Fork Sensor WFS3-40N415 SICK 3mm NPN
OVERVIEW
The WFS fork sensor series (also known as fork or slot sensor) has been specifically developed to meet the demanding requirements of labeling processes. Its design allows direct mounting at the edge of the label dispenser. The common issue of detecting gaps between labels is completely eliminated — the sensor’s switching threshold can be taught-in while the label web is running. This advanced operating concept enables quick, easy, and reliable adjustment for a wide variety of label types. The fast response time ensures extremely high repeatability.
General Information – WFS3-40N415 Fork Sensor
The WFS3-40N415 belongs to SICK’s WFS3 fork sensor family. It operates on the optical principle using an infrared LED to detect objects within its 3 mm slot. This is the connector version (M8 4-pin male) of the WFS3 series — it shares the same housing and detection performance as the WFS3-40N115, but is optimized for systems that already use standardized M8 cables. This allows quick field replacement without cutting or re-terminating cables.
- Fork width: 3 mm – precise detection of labels and thin objects
- Minimum detectable object (MDO): 2 mm (gap or label size)
- Connection: M8 4-pin male connector – fast replacement, no cable rework required
- Switching frequency: 10 kHz – suitable for high-speed production lines
- Protection rating: IP65, operating temperature –20°C to +60°C
Technical Specifications – WFS3-40N415
| Parameter |
Value |
| Part Number |
WFS3-40N415 | 6043920 |
| Operating principle |
Optical (Infrared) |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) |
10 mm × 25 mm × 64.3 mm |
| Fork width |
3 mm |
| Fork depth |
42 mm |
| Light source |
Infrared LED, 850 nm |
| Minimum detectable object (MDO) |
2 mm |
| Supply voltage |
10 V DC … 30 V DC |
| Current consumption |
20 mA (without load) |
| Startup time |
20 ms |
| Switching frequency |
10 kHz |
| Response time |
≤ 50 µs |
| Response time stability |
±20 µs |
| Jitter |
40 µs |
| Output |
NPN |
| Output current max. |
100 mA |
| Switching mode |
Light/dark switching (configurable) |
| Connection type |
M8 4-pin male connector |
| Adjustment |
+/– buttons, 2-point teach-in, dynamic teach-in |
| Housing material |
PA (glass-fiber reinforced) |
| Weight |
~36 g |
| Ambient operating temperature |
–20°C … +60°C |
| Storage temperature |
–30°C … +80°C |
| Ambient light immunity |
≤ 10,000 lx |
| Protection rating |
IP65 |
| MTTFd |
97 years |
| Certifications |
CE, cULus, UK CoC, ACMA, China RoHS |
Technical data according to the official SICK datasheet for WFS3-40N415 (dated 2025-12-09).
Download datasheet: https://www.sick.com/media/pdf/1/41/441/dataSheet_WFS3-40N415_6043920_en.pdf
Industrial Applications of WFS3-40N415
- Fast sensor replacement on running lines: The M8 4-pin male connector allows removal of the old sensor and installation of the new one in minutes — minimizing unplanned downtime without affecting existing cable infrastructure.
- Label detection on automatic labeling machines: Identical MDO of 2 mm and 10 kHz switching frequency as the WFS3-40N115 — ideal for high-speed labeling lines in food, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods industries.
- Packaging lines and presence checking: Reliable detection of films, foils, paper packaging, or labels as they pass through the fork slot — confirming presence before the next process step.
- Thin material inspection in electronics assembly: The 3 mm slot is well-suited for detecting thin PCBs, carrier trays, or strip components at automated inspection stations.
- Multi-sensor systems with standardized M8 infrastructure: Perfect integration into production lines where all sensors use M8 connectors — no need to modify cables or junction boxes.
Comparison: WFS3-40N415 vs WFS3-40N115
| Criteria |
WFS3-40N415 |
WFS3-40N115 |
| Part Number |
6043920 |
6055434 |
| Connection |
M8 4-pin male connector |
4-wire cable, 2 m pre-wired |
| IO-Link |
✗ |
✔ V1.1 |
| Best suited for |
Existing M8-standard systems, fast field replacement |
New projects requiring IO-Link and remote monitoring |
The WFS3-40N415 is the optimal choice when fast replacement and compatibility with existing M8 cable infrastructure are priorities. If the application requires IO-Link V1.1 for remote diagnostics and parameterization, select the WFS3-40N115.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about WFS3-40N415
Q: What is the price of the WFS3-40N415 fork sensor?
A: The price of the WFS3-40N415 depends on quantity and project requirements. Please contact AUMI at hotline 0917 991 589 for the best quotation and technical consultation.
Q: In which industries is the WFS3-40N415 used?
A: The WFS3-40N415 fork sensor is widely applied in high-speed labeling and packaging lines for food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, detection of thin materials (films, foils, packaging), presence checking of electronic components, and any application requiring fast sensor replacement in systems already using M8 connectors.
Q: Does the WFS3-40N415 come with warranty?
A: Yes — when purchased from AUMI, the product comes with a 12-month official manufacturer warranty. AUMI provides full CO/CQ documentation and lifelong technical support.
Q: What cable/connector does the WFS3-40N415 use? Is it compatible with existing systems?
A: The WFS3-40N415 uses an M8 4-pin male connector (A-coded) — fully compatible with standard IEC M8 4-pin female cables and sockets. Recommended SICK accessories include:
- STE-0804-G (M8 4-pin field-wireable socket, part no. 6037323)
- YF8U14-050VA3XLEAX (M8 female to flying lead cable, 5 m, part no. 2095889)
If your system already uses standard M8 cables, the sensor can be plugged in directly with no modifications required.
AUMI – Official Distributor of SICK in Vietnam
Official warranty, full 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, 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
🔗 Official Datasheet
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