When you’re trying to keep a fast-moving production line in perfect sync, a missed registration mark can mean wasted packaging film, off-centre labels, or misaligned prints. That’s exactly where the SICK NT6-14920S17 comes in. This rugged registration control scanner is engineered to reliably detect small contrast marks on moving material, helping packaging, printing, and converting machines trigger actions at exactly the right moment.
In this guide, we’ll walk through what the SICK NT6-14920S17 is, how it works, its technical specifications, mounting best practices, and the kinds of applications where it really shines. By the end, you’ll know whether the SICK NT6-14920S17 is the right registration contrast scanner for your line and how to get the most out of it.
What Is the SICK NT6-14920S17 Registration Control Scanner?
The SICK NT6-14920S17 is a high-performance registration contrast scanner designed to detect printed marks or colour differences on moving materials. Instead of reading barcodes or measuring distance, the SICK NT6-14920S17 focuses on one crucial task: distinguishing a small registration mark from its background at very high speeds.
This makes the SICK NT6-14920S17 a go-to solution wherever your machine needs to “see” a timing mark so it can cut, seal, print, or position with repeatable accuracy. Typical examples include packaging film with eye-marks, pre-printed labels, or alignment marks on webs used in printing and converting.
Inside the SICK NT6-14920S17, a dual-LED optical system and fast receiver electronics work together to analyse the contrast between mark and background. The sensor outputs a clean switching signal to your PLC or controller whenever the mark passes through its light spot. With its compact metal housing and IP67 rating, the SICK NT6-14920S17 is built for tough industrial environments, from food packaging lines to high-speed printing presses.
How the SICK NT6-14920S17 Detects Registration Marks
At the heart of the SICK NT6-14920S17 is a photoelectric contrast sensor that operates on the diffuse reflection principle. Instead of needing a reflector, the SICK NT6-14920S17 shines light directly onto the web or product surface and measures the reflected intensity.
The clever part is that the SICK NT6-14920S17 uses dual LED colours (red and green). Different mark and background combinations reflect light differently at various wavelengths. A dark blue mark on a yellow film, for example, may create higher contrast under green light than red. With the SICK NT6-14920S17, you can choose the LED colour that produces the strongest contrast, improving detection reliability on tricky materials.
A focused light spot — roughly 1.5 mm × 5 mm at the optimum sensing distance — allows the SICK NT6-14920S17 to pick up small registration marks even at high line speeds. The fast internal electronics give the SICK NT6-14920S17 a switching frequency of up to 10 kHz, which equates to response times in the tens of microseconds. That speed means the sensor can detect marks even on jittering webs and very fast moving packaging film.
Because the SICK NT6-14920S17 is optimised for contrast rather than colour recognition or distance measurement, it remains simple to integrate. You teach it what is “mark” and what is “background” using the built-in controls, and the SICK NT6-14920S17 outputs a solid on/off signal whenever the mark passes through the light spot.
Key Technical Specifications of the SICK NT6-14920S17
For engineers and technicians comparing options, understanding the technical specs of the SICK NT6-14920S17 is essential. Below is a summary of the most important characteristics that define how the SICK NT6-14920S17 behaves in real applications.
Optical and Electrical Performance of the SICK NT6-14920S17
The SICK NT6-14920S17 uses dual LED sources — red and green — so you can tune the sensor for maximum contrast on your specific mark and background combination. At its nominal sensing distance of about 9 mm, the SICK NT6-14920S17 projects a small rectangular spot that’s ideal for eye-marks and printed contrast bars.
Powered from a 10–30 V DC supply, the SICK NT6-14920S17 consumes less than 80 mA, which makes it easy to integrate into typical 24 V control systems. The main output of the SICK NT6-14920S17 is a transistor switching output (PNP, NPN, or push-pull depending on the specific variant). This digital output can be wired directly into a PLC input or high-speed counter.
