Optimize automation with the SICK WFM80-60N311 (6037831) fork sensor. Reliable NPN detection, 80mm fork width, and ultra-fast 125µs response for high-speed labeling.

SKU SICK-6037831 Category SICK WFM

Product Description

Product Overview

Part Number: 6037831
Model: WFM80-60N311
Sensor Principle: Optical Fork Sensor
Fork Width: 80 mm
Fork Depth: 60 mm
Switching Output: NPN (Light switching)
Connection Type: M8 male connector, 3-pin
Light Source: Visible red light (LED)
Enclosure Rating: IP67

Product Description

The SICK 6037831 (WFM80-60N311) is a high-performance WFM series fork sensor designed for rapid and reliable object detection in automated industrial environments. Unlike traditional photoelectric sensors, this “plug-and-play” device integrates the sender and receiver into a single robust aluminum housing, eliminating the need for complex alignment. With a generous fork width of 80mm and a depth of 60mm, it is engineered to detect small parts, edges, and various objects with a minimum detectable object (MDO) size of just 0.8mm.

Operating on a 10V to 30V DC supply, the sensor provides a stable NPN switching output with an incredibly fast response time of 125 µs. This speed, combined with a 4 kHz switching frequency, makes it ideal for high-speed labeling and packaging applications. The visible red light beam allows for easy setup, while the IP67-rated metal housing ensures durability against dust and water ingress. By removing the need for sensitivity adjustments, SICK has created a maintenance-free solution that ensures consistent commissioning and long-term operational reliability across diverse manufacturing lines.

Key Performance Features

Plug-and-Play Installation: Pre-set sensitivity and integrated sender/receiver design require no alignment or manual adjustment.
High-Speed Processing: Features a 4 kHz switching frequency and 125 µs response time for precision in fast-moving processes.
Precision Detection: Capable of detecting objects as small as 0.8 mm (MDO).
Rugged Construction: Durable aluminum housing with an IP67 enclosure rating suitable for harsh industrial conditions.
Visible Alignment: Visible red light source enables quick and easy positioning of the sensor relative to the target path.
Short-Circuit Protection: Built-in protection for UV connections and short-circuit protected NPN outputs.

Ideal Applications

Packaging Industry: Detecting labels on bottles, containers, or web materials.
Production Lines: Counting small metal or plastic parts in feeder systems.
Quality Control: Checking for the presence of components or monitoring fill levels in transparent tubes.
Material Handling: Triggering processes based on edge detection or part positioning.
Electronics Assembly: High-speed detection of small electronic components on conveyor belts.

Features

Functional principle	Optical detection principle
Dimensions (W x H x D)	10 mm x 100 mm x 77.5 mm
Housing design (light emission)	Fork shaped
Fork width	80 mm
Fork depth	60 mm
Minimum detectable object (MDO)	0.8 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	NPN
Switching output (voltage)	PNP: HIGH = V_S – ≤ 1.5 V / LOW = 0 V NPN: HIGH = approx. V_S / LOW ≤ 1.5 V
Switching mode	Light 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.