SKU: NXB-SNS-SD312-015 | Version: 1.0 | Brand: NexBot Robotics
The NexBot Vision SD312-015 is a high-performance single-axis force sensor designed to provide precise, real-time force feedback for demanding industrial automation applications. This sensor enables robots to perform tasks that require a delicate touch or consistent pressure, such as polishing, grinding, deburring, and force-limited assembly. By integrating this sensor into your robotic cell, you can significantly improve process consistency, enhance product quality, and reduce defects caused by uncontrolled force application. Key features of the SD312-015 include its robust construction and high accuracy. The housing is machined from durable 17-4PH stainless steel, providing an IP67 rating for protection against dust and water ingress, ensuring reliable operation in harsh manufacturing environments. The sensor is engineered for a nominal capacity of 1500 N, making it suitable for a wide range of medium-force tasks. A critical benefit is its substantial overload protection of up to 500% of its nominal capacity, which safeguards the sensor against damage from unexpected impacts or programming errors, thereby minimizing downtime and replacement costs. Integration is streamlined through its native EtherCAT communication protocol, allowing for high-speed, low-latency data transmission directly to the robot controller. This facilitates advanced force control strategies and real-time process adjustments. The compact form factor and standard mounting interface simplify installation on a variety of end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) and robot wrists. The SD312-015 sensor is an essential component for automating complex material removal and assembly processes where force control is paramount for achieving the desired outcome.
The NexBot Vision SD312-015 is a single-axis force sensor designed for high-precision industrial applications. It measures compression and tension forces along its primary axis up to 1500N, providing real-time feedback over an EtherCAT network to a NexBot robot controller or other compatible master device.
The sensor utilizes strain gauge technology to detect minute deflections in its stainless steel structure caused by applied force. These deflections are converted into a calibrated digital signal by the internal electronics, which is then transmitted over the high-speed EtherCAT protocol for use in force-guided robotic operations.
The SD312-015 is designed to be mounted between a robot arm flange and an end-effector. It functions as an EtherCAT slave device, integrating seamlessly into a standard industrial control network. The sensor requires a stable 24VDC power supply and is configured using the NexBot Integrated Control Environment (NICE) software.
Once integrated, force data is broadcast as a process data object (PDO) over the EtherCAT network. This data can be mapped to variables within your robot program to monitor or control operations in real-time. The primary output is a signed integer representing the measured force in the configured units.
A tare operation sets the current force reading to zero. This is critical for negating the weight of the attached tool and ensuring measurements reflect only the process forces. The tare function can be triggered via a command in the robot program or through the NICE software interface.
The sensor's feedback enables advanced force control modes. In applications like deburring or polishing, the robot's path can be adjusted dynamically to maintain a constant contact force, compensating for part variability and tool wear. This is configured using the force control function blocks within the NexBot programming environment.
To protect equipment and parts, you can establish force thresholds in your control software. If the measured force exceeds a predefined limit, the robot can be programmed to stop, retract, or trigger an alarm. This is essential for force-limited assembly tasks to prevent damage from misalignment or jamming.
The sensor is equipped with multi-color LEDs to provide a quick visual diagnostic. A solid green light typically indicates normal operation with an active EtherCAT link. A flashing light may indicate a configuration issue, while a red light signals a fault condition such as an overload or internal error.
| Interval | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | Visually inspect the sensor housing, connectors, and cabling for any signs of physical damage, wear, or loose connections. | This check should be part of the standard pre-operation checklist for the robotic cell. |
| Weekly | Perform a tare procedure with the robot in a known, no-load position. Verify that the reading reliably returns to zero to check for measurement drift. | Log any significant offset for trend analysis. |
| Monthly | Clean the sensor's exterior using a soft, lint-free cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Do not use abrasive cleaners or high-pressure spray. | While the sensor is IP67 rated, regular cleaning prevents buildup of contaminants that could affect thermal performance. |
| Quarterly | With power disconnected, verify the torque of the sensor and tool mounting bolts. Re-torque to specification if necessary. | Vibration during operation can cause bolts to loosen over time. |
| Annually | Inspect the full length of the power and EtherCAT cables for chafing, cracking, or damage, especially at flex points. Ensure connectors are secure and free of corrosion. | Replace any cable that shows signs of significant wear to prevent intermittent connection issues. |
| As Needed | If measurement accuracy is in question or after a suspected overload event, perform a full recalibration using a certified load cell and the NexBot calibration utility. | This task should be performed by a trained technician. |
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor is unresponsive and status LEDs are off. | Loss of 24VDC power or reversed polarity. | Use a multimeter to verify 24VDC at the sensor's power connector. Check the power supply, fuses, and cable integrity. Confirm correct polarity. |
| Sensor does not appear on the EtherCAT network. | Incorrect cabling, faulty cable, or EtherCAT network configuration error. | Ensure EtherCAT cables are connected to the correct IN/OUT ports. Swap cables to rule out a faulty one. Verify the EtherCAT master configuration and ensure the correct ESI file is loaded. |
| Force readings are noisy or erratic. | Poor grounding, electromagnetic interference (EMI), or loose mounting. | Ensure the robot and sensor have a common, low-impedance ground. Route sensor cables away from high-power motor cables. Check the torque on all mounting bolts. |
| Force reading has a significant offset and does not return to zero. | The sensor requires a tare, there is an unintended mechanical preload, or the sensor was overloaded. | Perform the tare/zeroing procedure. If the offset persists, power down and check for any obstructions or binding. If an overload is suspected, inspect the sensor for physical damage and perform a calibration check. |
| Status LED is flashing red. | Internal sensor fault or critical error. | Power cycle the sensor and the robot controller. If the fault condition persists after a restart, document the error code from the software and contact NexBot technical support for assistance. |
| Software reports a 'Force Overload' alarm. | The applied force has exceeded the 1500N measurement limit of the sensor. | Immediately stop the robot program. Carefully inspect the sensor, end-effector, and workpiece for damage. Revise the robot program to reduce the applied force during the operation. |
| Inconsistent measurements between identical tasks. | Temperature variations affecting the sensor or improper tool mounting. | Allow the system to reach a stable operating temperature before beginning precision tasks. Verify that the tool is mounted securely and that the mounting surfaces are clean. |
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 0.85 | kg |
| Material | Stainless Steel 17-4PH | |
| Voltage | 24VDC | |
| IP Rating | IP67 | |
| Country of Origin | IT | |
| Protocol | EtherCAT | |
| Dimensions | 80 x 80 x 45 mm |