In addition to the switching output, the SICK NT6-14920S17 provides an analogue voltage signal that is proportional to the received light intensity. This makes the SICK NT6-14920S17 particularly useful during commissioning or troubleshooting, because you can see how much contrast margin you have between mark and background.
With a switching frequency up to 10 kHz, the SICK NT6-14920S17 is fast enough for most modern packaging, labeling, and printing lines. The combination of a narrow light spot, fast response, and dual-colour illumination allows the SICK NT6-14920S17 to keep up as machine speeds increase.
Mechanical Design and Environmental Ratings of the SICK NT6-14920S17
Mechanically, the SICK NT6-14920S17 is housed in a compact blue zinc die-cast body, roughly 80 mm × 30.4 mm × 64 mm. This robust housing gives the SICK NT6-14920S17 the stiffness and durability needed to withstand vibration, frequent adjustments, and harsh conditions.
The sensor carries an IP67 rating, so the SICK NT6-14920S17 is dust-tight and resistant to water ingress under typical industrial washdown or splashing. That makes the SICK NT6-14920S17 suitable for environments like food and beverage packaging where cleaning is routine.
An integrated 2 m cable exits from the rear of the SICK NT6-14920S17, simplifying electrical connection and avoiding the need for a separate cordset. Operating temperature ranges from around 0 °C to +50 °C, which covers the majority of indoor applications where the SICK NT6-14920S17 would be deployed.
User-Friendly Adjustments on the SICK NT6-14920S17
Unlike some modern sensors that rely entirely on menus and displays, the SICK NT6-14920S17 uses straightforward manual controls that are easy to understand. This makes the SICK NT6-14920S17 especially appealing for technicians who prefer physical knobs and switches during setup.
Threshold and Mode Control on the SICK NT6-14920S17
On the top of the SICK NT6-14920S17, you’ll find two key adjustments: a multi-turn potentiometer and a rotary mode selector. The potentiometer sets the switching threshold — essentially how sensitive the SICK NT6-14920S17 is when distinguishing between mark and background.
The mode selector on the SICK NT6-14920S17 allows you to choose between:
- Green light, light-on
- Green light, dark-on
- Red light, light-on
- Red light, dark-on
- Adjustment mode for green
- Adjustment mode for red
In the adjustment modes, the SICK NT6-14920S17 holds its output in a defined state so you can freely tweak the threshold while watching the status LED. Once tuned, you switch back to light-on or dark-on as needed, and the SICK NT6-14920S17 is ready for operation.
A single, clearly visible status LED indicates when the SICK NT6-14920S17 output is active. That simple visual cue makes it easy to confirm, at a glance, whether the sensor is detecting the mark as expected.
Analogue Feedback and Remote Adjustment Options
The analogue output of the SICK NT6-14920S17 is more than a bonus signal; it’s a powerful tool for commissioning. By monitoring this voltage, you can see the gap between background and mark levels that the SICK NT6-14920S17 is seeing.
On some NT6 variants, there is also the option for remote threshold adjustment via an external control voltage. In those cases, rather than using only the on-board potentiometer, you can adjust the SICK NT6-14920S17 threshold from your PLC or a controller signal. This makes the SICK NT6-14920S17 flexible in applications where material types change and automatic sensitivity adjustment is beneficial.
Mounting Flexibility with the SICK NT6-14920S17
Where you position the SICK NT6-14920S17 in your machine has a major influence on performance. The sensor’s mechanical design gives you several options so you can mount the SICK NT6-14920S17 exactly where it’s needed.
Front or Side Looking Optical Exit
One clever feature of the SICK NT6-14920S17 is its interchangeable optics. The sensor’s lens and optical module can be installed so that the SICK NT6-14920S17 looks out of the front or out of the side of the housing. A blanking cover seals the unused opening to maintain IP67 protection.
This means you can use the SICK NT6-14920S17 as a front-view or side-view sensor without needing two different models. In tight spaces, or when the web path demands a side-look configuration, you can reposition the optics so the SICK NT6-14920S17 still aligns perfectly with the registration mark.
