SICK WL8-N2231 Photoelectric Sensor – High-Speed Detection

SICK WL8-N2231 Photoelectric Sensor – Fast and Reliable Object Detection

The SICK WL8-N2231 Photoelectric Sensor delivers accurate and dependable detection for industrial automation systems. Using a visible red LED light and coaxial optical design, it identifies moving objects precisely over distances up to 4 meters. The sensor’s compact rectangular housing (11 × 31 × 20 mm) allows easy integration into tight spaces, while its IP67-rated enclosure ensures durability against dust and moisture. With a response time as quick as 0.25 ms, it is ideal for tasks that require rapid detection such as packaging, labeling, and assembly line operations where timing and reliability are crucial.

Designed for consistent performance in fast-paced environments, the WL8-N2231 offers a balance of speed, flexibility, and ease of installation. Its polarizing filter improves accuracy when detecting reflective or glossy materials, and the light/dark switching function allows it to adapt easily to various sensing requirements. The sensor’s high switching frequency of 2 kHz ensures smooth detection of high-speed objects, while the sturdy ABS housing provides long-term stability in industrial settings. Simple setup through a 270° potentiometer adjustment saves time during installation, making this sensor an efficient and dependable choice for modern automation systems.

Why SICK WL8-N2231?
The SICK WL8-N2231 stands out for its lightning-fast detection speed, compact form, and precision optics. It merges high reliability with flexibility, adapting effortlessly to tight spaces and reflective surfaces. Designed for demanding automation lines, it ensures every detection counts — boosting consistency, speed, and operational confidence across production environments.

What Problem Does It Solve?
The WL8-N2231 solves challenges of inconsistent detection in fast or reflective applications. Where traditional sensors fail to track shiny, small, or high-speed objects, this sensor excels. Its advanced optical design and rapid response eliminate false triggers, ensuring flawless performance in conveyor, packaging, and assembly systems — where precision timing drives efficiency.

Key Features & Specifications – SICK WL8-N2231 : Article Number 6033181

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The Applications of SICK WL8-N2231 Photoelectric Sensor

1. High-Speed Conveyor Part Counting
In a fast-moving production line, every fraction of a second matters. The WL8-N2231’s ultra-fast 0.25 ms response time allows it to detect and count small components traveling rapidly on conveyor belts. Its high switching frequency ensures no missed detections even when objects pass in close succession. Compact and lightweight, the sensor fits easily between narrow conveyor sections, providing precise feedback to sorting or counting systems while maintaining continuous workflow efficiency.

2. Reflective Metal Detection in Automotive Assembly
In metal stamping or assembly lines, glossy or polished components can cause unstable readings for ordinary sensors. The WL8-N2231 overcomes this by using polarized optics that filter out glare, enabling accurate recognition of shiny metallic parts. Its reliable performance ensures proper part alignment and presence verification, minimizing downtime caused by false triggers. This sensor’s robust construction allows long-term use in high-vibration, oily environments typical of automotive manufacturing.

3. Transparent Packaging and Bottle Detection
Transparent bottles, films, or wraps can easily fool standard sensors. The WL8-N2231 solves this issue through a retro-reflective design that detects interruptions in a focused light beam rather than surface reflection. This capability ensures consistent detection of clear PET bottles and plastic packaging in food and beverage lines. Its IP67 protection keeps it functional in humid or wash-down environments, supporting continuous operation even under water spray and condensation.

4. Compact Integration in Robotic and Bin-Picking Systems
In electronics or precision assembly applications, robots rely on accurate part presence signals. The WL8-N2231’s miniature form factor and adjustable sensitivity make it ideal for installation within compact robot grippers or part feeders. Its rapid detection speed synchronizes with robotic pick-and-place cycles, improving efficiency and reducing mis-picks. With flexible light/dark switching and simple potentiometer setup, it integrates seamlessly into high-speed automated systems that demand precision and reliability.

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