WFE SICK Fork Sensor – High-Performance Versatile Fork Sensor
Summary:
- Extremely durable and robust housing made of ABS plastic with carbon steel frame and IP67 protection rating
- Quick and easy installation as the emitter and receiver are pre-aligned in the same sensor housing
- Multiple fork width options to meet various application requirements
- Practical and flexible thanks to visible sensitivity adjustment, push-pull output, and light/dark switching
- High switching frequency ensures reliable detection even at high speeds
Overview of WFE SICK Fork Sensor
The WFE fork sensor is a fork-type sensor that integrates the emitter (sender) and receiver in a single hybrid housing made of ABS plastic and carbon steel frame. This design completely eliminates the need for optical alignment during installation — users simply mount the sensor in position and power it on to start operation.
SICK’s WFE series offers 5 fork widths from 30 mm to 180 mm, meeting diverse installation requirements in machinery. Additionally, the sensor features a sensitivity adjustment potentiometer, light/dark switching, and push-pull (PNP/NPN) output, providing superior flexibility for system integration.
Key Features
- Emitter and receiver integrated in one sensor housing
- High switching frequency of 5 kHz – reliable detection even on high-speed conveyors
- MDO (Minimum Detectable Object): 0.5 mm – detects extremely small objects
- Protection rating: IP67 – fully dustproof and resistant to temporary water immersion
- 5 fork widths: 30 mm / 50 mm / 80 mm / 120 mm / 180 mm
- Push-pull PNP/NPN output + light/dark switching
Technical Specifications of WFE SICK Fork Sensor
| Parameter |
Value |
| Operating Principle |
Photoelectric – integrated through-beam (emitter and receiver in one housing) |
| Fork Width |
30 mm / 50 mm / 80 mm / 120 mm / 180 mm |
| Fork Depth |
40 mm – 120 mm (depending on model) |
| MDO (Minimum Detectable Object) |
0.5 mm |
| Switching Frequency |
5 kHz |
| Light Source |
Visible red LED |
| Output |
Push-pull: PNP / NPN |
| Output Mode |
Light switching / Dark switching (model dependent) |
| Sensitivity Adjustment |
Potentiometer |
| Protection Rating |
IP67 |
| Housing Material |
ABS plastic + carbon steel frame (hybrid housing) |
| Connection |
3-wire 2 m cable or M8 3-pin connector |
| Operating Temperature |
–20…+60 °C |
| Storage Temperature |
–40…+75 °C |
| Origin |
SICK AG, Waldkirch, Germany |
Specifications from Product Overview WFE.
Ordering Information – WFE SICK Fork Sensor
| Model Code |
Part No. |
Fork Width/Depth |
Output Mode |
Connection |
Adjustment |
| WFE-030040B137 |
1106554 |
30 / 40 mm |
Light/Dark |
3-wire cable 2m |
Potentiometer |
| WFE-030040B337 |
1106553 |
30 / 40 mm |
Light/Dark |
M8 3-pin |
Potentiometer |
| WFE-030040B121 |
1106552 |
30 / 40 mm |
Dark (fixed) |
3-wire cable 2m |
None |
| WFE-030040B321 |
1106551 |
30 / 40 mm |
Dark (fixed) |
M8 3-pin |
None |
| WFE-050060B337 |
1106555 |
50 / 60 mm |
Light/Dark |
M8 3-pin |
Potentiometer |
| WFE-050060B337S02 |
1155573 |
50 / 60 mm |
Dark (fixed) |
M8 3-pin |
None (adhesive fixed) |
| WFE-080060B337 |
1106556 |
80 / 60 mm |
Light/Dark |
M8 3-pin |
Potentiometer |
| WFE-120120B337 |
1106557 |
120 / 120 mm |
Light/Dark |
M8 3-pin |
Potentiometer |
| WFE-180120B337 |
1106558 |
180 / 120 mm |
Light/Dark |
M8 3-pin |
Potentiometer |
Industrial Applications of WFE Fork Sensor
With a 0.5 mm MDO and 5 kHz switching frequency, the WFE SICK fork sensor is ideal for many industrial applications requiring high accuracy and speed:
- Packaging – Bottle, box, and roll edge detection: Accurately detects individual products on high-speed packaging lines, ensuring no missed or miscounted items.
