SICK UFW Fork Sensor – Ultrasonic web edge guiding

Overview:

The SICK UFW fork sensor is a non-contact ultrasonic solution for precise web edge guiding. It accurately detects the material edge position with a resolution of 0.01 mm, delivering superior performance on transparent films, light-sensitive materials, and optically challenging substrates where conventional optical sensors typically fail.

Available in two fork widths — UFW3 (30 mm) and UFW6 (60 mm) — the sensor supports IO-Link communication and flexible analog outputs (4–20 mA / 0–10 V), making it an ideal choice for high-speed production lines.

Product Overview

The UFW is SICK’s ultrasonic fork sensor designed specifically for web edge guiding applications in roll-fed material processing lines. It precisely determines the material edge position by detecting changes in the ultrasonic signal within the fork gap, independent of color, reflectivity, or transparency.

Thanks to its integrated emitter-receiver design in a single housing, the sensor offers easy mechanical alignment, simple installation, and high operational reliability. Two models are available:

• UFW3: 30 mm fork width
• UFW6: 60 mm fork width

The sensor supports IO-Link for remote configuration, monitoring, and diagnostics, and provides a selectable analog output (4–20 mA or 0–10 V) for seamless integration with industrial control systems.

Key Features

• Sensing Principle: Ultrasonic
• Resolution: 0.01 mm
• Repeatability: ±0.1 mm
• Response Time: 5.1 ms (UFW3) / 6 ms (UFW6)
• Fork Width: 30 mm (UFW3) / 60 mm (UFW6)
• Analog Output: 4–20 mA / 0–10 V (selectable)
• Communication: IO-Link

Technical specifications of UFW Fork Sensor

Source: SICK Product Overview UFW, 2024. Download official datasheet

Industrial applications

Thanks to ultrasonic technology, the UFW fork sensor outperforms conventional optical sensors when handling:

• Form-Fill-Seal (FFS) packaging machines: Precise web edge guiding to keep films centered and tensioned.
• Transparent plastic film guiding: Ideal for PET, OPP, and light-sensitive films in printing, capacitor, and solar panel production.
• Wide-belt sanding machines: Accurate tracking and adjustment of sanding belts.
• Paper and non-woven fabric production: Continuous edge control of rolled materials.

AUMI Implementation Experience: AUMI has supplied and supported the integration of UFW sensors in numerous packaging and printing projects across Vietnam, with excellent compatibility with Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi, and Delta PLCs via IO-Link and analog signals.

Comparison: UFW (Ultrasonic) vs WFS (Optical) Fork Sensors

Selection Guide:

• Choose UFW for transparent films and optically difficult materials.
• Choose WFS for label detection, small objects, or standard high-speed applications.

Model Selection Recommendations

• Tight space or narrow webs → UFW3 (30 mm)
• Wide webs or larger rolls → UFW6 (60 mm)
• PLC integration and remote monitoring → Models with IO-Link + analog output

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can the UFW fork sensor completely replace optical sensors?

A: Not entirely. The UFW excels with transparent and optically challenging materials, while optical sensors remain more suitable for standard object detection.

Q2: Is IO-Link required to operate the UFW sensor?

A: No. The sensor can operate using analog outputs (4–20 mA or 0–10 V). IO-Link is used for advanced configuration, monitoring, and diagnostics.

Q3: Is the UFW suitable for high-speed production lines?

A: Yes. With response times of 5.1 ms (UFW3) and 6 ms (UFW6), it is well-suited for high-speed web edge guiding applications.

Q4: Which PLCs is the UFW sensor compatible with?

A: It supports both analog signals and IO-Link, ensuring compatibility with most major PLC brands including Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi, and Delta.

Q5: Where can I purchase genuine SICK UFW fork sensors?

A: Purchase from authorized SICK distributors to ensure full CO/CQ documentation, genuine warranty, and expert technical support.

Contact for Purchasing SICK UFW Fork Sensors

AUMI – Official SICK Distributor in Vietnam Genuine products with full warranty, CO/CQ, 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 Area, Viet Hung Urban Area, Viet Hung Ward
• Ho Chi Minh City: 2nd Floor, HS Building, 260/11 Nguyen Thai Binh, Bay Hien Ward
• Da Nang: 9th Floor, PV Bank Building, No. 2 30-4 Street, Hoa Cuong Ward