Purchase the SICK UFN3-70N415 (6049680) Ultrasonic Fork Sensor. Reliable detection of transparent and metallic labels with 250µs response and rugged IP65 housing.

SKU SICK-6049680 Category SICK UF

Product Description

Product Overview

Part Number: 6049680
Model Name: UFN3-70N415
Functional Principle: Ultrasonic detection (Fork shaped)
Fork Dimensions: 3 mm width, 69 mm depth
Switching Output: NPN (Light/dark switching selectable via button)
Connection Type: Male connector M8, 4-pin
Housing Material: Rugged aluminum (IP65 rated)

Product Description

The SICK UFN3-70N415 (part number 6049680) is a high-performance ultrasonic fork sensor engineered for the precision detection of labels, regardless of their transparency, color, or surface design. Unlike traditional optical sensors that rely on light transmission, the UFN3 utilizes ultrasonic waves to measure material damping. This physical principle allows the sensor to “see” through transparent substrates and identify clear-on-clear labels with unmatched reliability, making it an indispensable tool for packaging processes where material versatility is critical.

Encased in a durable, IP65-rated aluminum housing, this sensor is built to withstand harsh industrial environments while maintaining a compact footprint for space-limited installations. It features a rapid 250 µs response time and a 1.5 kHz switching frequency, ensuring exceptionally high positioning accuracy even on high-speed production lines. Operators can easily configure the device using the intuitive plus/minus buttons or the remote teach-in function, which supports both static and dynamic 2-point teach-in modes. With its NPN switching output and flexible light/dark configuration, the 6049680 provides the robust performance and easy integration required for modern automated labeling systems.

Key Performance Features

Material Independence: Reliably detects transparent, opaque, and metallic foil labels, unaffected by printed designs or glossy surfaces.
High-Speed Accuracy: Features a rapid response time of ≤ 250 µs and a switching frequency of 1.5 kHz for high-speed web applications.
Advanced Teach-In: Supports dynamic teach-in (during the process) or static 2-point teach-in via manual buttons or a control cable.
Fine-Tuning Capability: Manual adjustment of the switching threshold is possible via the plus/minus buttons after the initial teach-in.
Rugged Construction: IP65 aluminum housing offers high resistance to shock, vibration, and environmental contaminants.
Precise Resolution: Capable of detecting gaps between labels as small as 2 mm.

Ideal Applications

Labeling Technology: Detecting transparent labels on transparent substrates or metallic foils.
Packaging Industry: Monitoring label application on high-speed bottling and packaging lines.
Print and Paper: Differentiating between single-ply and two-ply materials or detecting splices.
Material Handling: General detection of materials where optical contrast is insufficient for standard photoelectric sensors.
Web Processing: Precise positioning and edge detection for foils and films in harsh environments.

Features

Functional principle	Ultrasonic detection principle
Dimensions (W x H x D)	18 mm x 47.5 mm x 92.5 mm
Housing design (light emission)	Fork shaped
Fork width	3 mm
Fork depth	69 mm
Minimum detectable object (MDO)	Gap between Labels / Size of labels: 2 mm ¹⁾
Label detection	✔
Adjustment	Plus/minus button (Teach-in, sensitivity, light/dark switching) Cable (Teach-in dynamic)
Teach-in mode	2-point teach-in Teach-in dynamic

¹⁾ Depends on the label thickness.

Mechanics/electronics

Supply voltage	10 V DC … 30 V DC ¹⁾
Ripple	< 10 % ²⁾
Current consumption	40 mA ³⁾
Switching frequency	1.5 kHz ⁴⁾
Response time	250 µs ⁵⁾
Switching output	NPN
Switching output (voltage)	NPN: HIGH = approx. U_V/ LOW ≤ 2 V
Switching mode	Light/dark switching
Output current I_max.	100 mA ⁶⁾
Input, teach-in (ET)	Teach: U > 7 V … < U_V Run: U < 2 V
Initialization time	100 ms
Connection type	Male connector M8, 4-pin
Protection class	III ⁷⁾
Circuit protection	Output Q short-circuit protected Interference pulse suppression
Enclosure rating	IP65
Weight	95 g
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, typical, depending on material and speed.
⁵⁾ Signal transit time with resistive load.
⁶⁾ Output current minimal 0.03 mA.
⁷⁾ Reference voltage DC 50 V.