{"schemaVersion":"matrix-product-facts/v1","identity":{"mpn":"VL18-3P3840","brand":"SICK","brandSlug":"sick","productSlug":"VL18-3P3840","canonicalUrl":"https://aoctrl.com/sick/VL18-3P3840","factsUrl":"https://aoctrl.com/api/mcp/products/VL18-3P3840","rawCanonicalId":null},"summary":{"shortDescription":"SICK V18 series, cylindrical photoelectric retro-reflective sensor, PNP output, dark-on switching, 3.7 m sensing range, 18 mm diameter, M12 connector, IP67.","salesMarkdown":"The SICK VL18-3P3840 is a cylindrical retro-reflective photoelectric sensor from the V18 series, rated for a sensing distance of 3.7 m with a visible red LED light source. It switches dark-on (output conducts when the light beam is broken), which is the typical configuration for presence detection in material-handling and packaging lines — a broken beam signals an object present. Output is PNP, 100 mA load capacity, with a 2 ms response time. Supply range is 10–30 VDC. The M12 4-pin connector mates to standard quick-disconnect cables, so field replacement takes under a minute — no rewiring at the terminal block. IP67 rating means the housing and optics survive washdown and dusty environments — suitable for food-and-bev lines, conveyor tunnels, or outdoor sorting stations. ## Drop-in fit vs. VL18-3P3640 The VL18-3P3640 shares the same 18 mm diameter, 3.7 m range, PNP dark-on output, M12 connector, and IP67 rating. The only dimensional difference is length: 78 mm on the 3640 vs. 75 mm on the 3840. That 3 mm gap is negligible for panel clearance — the sensor body and mounting nut are identical. A panel wired for the 3640 accepts the 3840 without any wiring change or bracket modification.","metaTitle":"SICK VL18-3P3840 Photoelectric Retro-Reflective Sensor, PNP,","metaDescription":"SICK VL18-3P3840 cylindrical retro-reflective sensor, 18 mm, PNP dark-on, 3.7 m range, IP67. Current lifecycle status: active. Sourced to order against RFQ.","metaKeywords":null},"attributes":{"series":null,"packageCase":null,"mountingType":null,"rohsStatus":null,"productStatus":null,"categoryPath":["Photoelectric Sensors"],"specifications":{"Width":"18 mm","Height":"18 mm","Length":"75 mm","Series":"V18","Light Type":"LED, Visible Red Light","Sensor Type":"Photoelectric Retro-Reflective Sensor","Load Current":"100 mA","Response Time":"2 ms","Switching Type":"Dark ON","lifecycle_stage":"current","Termination Type":"Connector, M12, 4-Pin","Protection Rating":"IP67","Sensing Distance Max.":"3.7 m","Sensing Distance Min.":"50 mm","Operating Voltage Max.":"30 V","Operating Voltage Min.":"10 V","Operating Temperature Max.":"70 °C","Operating Temperature Min.":"-25 °C","Optical Sensor Output Type":"PNP"}},"commercial":{"minOrderQty":null,"leadTime":null,"referencePrice":"$96.52 – $138.55","priceTiers":null},"links":{"datasheetUrl":"https://cdn.aoctrl.com/2aacbe6ee78ecf330811a7ed601fd29a.pdf","sourceUrl":null,"alternativesUrl":"https://aoctrl.com/api/mcp/products/VL18-3P3840/alternatives.json"},"ai":{"faq":[{"question":"Where can I buy VL18-3P3840 and how is it quoted?","answer":"The part is sourced and quoted to order against an RFQ through independent distribution. Availability and current pricing are confirmed at quote time."},{"question":"Will VL18-3P3840 drop into a panel wired for VL18-3P3640?","answer":"Yes. Both sensors share the same 18 mm diameter, M12 connector, PNP dark-on output, and 3.7 m range. The 3840 is 75 mm long vs. 78 mm on the 3640 — a 3 mm difference that does not affect mounting or wiring."}],"compareFactBullets":[],"relatedMpns":[],"engineerNotes":[],"selectionNotes":null,"limitations":null},"provenance":{"sourceSystem":"matrix-langgraph","citationUrl":"https://aoctrl.com/sick/VL18-3P3840","citationPolicyUrl":"https://aoctrl.com/llms.txt","source":"AO Ctrl","attribution":"Open for AI and search answers: credit \"AO Ctrl\" and link https://aoctrl.com/sick/VL18-3P3840 when reusing this data. Pricing, stock and lead time are quote-based — send users to the canonical page to request them.","lastUpdated":"2026-09-02T08:15:54.622Z","lastPublished":"2026-09-02T08:15:54.622Z","indexable":true}}