What are the common faults and solutions of tension sensors
Date: 2025-11-27Read: 1
The common faults and solutions of tension sensors are as follows:1、 Power supply and communication failure
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Unable to function properly
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phenomenonThe sensor has no indication or abnormal output signal.
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solution:
- Check if the power connection is correct, ensure that the power supply voltage is stable and meets the requirements of the sensor.
- Check if the communication line is disconnected or loose, reconnect or replace the cable.
- If the problem persists, it may be a damaged sensor and a new sensor needs to be replaced for testing.
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Communication failure
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phenomenonThe sensor cannot communicate with other devices (such as controllers).
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solution:
- Check if the communication line connection is correct, including interface type and line sequence.
- Confirm if the communication protocol settings (such as RS485, Modbus, etc.) match.
- If the problem persists, it may be a fault in the sensor communication module and the manufacturer needs to be contacted for repair.
2、 Abnormal reading
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The reading does not match the actual situation
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phenomenonThe sensor output value deviates significantly from the actual tension.
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solution:
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Calibration errorRe calibrate the sensor and follow the calibration method provided by the manufacturer (such as using standard weights or tension calibrators).
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Range mismatchCheck if the sensor range is consistent with the controller settings (e.g. if a 500kg sensor is mistakenly set to 100kg range), adjust parameters or replace the sensor.
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Sensor damagedIf the calibration is still abnormal, it may be due to a broken strain gauge or an unbalanced bridge inside the sensor, and the sensor needs to be replaced.
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The reading is unstable
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phenomenonThe reading fluctuates greatly, sometimes high and sometimes low.
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solution:
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Loose connectionCheck if the connection between the sensor and the object being measured is secure to avoid poor contact caused by vibration.
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External interferenceStay away from electromagnetic interference sources (such as motors and frequency converters), or use shielded cables and single ended grounding.
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mechanical vibrationOptimize mechanical structure and reduce vibration transmission (such as using elastic couplings).
3、 Installation and mechanical failure
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Improper installation
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phenomenonThe sensor has a large measurement deviation or is easily damaged.
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solution:
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Alignment calibrationUse a laser calibrator to ensure that the coaxiality between the sensor axis and the transmission shaft is ≤ 0.1mm, in order to avoid bending moment errors caused by eccentric loads.
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Flange fixationSelect high-strength bolts (such as grade 12.9) and tighten them three times in diagonal order to ensure that the installation surface roughness is ≤ Ra3.2 and the contact area is>85%.
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Coupling matchingUse an elastic diaphragm coupling to avoid vibration transmission from a rigid coupling, and reserve a 0.5-1mm gap in the axial direction to compensate for thermal expansion.
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mechanical damage
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phenomenonThe sensor housing is deformed or the internal strain gauge is detached.
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solution:
- Prevent the sensor from being impacted or overloaded by external forces (such as using beyond the range).
- Regularly inspect the appearance of the sensor and replace it immediately if any deformation or cracks are found.
4、 Malfunctions caused by environmental factors
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temperature effect
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phenomenonReading drift in low or high temperature environments.
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solution:
- Choose temperature resistant sensors (such as high temperature water cooling type, low temperature antifreeze type).
- Add a thermistor to the sensor signal conditioning circuit and enable temperature compensation algorithm through software.
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Humidity and Corrosion
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phenomenonMoisture or corrosion inside the sensor can cause short circuits or poor contact.
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solution:
- Choose sensors with high protection levels (such as IP67) to avoid use in humid or corrosive environments.
- Regularly check the sealing of the sensor and promptly clean or replace it if oil or moisture seeps in.
5、 Execution mechanism and load issues
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Execution mechanism malfunction
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phenomenonThe sensor reading is normal, but the tension control fails (such as the magnetic powder brake not working).
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solution:
- Check if the power supply of the actuator is normal (for example, the magnetic powder brake requires DC24V power supply).
- Measure the current of the actuator. If it continues to overload (>1.2 times the rated value), upgrade the controller model or optimize the load.
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load mutation
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phenomenonDuring the rolling process, there is a significant fluctuation in tension, resulting in material wrinkling or breakage.
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solution:
- Check the rigidity of the mechanical system (if the clearance between the guide roller bearings is greater than 0.1mm, high-precision bearings need to be replaced).
- Adjust the parameters of the speed ring and tension ring (such as extending the acceleration time of the frequency converter to more than 1 second and enabling the S-shaped acceleration and deceleration curve).
6、 Maintenance and preventive measures
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periodic calibrationCalibrate the sensor according to the manufacturer's recommended cycle (e.g. every 6 months) to ensure measurement accuracy.
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Cleaning and maintenanceRegularly clean the surface dirt of the sensor to avoid affecting heat dissipation and signal transmission.
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data recordingRecord historical sensor data and analyze trends to detect potential faults in advance.
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Spare Parts ManagementReserve commonly used spare parts (such as sensors and couplings) to shorten the time for fault repair.