VTF18-4P1212 SICK Photoelectric Proximity Sensor 100 mm PNP
Highlights
- VTF18-4P1212 is a SICK M18 cylindrical photoelectric sensor with background suppression (BGS) technology for precise object detection from 3–100 mm.
- Focused optics with a Ø 3 mm light spot enables reliable detection of small objects and fine details.
- Background suppression minimizes false detection caused by reflective or varying background surfaces.
- PNP output allows easy integration with PLCs and industrial automation systems.
- IP67 protection and nickel-plated brass housing provide high durability in dusty and wet industrial environments.
- Suitable for electronics, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, packaging, and QC inspection applications.
- Fast response time (≤ 2 ms) supports high-speed production and packaging lines.
- Adjustable sensitivity via integrated 270° potentiometer for flexible setup and commissioning.
- Available in both PNP and NPN versions to match different control system requirements.
- AUMI provides genuine SICK sensors with technical support and application consultation.
The VTF18-4P1212 is an M18 cylindrical photoelectric proximity sensor designed by SICK (Germany) with background suppression (BGS) to reliably detect objects at distances of 3–100 mm.
Overview of the SICK VTF18-4P1212 Photoelectric Sensor
The VTF18-4P1212 belongs to SICK’s V18 product family – an M18 cylindrical sensor line engineered for precise object detection in industrial environments. The sensor operates on the background suppression (BGS) principle, enabling reliable object detection regardless of the colour or material of the background behind the target.
A key feature of the VTF18-4P1212 is its focused optics, which produce a concentrated Ø 3 mm light spot at 50 mm distance for high-accuracy detection of small targets. The nickel-plated brass housing combined with an IP67 rating ensures durability in dusty and humid environments. Sensitivity is easily adjusted via the integrated 270° potentiometer on the sensor body.
5 Key Specifications
- Detection range: 3 mm to 100 mm (background suppression)
- Output: PNP, maximum output current 100 mA
- Protection rating: IP67 – dust-tight and waterproof
- Operating temperature: –25°C to +70°C
- Connection: 4-wire cable, 2 m (PVC)
Technical Specifications – VTF18-4P1212 SICK
| Parameter |
Value |
| Functional principle |
Photoelectric proximity sensor – Background suppression |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) |
18 mm × 18 mm × 63.6 mm |
| Housing design |
Cylindrical |
| Thread diameter |
M18 × 1 |
| Optical axis |
Axial |
| Max. sensing range |
3 mm … 100 mm |
| Typical sensing range |
3 mm … 90 mm |
| Light type |
Infrared (IR) |
| Light source |
LED (avg. service life: 100,000 h at +25°C) |
| Light spot size |
Ø 3 mm (at 50 mm distance) |
| Special feature |
Focused optics |
| Sensitivity adjustment |
Potentiometer, 270° |
| Supply voltage |
10 V DC … 30 V DC |
| Current consumption |
30 mA (no load) |
| Switching output |
PNP |
| Max. output current |
≤ 100 mA |
| Switching mode |
Light/Dark switching (selectable via L/D control wire) |
| Switching mode selector |
Selectable via L/D control cable |
| Response time |
≤ 2 ms |
| Switching frequency |
250 Hz |
| Connection type |
Cable, 4-wire, 2 m, PVC, 0.14 mm² conductor |
| Cable diameter |
Ø 5 mm |
| Circuit protection |
Reverse polarity (A, B), interference suppression (C), overcurrent/short-circuit (D) |
| Protection class |
III |
| Enclosure rating |
IP67 |
| Operating temperature |
–25°C … +70°C |
| Housing material |
Metal, nickel-plated brass |
| Optics material |
Plastic, PMMA |
| Weight |
120 g |
| Certifications |
CE, cRUus, EU/UK/ACMA/Morocco DoC, China RoHS |
| Ordering info |
VTF18-4P1212 – Part No. 6012829 |
Specifications sourced from the official SICK VTF18-4P1212 datasheet (Part No. 6012829).
Industrial Applications of the VTF18-4P1212 Photoelectric Sensor
Thanks to its background suppression principle and focused optics, the VTF18-4P1212 is effectively deployed in environments requiring accurate object detection regardless of background colour:
- Electronics & semiconductor manufacturing: Detects small components (chips, PCBs, connectors) on SMT assembly lines. The focused Ø 3 mm light spot at 50 mm enables reliable detection of minute targets.
