Fork sensors WFS3-40B41CA00 SICK 3mm Push-pull
Overview
- The WFS3-40B41CA00 fork sensor features a slim design that mounts directly at the edge of label applicators, completely solving the challenge of detecting label gaps (down to 2mm).
- Dynamic Teach-in allows the sensor to automatically optimize its switching threshold while the label web is running, adapting quickly to various label types (transparent, metallic, paper).
- With a response time ≤46 µs and a switching frequency of 15 kHz, the sensor delivers excellent accuracy and repeatability on high-speed production lines.
Product Overview
The WFS3-40B41CA00 is a fork sensor from SICK’s WFS3 series, using infrared LED (IR) technology to detect objects passing through a 3mm gap. Integrated IO-Link V1.1 enables remote monitoring and configuration via PLC or IO-Link master, making it ideal for Industry 4.0 smart production lines. Its compact dimensions of 10 x 25 x 64.3 mm and rugged glass-fiber reinforced PA housing allow easy installation in space-constrained environments.
5 Key Features
- Fork width: 3 mm
- Output: Push-Pull PNP/NPN (switchable light/dark)
- Communication: IO-Link V1.1, 15 kHz switching frequency
- Protection rating: IP65
- Response time: ≤ 46 µs
Technical Specifications WFS3-40B41CA00
| Parameter |
Value |
| Functional principle |
Optical detection principle |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) |
10 mm x 25 mm x 64.3 mm |
| Fork width |
3 mm |
| Fork depth |
42 mm |
| Light source |
LED, Infrared light |
| Label detection |
✓ |
| Minimum detectable object (MDO) |
Gap between Labels / Size of labels: 2 mm |
| Adjustment method |
Teach-in button, cable (Teach-in, sensitivity, light/dark switching, key lock, Teach-in dynamic) |
| Teach-in modes |
1-point teach-in, 2-point teach-in, Teach-in dynamic |
| Communication |
IO-Link |
| Supply voltage |
10 V DC … 30 V DC |
| Initialization time |
40 ms |
| Switching frequency |
15 kHz |
| Response time |
≤ 46 µs |
| Jitter |
17 µs |
| Digital output |
Push-pull: PNP/NPN |
| Switching mode |
Light/dark switching |
| Connection type |
Male connector M8, 4-pin |
| Housing material |
PA (glass-fiber reinforced) |
| Operating ambient temperature |
–20 °C … +60 °C |
Source: Official SICK Datasheet – WFS3-40B41CA00 (2026-03-12).
Download datasheet
Industrial applications of the WFS3-40B41CA00
- Labeling & Packaging Lines: Detects labels on roll materials and checks for missing labels during product application. Dynamic Teach-in enables the sensor to self-learn detection thresholds for different label types without manual adjustments.
- Industrial Printers: Performs label gap detection to ensure accurate cutting positions. With a response time ≤46 µs and 15 kHz switching frequency, the sensor handles high print speeds reliably even on fast-moving conveyors.
- Logistics & Sorting Systems: Detects thin objects on conveyors and counts products on automated sorting lines. IO-Link V1.1 enables signal quality monitoring (Quality of Run Alarm) and provides early warnings when the sensor becomes contaminated or its performance degrades.
Via IO-Link, users can configure the switch-off delay from 0 to 520 ms (8 steps: 0/8/16/32/65/130/260/520 ms), helping to stabilize signals in high-speed counting applications.
- Electronics & Semiconductor Manufacturing: Detects wafers, PCBs, or thin components on production lines. The narrow 3mm gap reliably detects ultra-thin objects, and high repeatability is ensured by a response time stability of ±20 µs.
- Pharmaceutical & Food Packaging: Monitors labels on blister packs and food pouches in clean environments. IP65 dust resistance and chemical-resistant PA housing make it easy to clean and suitable for sanitary production areas.
Comparison of WFS3-40B41CA00 with Other WFS Series Models
| Feature |
WFS3-40B41CA00 |
WFS3 with wider gap |
WFS without IO-Link |
| Fork width |
3 mm |
5 mm, 8 mm, … |
3 mm or other |
| Output |
Push-Pull (PNP/NPN) |
Push-Pull (PNP/NPN) |
PNP or NPN |
| IO-Link |
V1.1 (yes) |
V1.1 (yes) |
No |
| Teach-in |
1-point, 2-point, Dynamic |
1-point, 2-point, Dynamic |
1-point teach-in (manual) |
| Switch-off delay |
8 steps (0-520ms) via IO-Link |
8 steps via IO-Link |
Not available or fixed |
| Applications |
Thin labels, objects from 2mm |
Thicker objects |
Basic applications without remote monitoring |
Note: Choose the WFS3-40B41CA00 when you need to detect extremely thin objects/labels (from 2mm) and require IO-Link connectivity for integration into smart monitoring systems. For thicker objects, consider a wider-gap model within the WFS series.
Frequently Asked Questions about the WFS3-40B41CA00 (FAQ)
Q1: What is the smallest label gap the WFS3-40B41CA00 can detect at high conveyor speeds?
A1: With an MDO (Minimum Detectable Object) of 2mm and a switching frequency of 15 kHz, the sensor reliably detects label gaps down to 2mm at high speeds, making it ideal for high-performance labeling lines.
Q2: How can I configure the Push-Pull output and Light/Dark switching without software?
A2: Press and hold the teach-in button for 20–30 seconds to toggle between Light and Dark switching. The Push-Pull output automatically works with both PNP and NPLC inputs without any wiring changes.
Q3: What specific maintenance benefits does IO-Link provide on the WFS3-40B41CA00?
A3: IO-Link V1.1 allows you to read the actual measuring value (bits 6–15), receive early warnings via the Quality of Run Alarm, and remotely configure parameters such as Switch-off delay (0–520 ms) – all of which reduce physical access to the sensor.
Q4: How do I perform a Dynamic Teach-in for transparent or metallic labels?
A4: Press and hold the teach-in button for 3–20 seconds while moving the label web (at least 3 labels + backing material) through the sensor gap. Release the button. The sensor will automatically optimize the switching threshold between the label and its backing, even for challenging materials like transparent or metallic labels.
Q5: Can I remotely monitor multiple WFS3 sensors on the same production line?
A5: Yes. Use an IO-Link master (e.g., SICK SIG200) to connect multiple sensors in series. Data from each sensor – such as status and signal quality – can be sent to a PLC or SCADA system via Ethernet/IP or Profinet protocols.
Contact Information – Purchase WFS3-40B41CA00 Fork Sensor
AUMI – Official authorized distributor of SICK in Vietnam. Full manufacturer warranty, CO/CQ documents, 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 Zone, Long Bien District
- Ho Chi Minh City: 2nd Floor, HS Building, 260/11 Nguyen Thai Binh Street, Tan Binh District
- Da Nang: 9th Floor, PV Bank Building, 2 – 30 Thang 4 Street, Hoa Cuong Ward
