SICK 1028134 WLG4-3F2182 PNP Transparent-object Sensor

Technical Overview

The SICK WLG4-3F2182 is a flat photoelectric retro-reflective sensor for transparent-object detection. Optics without a polarization filter provide a 0.02–0.9 m sensing range with PL80A and a maximum reach of 1.6 m. A 650 nm visible red PinPoint LED provides the sensing light. A single teach-in button adjusts detection, with production-week-dependent button modes and AutoAdapt behavior specified in the datasheet. The PNP dark-switching output connects to external control. Response is below 0.5 ms under resistive load, with 1,000 Hz switching at a 1:1 light/dark ratio. The ABS housing has a PMMA front screen, M3 threaded mounting holes, IP66/IP67 protection and an M8 three-pin connector.

Transparent-object retro-reflective sensor with 0.02–0.9 m PL80A range, teach-in, AutoAdapt, PNP dark switching and M8 three-pin connector.

Key Features

Retro-reflective transparent-object detection without a polarization filter

0.02–0.9 m sensing range with PL80A; maximum reach 1.6 m

650 nm visible red PinPoint LED; average 100,000 h life at +25 °C

Single teach-in button; select teach mode by production week

AutoAdapt; clear-object mode from week 01/2013 uses an 8% threshold with continuous adaptation

PNP dark-switching output, ≤100 mA

<0.5 ms response with resistive load; 1,000 Hz at 1:1 light/dark ratio

10–30 V DC; 20 mA without load

M8 three-pin connector; M3 threaded mounting holes

ABS housing, PMMA front screen, IP66/IP67; −40 to +60 °C operation

Technical Specification Matrix

Parameter	Value
Functional principle	Photoelectric retro-reflective sensing without polarization filter
Special application	Detecting transparent objects
Sensing range	0.02–0.9 m with PL80A reflector
Maximum sensing range	Up to 1.6 m with PL80A reflector
Light source	Visible red PinPoint LED
Wavelength	650 nm
LED service life	Average 100,000 h at ambient +25 °C
Adjustment	Single teach-in button; mode depends on production week
AutoAdapt	Yes
Digital output	PNP dark-switching output; maximum output current ≤100 mA
Switching mode	Dark switching
Pin assignment	1 BN=L+; 3 BU=M; 4 BK=Q (CD-045)
Response time	<0.5 ms signal transit time with resistive load
Switching frequency	1,000 Hz at 1:1 light/dark ratio
Power supply	10–30 V DC, limit values
Residual ripple	<5 Vpp; remain within supply tolerances
Current consumption	20 mA without load
Circuit protection	A: supply reverse-polarity protection; C: interference suppression; D: outputs overcurrent and short-circuit protection
Polarization filter	No
Housing design	Flat, rectangular
Housing material	ABS plastic
Connection	M8 three-pin connector
Mounting provisions	M3 threaded mounting holes
IP rating	IP66/IP67
Operating temperature	−40 to +60 °C
Storage temperature	−40 to +75 °C
Teach modes from production week 01/2013	2 s button press: clear-object mode, 8% threshold with continuous threshold adaptation; 8 s: standard mode, 50% threshold
Teach modes before production week 01/2013	2 s button press: 50% threshold without continuous threshold adaptation; 8 s: clear-object mode, 10% threshold
Attenuation along light beam	>8%
Protection class	III
Front screen	PMMA plastic
Physical Weight (kg)	0.03

Parameter

Value

Functional principle

Photoelectric retro-reflective sensing without polarization filter

Special application

Detecting transparent objects

Sensing range

0.02–0.9 m with PL80A reflector

Maximum sensing range

Up to 1.6 m with PL80A reflector

Light source

Visible red PinPoint LED

Wavelength

650 nm

LED service life

Average 100,000 h at ambient +25 °C

Adjustment

Single teach-in button; mode depends on production week

AutoAdapt

Yes

Digital output

PNP dark-switching output; maximum output current ≤100 mA

Switching mode

Dark switching

Pin assignment

1 BN=L+; 3 BU=M; 4 BK=Q (CD-045)

Response time

<0.5 ms signal transit time with resistive load

Switching frequency

1,000 Hz at 1:1 light/dark ratio

Power supply

10–30 V DC, limit values

Residual ripple

<5 Vpp; remain within supply tolerances

Current consumption

20 mA without load

Circuit protection

A: supply reverse-polarity protection; C: interference suppression; D: outputs overcurrent and short-circuit protection

Polarization filter

Housing design

Flat, rectangular

Housing material

ABS plastic

Connection

M8 three-pin connector

Mounting provisions

M3 threaded mounting holes

IP rating

IP66/IP67

Operating temperature

−40 to +60 °C

Storage temperature

−40 to +75 °C

Teach modes from production week 01/2013

2 s button press: clear-object mode, 8% threshold with continuous threshold adaptation; 8 s: standard mode, 50% threshold

Teach modes before production week 01/2013

2 s button press: 50% threshold without continuous threshold adaptation; 8 s: clear-object mode, 10% threshold

Attenuation along light beam

>8%

Protection class

III

Front screen

PMMA plastic

Physical Weight (kg)

0.03

Industrial Applications

1. Counting separated clear containers

A packaging feeder can mount the sensor opposite a PL80A reflector so separated clear containers pass through the reflected-light path. Single-button teach-in establishes detection using actual container material, wall shape and contents. External counting logic evaluates the PNP dark-switching output, with spacing and sampling checked against the 1,000 Hz specification at a 1:1 light/dark ratio and the 0.02–0.9 m PL80A sensing range.

Problem Solved

A transparent-container passage reference helps external counting logic track clear products whose transmitted light makes ordinary opaque-object detection unsuitable, after actual container presentation and separation have been verified.

Clear containers PNP dark switching External counting

2. Confirming a clear carrier at a transfer stop

A compact transfer station can align the sensor and PL80A reflector across a defined wall of a clear carrier at its seated position. Optics without a polarization filter evaluate the reflector return, and the M8 three-pin connector supports local installation. Setup teaches using representative carriers and verifies that nearby machine features remain outside the intended optical path throughout carrier movement.

Problem Solved

A clear-carrier position reference helps external transfer control recognize arrival at the intended location, supporting coordinated upstream release after carrier wall geometry and the seated position have been checked.

Clear carrier Unpolarized optics Transfer position

3. Checking a transparent cover on a presented assembly

An assembly nest can present a transparent cover across the reflected-light path at a defined inspection point. Single-button teach-in establishes detection with representative covered and uncovered assemblies, while the transparent-object sensing function evaluates the cover condition. External inspection logic samples the switching output at the intended stage after verifying cover material, curvature, presentation tolerance and nearby background interference on the actual assembly.

Problem Solved

A cover-present reference helps external inspection logic identify an assembly missing its transparent cover, reducing the chance that a cover omission proceeds unnoticed to the following operation.

Transparent cover Assembly inspection Single-button teach-in