A Novel Approach to Force and Torque Sensing for Process Control

FOTO - 7092

Keywords sensors, machine tools

Start Date: 01-JUN-92 / Duration: 30 months

[ contact / participants ]

Objectives

The objective of the FOTO project is to develop a distributed, robust and low-cost control system based on new integrated force and torque sensors, in order to achieve increased process quality, reduced down-time and a reduction of tool damage in numerically controlled machine tools. The approach will be based on a capacitive sensing element established in silicon micromechanics.

Work will focus on:

• attachment of sensing elements without adhesive
• high-level frequency-based signal output
• low-cost system with self-calibration.

The force sensor will be demonstrated in the laboratory by a general-purpose capacitive strain gauge. The torque sensor will be integrated into a machine tool and tested under shop-floor conditions. Consortium members will market products incorporating the results of the project.

CONTACT POINT

Dr Günter Doemens
Siemens AG
ZPL 1 FPS 4
Otto-Hahn-Ring 6
D-81739 München
tel: + 49/ 89-636 48770
fax: + 49/ 89-636 46192
telex: 52109-11 SIE D

Participants

SIEMENS AG - D - C
ÉCOLE NATIONALE SUPÉRIEURE
DE PHYSIQUE - F - P
PEGARD PRODUCTICS SA - B - P

FOTO - 7092, December 1993

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html version of synopsis by Nick Cook