User Manual: NexBot Robotics 631-017 Pressure Safety Mat 1000x1500mm

SKU: NXB-GEN-631-017 | Version: 1.0 | Brand: NexBot Robotics

Table of Contents

1. Safety Information

READ ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATION. Failure to follow safety procedures may result in serious injury or equipment damage.
DANGER: Never bypass, bridge, or otherwise disable the safety mat circuit. Doing so will defeat the protective function and can lead to fatal injury.
WARNING: The NexBot Robotics 631-017 is a sensing device only. It must be connected to a suitable safety controller to perform a safety function. The integrity of the entire system depends on correct integration and configuration.
WARNING: Do not place or drop heavy, sharp, or hot objects onto the mat. Permanent damage to the polyurethane surface or internal sensors can lead to an unsafe failure.
CAUTION: The mat's IP67 rating is contingent on an undamaged surface and an intact cable gland. Any cuts, punctures, or abrasions that breach the polyurethane skin will void this protection.
NOTICE: The mat is designed to detect the presence of personnel. It may not reliably detect lightweight objects or objects with a very small footprint. Do not rely on it for object detection.

2. Product Overview

The NexBot Robotics 631-017 Pressure Safety Mat is a robust, presence-sensing device designed to safeguard personnel in automated industrial environments. This mat provides a critical layer of protection by immediately signaling a connected safety controller to halt robotic motion when an operator steps into a hazardous area. Its primary function is to create a defined safe zone around machinery, preventing accidents and ensuring compliance with machine safety standards. Constructed from high-durability, molded polyurethane with a non-slip surface, the 631-017 mat is engineered to withstand the rigors of the factory floor, including foot traffic, light carts, and exposure to common industrial fluids. The unit is sealed to an IP67 rating, making it completely protected against dust ingress and resistant to temporary immersion in water, ensuring reliable operation in demanding conditions. The generous 1000 x 1500 mm active area provides substantial coverage for typical robot cell entry points or operator stations. Featuring a four-wire, fail-safe electrical design, the system continuously monitors for both actuation and internal faults like short circuits or cable breaks, guaranteeing system integrity. With a rapid response time of less than 25ms, it provides near-instantaneous stop signals to minimize risk. This safety mat is an essential component for applications such as robotic welding, automated assembly, material handling, and palletizing cells where frequent human interaction is required. Installation is straightforward, requiring connection to a compatible safety controller or relay to form a complete safety-rated system. Regular visual inspection for damage is recommended to maintain performance.

3. Getting Started

1. Product Overview

The NexBot Robotics 631-017 Pressure Safety Mat is a presence-sensing safety device for machine safeguarding. It establishes a defined hazardous area and, when stepped on, sends an immediate stop signal to the machine's safety control system to protect personnel from harm.

2. Principle of Operation

The mat operates on a normally-open contact principle with 4-wire monitoring. When a minimum specified weight is applied to any part of the active surface, internal conductive plates make contact, closing a circuit. The dual-channel signal is monitored by a safety controller for both actuation and faults like short circuits or wire breaks.

3. System Requirements

This product must be used as part of a complete safety system. This includes a 24VDC power supply, a dual-channel safety controller or safety relay, and machine actuators (e.g., motor contactors or safety valves) that can reliably halt hazardous motion.

4. Operation

Normal State (Unactuated)

In its normal state, the mat is clear of personnel and objects. The safety controller recognizes the open-circuit condition of the mat and permits the machine to operate, provided all other safety conditions are met.

Tip: The status indicators on your safety controller should provide a clear visual confirmation of the mat's 'safe' or 'unactuated' status.

Active State (Actuated)

When a person steps on the mat, the pressure closes the internal contacts. The safety controller detects this change of state and immediately issues a stop command to the connected machinery, bringing it to a safe condition.

System Reset

After the mat is actuated and the hazard is stopped, the system will not restart automatically when the person steps off the mat. A deliberate, manual reset action is required from a location outside the hazardous area, allowing the operator to confirm the zone is clear before restarting.

Tip: The reset button should be positioned to give the operator a clear view of the entire safeguarded space.

Fault Detection

The 4-wire configuration allows the safety controller to continuously monitor for wiring faults. If a cable is cut or a short circuit occurs within the mat, the controller will detect the fault, prevent a machine start, and indicate a system error.

5. Maintenance Schedule

IntervalTaskNotes
DailyVisually inspect the mat for debris, liquid spills, or physical damage such as cuts or tears. Ensure it is lying flat and has not shifted.This check should be part of the operator's pre-shift machine inspection.
WeeklyPerform a functional test by stepping on the mat and confirming the machine's hazardous motion stops. Test several different locations on the mat surface.Log the completion of this test in the machine's maintenance record.
MonthlyClean the mat surface with a soft cloth and a mild solution of soap and water. Inspect the connection cable for any signs of abrasion, pinching, or chemical damage.Do not use abrasive cleaners, solvents, or high-pressure washers.
QuarterlyCheck the tightness of the floor mounting hardware. Vibrations from machinery can cause fasteners to loosen over time.Re-torque if necessary, but do not overtighten.
AnnuallyA qualified technician should inspect the wiring connections inside the control cabinet for tightness and signs of corrosion.This check is critical for maintaining system reliability.
As RequiredIf the machine's function or layout changes, perform a new risk assessment to ensure the mat's size and position are still adequate.Changes in machine speed may require relocating the mat further from the hazard.

6. Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseSolution
Machine does not stop when mat is stepped on.Wiring error, faulty safety controller input, or internal damage to the mat/cable.Immediately stop use of the machine. Verify wiring is correct. Test controller input with a known-good device. If the issue persists, test the mat for continuity and replace if it is faulty.
Safety controller reports a mat fault when the mat is clear.A heavy object is on the mat, the mat has an internal short, or the cable is damaged.Ensure the mat is completely clear of all objects. Disconnect the mat and measure its resistance; if a short is present, the mat must be replaced. Inspect the full length of the cable for damage.
Safety controller reports a cross-circuit or channel fault.Wiring is incorrect at the terminal block, or moisture has entered a connector.Power down and lock out the system. Double-check the wiring against the controller's manual. Inspect all connections for moisture or corrosion and clean/dry as needed.
Mat causes intermittent, nuisance trips of the safety system.Mat is installed on an uneven surface, or severe vibration is causing false actuations.Verify the floor surface is flat and level; shim if necessary. If vibration is the issue, investigate vibration dampening options for the machine or mat.
Visible damage (cut, puncture, burn) on the mat surface.Impact from dropped tools, vehicle traffic, or hot materials like weld spatter.The safety function is compromised. Decommission and replace the mat immediately. The mat is not repairable.
The edges of the mat are curled or lifted, creating a trip hazard.Improper installation, material degradation due to age or chemical exposure.Check and tighten all mounting hardware. If the material itself is deformed, the mat should be replaced to eliminate the trip hazard and ensure proper function.

7. Technical Specifications

ParameterValueUnit
Weight18.5kg
MaterialMolded Polyurethane, Steel Plate Base
Voltage24VDC
IP RatingIP67
Country of OriginSE
Dimensions1000 x 1500 x 15 mm