Optimize label detection with the SICK UFN3-70N417 Ultrasonic Fork Sensor. Reliable NPN switching for transparent, opaque, and metallic labels in high-speed lines.

SKU SICK-6058744 Category SICK UF

Product Description

Product Overview

Model Name: UFN3-70N417
Part Number: 6058744
Detection Principle: Ultrasonic technology (independent of transparency or color)
Fork Dimensions: 3 mm width and 69 mm depth
Output Type: NPN switching output (Light/Dark switching)
Connection: Male connector M8, 4-pin
Housing Material: Durable aluminum metal housing with IP65 rating

Product Description

The SICK UFN3-70N417 (part number 6058744) is a high-performance ultrasonic fork sensor designed specifically for the most demanding label detection tasks in packaging and labeling industries. Unlike optical sensors, the UFN3 utilizes ultrasonic waves to detect the physical thickness of materials, making it remarkably effective at identifying transparent labels on transparent backings, metallic foils, and highly reflective surfaces. Its compact “U” shaped design features a 3 mm fork width and a 69 mm depth, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into slim production machinery.

Equipped with an intuitive teach-in button and dynamic teach-in capabilities via cable, the sensor can be calibrated on-the-fly without stopping the production line. It offers a fast response time of 250 µs and a high switching frequency of 1.5 kHz, ensuring precise label positioning even at high conveyor speeds. The rugged aluminum housing provides IP65 protection, ensuring long-term reliability in industrial environments. This sensor is the gold standard for applications where optical sensors fail, providing a universal solution for detecting any label type with maximum process stability and minimal downtime.

Key Performance Features

Universal Detection: Reliable detection of transparent, opaque, and metallic labels regardless of color or design.
High-Speed Processing: Switching frequency of 1.5 kHz and 250 µs response time for precision at high speeds.
Flexible Teach-In: Features 1-point, 2-point, and dynamic teach-in modes for fast and easy setup.
Physical Depth: 69 mm fork depth accommodates wide label webs and varying positioning requirements.
Environmental Resilience: IP65-rated aluminum housing resistant to dust and water splashes.
Precision Accuracy: Minimum detectable gap between labels (MDO) of 2 mm for consistent performance.

Ideal Applications

Labeling Machines: Detecting transparent labels on clear film liners in the beverage and cosmetic industries.
Packaging Lines: Sensing metallic or foil labels on various container types.
Web Guiding: Monitoring edge detection and gap control for continuous material webs.
Printing Industry: Identifying splices or double sheets in high-speed printing presses.
Pharma Packaging: Ensuring precise label placement on small vials and ampoules where accuracy is critical.

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	Teach-in button (Teach-in, sensitivity, light/dark switching) Cable (Teach-in dynamic)
Teach-in mode	1-point teach-in 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.