- Pharmaceutical production lines: Controls the presence of tablets, blister packs and bottles on conveyors. Background suppression eliminates false signals from the conveyor belt surface, reducing detection errors.
- Food & beverage industry: The IP67 rating and nickel-plated brass housing withstand chemical exposure and humid environments. Used for counting and inspecting packaging, labels and closures.
- Automated packaging machinery: Detects cardboard blanks, labels and jar lids at close range with a response time of ≤ 2 ms, suitable for high-speed packaging machines.
- Quality inspection (QC) systems: Integrated with PLCs to detect defective products, missing labels or positional deviations on automated production lines.
Comparison: VTF18-4P1212 vs. Other V18 Models
| Comparison Criteria |
VTF18-4P1212 |
VTF18-4P1240 |
VTF18-4P1440 |
| Part Number |
6012829 |
6012831 |
6012867 |
| Operating Principle |
Background Suppression |
Background Suppression |
Background Suppression |
| Maximum Sensing Range |
3 … 100 mm |
3 … 100 mm |
3 … 100 mm |
| Output Type |
PNP |
PNP |
PNP |
| Switching Mode |
Light/Dark switching |
Light/Dark switching |
Light/Dark switching |
| Connection |
4-wire cable, 2 m (PVC) |
M12 connector (4-pin) |
M12 connector (4-pin) |
| Length (Body) |
63.6 mm |
78 mm |
75 mm |
| Key Features |
Focused optics, version with cable |
Focused optics, M12 connector |
Focused optics, M12 connector |
| Recommended Applications |
Fixed installations, cost-saving on connectors |
Quick installation & maintenance (M12) |
Quick installation & maintenance (M12) |
- VTF18-4P1212: Ideal for fixed installations where cost-saving on connectors is important. It comes with a pre-wired 2m cable and has the shortest body length (63.6 mm), making it easy to install in tight spaces.
- VTF18-4P1240 & VTF18-4P1440: Best suited for production lines that require frequent replacement and fast maintenance thanks to the M12 quick-connect system. Among the two, VTF18-4P1240 is slightly longer (78 mm), while VTF18-4P1440 is more compact (75 mm).
Frequently Asked Questions – SICK VTF18-4P1212 (FAQ)
Q1: What is the price of the SICK VTF18-4P1212 photoelectric sensor?
A: The price of the VTF18-4P1212 depends on quantity and current promotions. Contact AUMI at hotline 0917 991 589 for the best quote and free technical consultation.
Q2: What industries use the VTF18-4P1212?
A: The VTF18-4P1212 is widely used in electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceutical production lines, food and beverage processing, automated packaging machinery and quality control systems.
Q3: What is background suppression and why is it important?
A: Background suppression (BGS) allows the sensor to detect only objects within the set sensing range while ignoring reflected signals from backgrounds beyond that range. This significantly reduces false detections when the background has varying reflectivity or colours.
Q4: Is the VTF18-4P1212 resistant to chemicals?
A: The nickel-plated brass housing provides good resistance to many industrial chemicals. However, compatibility with specific chemicals in your application should be verified. Contact AUMI’s technical team for guidance.
Q5: Where can I buy a genuine SICK VTF18-4P1212?
A: AUMI is SICK’s authorized distributor in Vietnam, guaranteeing 100% genuine products with full CO/CQ documentation and a 12-month official warranty.
Contact AUMI to Purchase the SICK VTF18-4P1212 Sensor
AUMI – Authorized SICK Distributor in Vietnam. Genuine warranty, full CO/CQ documentation, 24/7 technical support.
📞 Hotline: 0917 991 589 (Hanoi) | 0932 226 100 (Ho Chi Minh City)
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://aumi.com.vn/
📍 Offices:
- Hanoi: B44, Garden Lot, Viet Hung Urban Area, Long Bien
- Ho Chi Minh City: Floor 2, HS Building, 260/11 Nguyen Thai Binh, Tan Binh District
- Da Nang: Floor 9, PV Bank Building, No. 2 30-4 Street, Hoa Cuong Ward
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