Brackets and Hardware for the SICK NT6-14920S17
In many installations, the SICK NT6-14920S17 is mounted using a clamp bracket on a 12 mm stainless steel rod. This gives you plenty of fine adjustment flexibility so the SICK NT6-14920S17 can be aimed precisely at the web.
The sensor body includes mounting holes for direct attachment to machine frames or plates. When you bolt the SICK NT6-14920S17 into place, use suitable screws and washers to keep it secure even under vibration. Because the SICK NT6-14920S17 has a solid metal housing, it can handle being mounted on moving arms or near rollers, provided the support is stiff enough.
Best Practices for Installing the SICK NT6-14920S17
To get reliable detection from the SICK NT6-14920S17, it’s important to mount and set it up carefully. A well-installed SICK NT6-14920S17 will run for long periods with minimal adjustment.
Positioning the SICK NT6-14920S17 at the Right Distance
The optimum working distance of the SICK NT6-14920S17 is around 9 mm from the material surface. When installing the SICK NT6-14920S17, aim to keep that distance consistent across the entire web width and through expected web movement.
A great place to mount the SICK NT6-14920S17 is just after an idler roller, where the web is pulled tight and flutter is minimal. This positioning helps the SICK NT6-14920S17 maintain a stable spot size and focus, which is critical for repeatable mark detection.
Avoiding Glare and False Signals on the SICK NT6-14920S17
On shiny or highly reflective materials, direct reflections can be a challenge. To counter this, the SICK NT6-14920S17 should be tilted slightly — typically around 10° to 15° — relative to the material surface. This off-angle mounting ensures that specular reflections do not bounce straight back into the receiver of the SICK NT6-14920S17.
Combined with its internal gloss compensation, this mounting technique helps the SICK NT6-14920S17 remain stable on high-gloss films, lacquered cartons, or metallised packaging.
Electrical Wiring and Commissioning of the SICK NT6-14920S17
Electrically, wiring the SICK NT6-14920S17 into your control panel is straightforward. Brown is typically +24 V, blue is 0 V, and black carries the switching signal. The analogue output and any additional signals from the SICK NT6-14920S17 can be wired to analogue inputs or monitoring points, depending on your design.
After wiring, you can power up the SICK NT6-14920S17 and use the status LED to confirm basic function. Place the background under the light spot and adjust the threshold until the LED goes to the desired state. Then place the registration mark and check that the SICK NT6-14920S17 toggles reliably. Fine-tune the threshold so that the sensor switches cleanly every time, with some safety margin.
Once the line is moving, start slowly and watch how the SICK NT6-14920S17 behaves at low speed. As confidence grows, you can ramp up to full speed while monitoring the signal via the PLC or the analogue output. A correctly set SICK NT6-14920S17 will track every mark without missing a beat.
Real-World Applications for the SICK NT6-14920S17
Because it specialises in contrast detection, the SICK NT6-14920S17 is used across a wide range of industries. Wherever registration marks are essential for alignment and timing, the SICK NT6-14920S17 can play a central role.
Packaging and Converting with the SICK NT6-14920S17
On form-fill-seal machines, flow wrappers, and bagging lines, the SICK NT6-14920S17 watches printed eye-marks on flexible film. Each time the mark passes, the SICK NT6-14920S17 sends a signal so the controller knows exactly where to cut, seal, or print.
Even when the web is moving quickly or experiencing minor jitter, the high-speed performance of the SICK NT6-14920S17 helps maintain registration accuracy. This means fewer misaligned prints, less waste film, and more consistent packaging appearance.
In converting applications, the SICK NT6-14920S17 can be used to register cutting blades or perforation tools to pre-printed patterns. Whether you’re producing labels, sleeves, or pre-printed bags, the SICK NT6-14920S17 keeps mechanical actions locked to the printed artwork.
