22 m retro-reflective sensing, dual-output flexibility
The SICK WL34-B430 is a photoelectric retro-reflective sensor from the W34 series, rated for a 22 m sensing distance with a visible red LED emitter. That 22 m range covers long conveyor lanes, automated storage aisles, or wide gantry approach zones — the reflector goes at the far end, the sensor at the near end, and you get a clean break-beam signal across the gap. Output is configurable as PNP or NPN (Light-ON / Dark-ON selectable), which means it speaks to both sinking and sourcing PLC input cards without a converter. The 500 µs response time handles fast-moving parts on a 60 m/min line with enough margin to catch a 10 mm gap. Supply range is 10-30 VDC, load current 100 mA — standard for industrial 24 VDC control circuits. The M12 male connector (4-pin typical for this class) keeps field replacement quick: unplug the old, plug in the new, no terminal block rewiring.
IP67, wide temperature range, current production
Rated IP67, so the housing and optics survive washdown spray and temporary submersion — suitable for food-and-bev packaging lines, car wash tunnels, or outdoor material handling under cover. Operating temperature spans -40 °C to +60 °C, covering cold storage and hot factory floors without derating.
The M12 connector exits the bottom, keeping the cable run tidy along the extrusion or rail. Minimum sensing distance is 30 mm, so the reflector must be placed at least 30 mm from the sensor face to avoid blind-zone false triggering. That is typical for retro-reflective photoelectrics; the 22 m maximum gives you generous alignment tolerance.