activate. With a high-protection housing that tolerates washdowns, the sensor fits clean-in-place environments without extra shielding. This reduces misfeeds, prevents underfilled or uncapped bottles, and supports consistent pacing in production lines where clear containers are common and environmental conditions fluctuate.

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