Printing and Labelling with the SICK NT6-14920S17
In the printing industry, the SICK NT6-14920S17 is ideal for colour registration control. It can detect fiducial marks or colour bar segments that are used to align multiple printing units. With the SICK NT6-14920S17 properly tuned, each colour layer is laid down in register, resulting in crisp, high-quality prints.
For labelling machines, the SICK NT6-14920S17 can detect marks on backing paper to synchronise cutting and dispensing. As the web advances, the SICK NT6-14920S17 sees each mark and triggers the applicator to peel and apply the next label exactly where it belongs.
Food and Beverage Lines Using the SICK NT6-14920S17
Food and beverage producers rely on consistent packaging presentation. The IP67 rating and metal housing of the SICK NT6-14920S17 mean it fits comfortably into these environments.
On carton lines, the SICK NT6-14920S17 can track contrast marks used to locate print areas, score lines, or inspection points. On flow-wrap and pouch lines, the SICK NT6-14920S17 monitors marks on films so that branding, windows, and tear-notches are correctly positioned.
General Automation with the SICK NT6-14920S17
Beyond packaging and printing, the SICK NT6-14920S17 finds uses in electronics, automotive, textiles, and even ceramics. Any process where a coloured or printed mark is used as a timing or alignment reference can benefit from the SICK NT6-14920S17.
For example, the SICK NT6-14920S17 can detect fiducials on PCBs before placement or inspection. In textiles, the SICK NT6-14920S17 may track coloured threads or marks to synchronise cutting. In ceramics or glass production, contrast marks or printed symbols can be monitored by the SICK NT6-14920S17 to align decorating or cutting stations.
Related Product Collections
If you’re exploring how to implement or upgrade registration control on your lines, these related collections from Industrial Electrical Warehouse are a great place to start:
-
SICK Sensors ➜
Browse a wide range of SICK photoelectric, contrast, and automation sensors designed for demanding industrial environments. -
Contrast Scanner ➜
Explore dedicated contrast and registration scanners, including models ideal for packaging, printing, and web-fed applications. -
Sensors ➜
Discover general-purpose industrial sensors across multiple brands, from photoelectric to proximity and more.
Is the SICK NT6-14920S17 the Right Choice for Your Line?
Deciding whether the SICK NT6-14920S17 is right for you comes down to your application requirements. If you need a robust, no-nonsense contrast sensor that can detect small registration marks at high speed, the SICK NT6-14920S17 is a strong candidate.
You’ll get a compact metal housing, IP67 protection, dual LED colours, high switching frequency, and an analogue output for fine tuning. The manual threshold and mode controls make the SICK NT6-14920S17 accessible for maintenance teams who like hands-on adjustment rather than menu navigation.
If you’re designing a new machine and want long-term flexibility, you might also consider how the SICK NT6-14920S17 compares with newer KTS or KTX models. Even then, understanding how the SICK NT6-14920S17 works gives you a solid foundation for specifying any contrast sensor.
Conclusion: Getting the Most from the SICK NT6-14920S17
In fast-paced production environments, reliable registration control is essential. The SICK NT6-14920S17 offers a proven way to detect eye-marks and contrast marks with the speed and precision that modern machinery demands. With its dual-colour LED system, rugged housing, IP67 rating, and high switching frequency, the SICK NT6-14920S17 helps keep cuts, prints, seals, and labels exactly where they should be.
By mounting the SICK NT6-14920S17 at the right distance, avoiding glare, and carefully tuning the threshold, you can achieve long-term stable performance with minimal intervention. Whether you’re operating packaging, printing, converting, or general automation equipment, the SICK NT6-14920S17 can serve as dependable “eyes” for your control system.
If you’d like to explore detailed specifications, check availability, or integrate the SICK NT6-14920S17 into your own machines, you can visit the dedicated product page on Industrial Electrical Warehouse and review all the information you need at your own pace.
