Photoelectric sensors
W4F

The high-flyers in intelligent automation

Your Benefits

  • Solution for particularly challenging detection tasks in tight installation spaces
  • Very high reliability through powerful background suppression and excellent detection of flat, highly-reflective and transparent objects
  • Two switching points as well as the output of distance values expand the application possibilities
  • Flexible use thanks to high optical reliability
  • The highly-visible light spot combined with the intuitive BluePilot operating interface enables set-up in mere seconds
  • Maximum monitoring and process reliability thanks to intelligent monitoring and predictive maintenance
  • As Smart Sensors, fit for Industry 4.0

W4F

Overview

The high-flyers in intelligent automation

With the W4F, high performance and smart automation are now also available in a miniature size. The miniature sensor is the perfect complement to the product range of a new generation of opto-electronic sensors such as the W16 and W26 and, thanks to the new ASIC technology from SICK, consistently delivers extremely reliable detection results. This allows for versatile use in a wide range of challenging installation situations. Thanks to ForegroundSuppression, DoubleLine, V-optics and MultiSwitch, the W4F is a high-performance application specialist: Background suppression is improved, and flat, highly-reflective and transparent objects are detected even more precisely. In addition, the W4F as Smart Sensors make monitoring and diagnostics easier than ever before and enable future-proof use in I4.0 plants.

At a glance
  • Technologies: ForegroundSuppression, DoubleLine, V-optics and MultiSwitch
  • Two switching points and distance value output in one device
  • Diffuse sender LED for ambient light suppression
  • BluePilot: Teach-Turn adjustment with optical sensing range and alignment aid
  • Smart Sensor: Latest diagnostics and monitoring functions
  • VISTAL® housing

Advantages

Reliable alignment in seconds with BluePilot

With the intuitive "BluePilot" operating concept, sensors of the W4F product family can be aligned particularly conveniently and precisely. The blue LED display gives the user direct feedback for optimal alignment. The photoelectric sensors can be precisely adjusted in a very short time via a push-turn mechanism. In addition, BluePilot provides a visual indication if the detection quality should drop due to contamination or vibration, allowing faults to be corrected early on and preventing unplanned system downtime.

With a combination of teach pushbutton and potentiometer, correct adjustment is easier than ever before.

The blue LED alignment aid accelerates optimal alignment of the sensor, and changes in operational safety are visible at a glance with BluePilot.

The mode setting can easily be read directly off the device via BluePilot.

The "BluePilot" operating concept significantly speeds up calibration of the W4F while minimizing the risk of faults and failures during operation.

Outstanding detection results in almost any application

Whether with particularly flat, highly reflective, perforated or transparent objects: The W4F offers a wide range of technologies to ensure reliable detection results in the most diverse applications. For example, with the coordinated optical concept of the V-optics, which reliably detects transparent objects such as glass panes or highly reflective objects such as displays. With highly reflective and at the same time very flat objects such as chocolate bars, cookies or assemblies, the photoelectric proximity sensor with ForegroundSuppression can really show off its capabilities. And last but not least, the DoubleLine technology can also reliably detect objects with uneven surfaces and recesses such as printed circuit boards. In addition, the new MultiSwitch photoelectric proximity sensor extends the range of possible applications. For example, the two switching points can be used to monitor assembly processes or to check levels and roll diameters using distance value output via IO-Link.

In applications where reflectors used to be necessary, the W4F manages on its own thanks to the use of surface reflections from objects, thus taking up significantly less installation space.

The W4F always delivers precise detection results, even with various optical disturbances such as LED lamps and reflections from metal struts in the background.

Thanks to the two different switching points, the WTB4F MultiSwitch can distinguish between standing and lying objects.

The WTB4B photoelectric proximity sensor with DoubleLine technology can easily detect printed circuit boards with cut-outs without gaps.
Thanks to two LEDs and powerful foreground suppression, the WTV4F, like V-optics, is able to reliably detect very flat objects.

With its Optical Experts, the W4F covers a wide range of challenging applications and, thanks to its compact design, it fits easily into most installation situations.

Rugged design for demanding ambient conditions

Sturdy as steel, light as plastic: The smart interior of the W4F photoelectric sensors is protected by an ultra-rugged housing made of VISTAL®. This is made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic and thus easily withstands extreme thermal, chemical or mechanical loads. In combination with its small dimensions, the sensor is optimally suited for use in automation applications of all kinds.

Thanks to the ultra-rugged VISTAL® housing, the sensor operates safely and reliably even under harsh ambient conditions.

Whether dirt, heat or vibrations: The W4F is designed to deliver precise results even under tough conditions thanks to VISTAL® and rugged sensor technology.

Keeping full control

Thanks to extensive diagnostic functions, the system knows at all times what state the W4F is in and can thus detect a critical drop in performance in advance. In addition, the sensor family features automatic self-monitoring and reports independently as soon as process parameters such as temperature or degree of contamination deviate too much. Should a sensor still fail, the extensive diagnostic data enables rapid identification of the cause and elimination of the problem.

At critical temperatures, the W4F can automatically initiate maintenance, thus preventing failures.

The possibility of foresighted and demand-oriented device and system maintenance minimizes failure risks.

Positioning tasks can be performed via the output of distance values.

The output of remission values of the objects to be detected form the basis for intelligent process control or quality monitoring.

Thanks to extensive monitoring and diagnostic functions, the W4F enables predictive and demand-oriented maintenance, thus minimizing unplanned downtime and costs.

Technical overview

 
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  • Technical data overview

    Technical data overview

    Dimensions (W x H x D)16 mm x 40.1 mm x 12.1 mm
    Light sourcePinPoint LED
    Type of lightVisible red light
    Enclosure ratingIP66, IP67
    Housing materialPlastic
    AdjustmentTeach-in button / Potentiometer / cable / Teach-Turn adjustment / Teach-in button / Potentiometer / Teach-Turn adjustment
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All technical data can be found accompanying the individual product

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