- Mechanical – Machine parts, gears, screws, bolts detection: The 5 kHz frequency and 0.5 mm MDO enable reliable detection of even small metal parts on machining lines.
- Electronics – Component inspection: Checks for the presence of components on PCBs and electronic assembly lines with high reliability.
- Logistics – Conveyor positioning and gear detection: Detects pallets, boxes, and drive components on automated conveyor systems.
- Automotive & Pharmaceutical – Automotive part detection and syringe detection: Wide fork up to 180 mm for large parts; narrow 30 mm fork suitable for small medical syringes.
WFE vs WFM Fork Sensor Comparison – Which One to Choose?
| Criteria |
WFE (Versatile Fork Sensor) |
WFM (Plug & Play Fork Sensor) |
| Switching Frequency |
5 kHz |
4 kHz |
| Minimum MDO |
0.5 mm |
0.8 mm (smallest model) |
| Sensitivity Adjustment |
Yes (potentiometer) |
No (fixed) |
| Light/Dark Switching |
Yes (model dependent) |
Yes (2 dedicated models) |
| Output |
Push-pull PNP/NPN |
NPN or PNP (separate versions) |
| Housing |
Hybrid ABS + carbon steel |
Die-cast aluminum |
| Protection Rating |
IP67 |
IP67 |
| Fork Widths |
30 – 180 mm |
30 – 180 mm |
| Best suited for |
Applications requiring sensitivity adjustment and output flexibility |
Quick installation with no configuration needed |
*Note: Choose WFE if your application requires detection of very small objects (under 0.8 mm) or flexible sensitivity adjustment. Choose WFM if you prioritize fast, hassle-free installation.
Frequently Asked Questions about WFE SICK Fork Sensor (FAQ)
Q1: How much does the WFE fork sensor cost?
The price of the WFE sensor depends on the fork width and connection type. Please contact AUMI at hotline 0917 991 589 for the best quotation and technical advice tailored to your specific application.
Q2: Where to buy genuine SICK WFE fork sensor?
You should purchase from authorized distributors. AUMI is an official authorized distributor of SICK in Vietnam. We guarantee 100% genuine products, full CO/CQ documentation, official warranty, and in-depth technical support.
Q3: Which industries is the WFE fork sensor suitable for?
The WFE sensor is well-suited for many industries, including:
- Packaging (bottles, cans, cartons)
- Mechanical (gears, screws, small parts)
- Electronics (PCB components, circuit boards)
- Logistics & conveyors (boxes, pallets)
- Automotive and pharmaceutical (high-precision part detection)
Q4: Does the WFE fork sensor require alignment during installation?
No alignment is needed. The emitter and receiver of the WFE are factory pre-aligned and integrated into a single sensor body. Simply mount it in the correct position and supply power — the sensor is ready to operate immediately.
Q5: What is the difference between WFE and WFM?
- WFE: Higher switching frequency (5 kHz), smaller minimum detectable object (MDO 0.5 mm), and features a sensitivity adjustment potentiometer for greater application flexibility.
- WFM: Simpler plug & play version, no adjustment required, suitable for standard applications.
→ Choose WFE when high precision and flexibility are required. Choose WFM when fast and easy installation is the priority.
AUMI – Official Distributor of SICK WFE Fork Sensors in Vietnam. Genuine products with full warranty, CO/CQ documentation, and 24/7 technical support.
📞 Hotline: 0917 991 589 (Hanoi) | 0932 226 100 (Ho Chi Minh City)
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://aumi.com.vn/
Addresses:
- Hanoi: B44, Villa Lot, Viet Hung Urban Area, Long Bien
- Ho Chi Minh City: 2nd Floor, HS Building, 260/11 Nguyen Thai Binh, Tan Binh District
- Da Nang: 9th Floor, PV Bank Building, No. 2 Road 30-4, Hoa Cuong Ward
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