Precision assembly
Illustrative static case: a 100 N force along +Z, applied 100 mm along +X from the sensor, adds My = −10 Nm. Zero tool-point torque does not mean zero sensor moment. Use the signed tool-offset worksheet to retain the inputs.
HEXAFORCE / LOAD-PATH SELECTION & PROCUREMENT
Multi axis load cell
guide & model comparison
A multi-axis load cell measures several force or moment components. Start with the channels your task needs, then compare HXF six-axis review targets by load, size and the evidence still required.
1 / CHOOSE TWO TO FOUR HXF REVIEW TARGETS
Compare the load channels, package and missing evidence
The first two slots show an editable example. Submit to compare. All numbers are HXF planning targets; no released ratings, measured performance or interchange approval are implied.
No comparison submitted yet. Choose two to four targets above, or calculate a tool-offset load case first ↗.
CHANNELS BEFORE PART NUMBERS
Choose the measurement you actually need
“Multi-axis” describes a category, rather than a fixed output set. A test that only needs axial force and torsion has different acquisition and calibration needs from a robot wrist measuring the full contact wrench. Write the required outputs in the specification before choosing a package.
| Measurement set | Components | When to investigate | Information still needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three force axes | Fx, Fy, Fz (N) | Resolve a force vector at a known load point. | Whether unmeasured moments affect the fixture or result. |
| Axial force + torsion | One axial force (N) and one torque (Nm) | Axial insertion, fastening or torsion testing. | Lateral loads and bending-moment limits. |
| Six force / moment components | Fx, Fy, Fz; Mx, My, Mz | Robot contact, ankle loads or a six-component test balance. | Origin, axis directions and simultaneous-load envelope. |
Source context: Interface’s multi-axis sensor selection guide distinguishes channel combinations and package features. HXF currently lists six-component sensor review targets and their accessories.
MECHANICAL LOAD PATH
A force range cannot replace a moment budget
State forces and moments at the sensor origin, including the tool offset. A compact gripper can impose a substantial bending moment while its axial force remains modest. Evaluate operating orientations, acceleration and credible abnormal events as separate cases.
Humanoid ankle
Illustrative planning task: compare stance, foot-edge contact and stopping loads at the ankle origin. A vertical body-load estimate omits lateral force and bending. Request the ground-contact geometry, transient loads and mechanical-stop arrangement.
ROV test fixture
Illustrative planning task: locate the thrust line relative to the test balance. Add fixture tare and consider alternative thrust directions. Review fluid, depth, connector sealing and pressure cycles separately from the force/torque ranges.
These examples describe specification methods, not measured HXF tests. ATI’s selection guidance considers expected forces, moments, overload and resolution as distinct selection steps.
Simultaneous loads need their own approval
Six individual channel limits do not prove that all six maximum loads can be applied together. Ask the supplier for the allowable combined-load relation, operating envelope and overload conditions for the quoted configuration. If this evidence is missing, keep the candidate open for review rather than labeling it suitable.
Technical basis: HBK’s multiaxial load-analysis guide distinguishes individual capacities from additional criteria under combined loading.
WHAT COUNTS AS EVIDENCE
Compare measurement quality at the same settings
| Parameter | Record to request | Procurement trap |
|---|---|---|
| Range and resolution | Six-channel calibrated ranges and the resolution definition, units and settings. | Treating digit counts as useful measurement accuracy. |
| Noise and bandwidth | Noise metric, sample rate, filter, averaging, test duration and temperature. | Comparing a heavily filtered noise number with a faster control setting. |
| Crosstalk and error | Loaded axis, other-axis response, denominator and test points; uncertainty where available. | Comparing percentages with different full-scale or applied-load bases. |
| Calibration matrix | Serial number, channel order, units, matrix revision and firmware association. | Applying a matrix supplied for a different sensor or wiring order. |
| Stiffness and overload | Defined force/moment directions, combined-load criteria and relevant evidence. | Interpreting a single-axis overload statement as a repeated impact rating. |
The HXF comparison marks these performance records as unknown because this site does not yet hold released configuration-specific evidence. The calibration and decoupling guide turns them into explicit acceptance requests.
Traceability also needs an evidence chain and stated uncertainty, rather than a logo or an unexplained certificate number. See NIST’s metrological traceability guidance. A printable buyer brief requests this evidence; it does not certify a sensor.
THREE SEPARATE INTEGRATION CHECKS
Fit the sensor, connect the data, validate the application
| Review | Required inputs | Evidence needed before approval |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | Both flange faces, pilot, threads, bore, connector exit, tool mass and offset. | Approved mating drawings, stack height, fastener engagement and assembly mass. |
| Electrical and acquisition | Power, connector/pinout, cable length, controller and intended cycle time. | Matched electronics, channel mapping, timing/filter data and configuration files. |
| Software and application | Axis convention, origin, firmware, ROS version and intended force-control task. | Tested driver release, units/signs, timestamps, error handling and integration test. |
A matching outer diameter does not establish mounting equivalence. An EtherCAT selection does not establish a tested controller integration. For an existing sensor, provide the exact original model, protection option and revision through the replacement review. For new hardware, include the interface and software requirements with the mechanical request.
Control the cost of an incomplete specification
Ask for a written scope covering the sensor, electronics, adapter, cable, calibration files, software and shipping. Confirm which parts are included and which require development. Adapter height can change the moment budget; a sealing change can change the connector and envelope. Resolve those dependencies before comparing quotations by sensor price alone.
FROM CANDIDATES TO A REVIEWABLE REQUEST
Keep the shortlist and its open questions together
- Choose 2–4 candidates. Compare geometry and the requested load channels. Missing values remain visible.
- Prepare the RFQ brief. Add load cases, space limits, protocol and acceptance requirements. The candidate list stays with the editable builder and printable/text exports.
- Send for engineering review. Include your organization and operating context on Contact. A primary model is optional when requesting a shortlist review.
- Approve only from supplied evidence. Resolve drawings, combined loads, calibration, firmware and commercial scope against the actual quoted configuration.
Method: the tool displays the same 15 sensor review targets used in the product directory; accessory records are excluded. It performs no capacity interpolation, scoring or hardware approval. Review date: 1 November 2026. Publisher: HexaForce Metrology & Robotics.
MULTI-AXIS SELECTION QUESTIONS
Before you request a six-axis load cell
What does a multi axis load cell measure?
It measures more than one force or moment component through a defined load path. The term covers different channel combinations. For a full six-component device, specify Fx, Fy and Fz in newtons, plus Mx, My and Mz in newton metres, at a stated origin and axis convention.
Is every multi-axis load cell a six-axis force/torque sensor?
No. A three-force-axis device measures Fx, Fy and Fz; an axial-torsion device measures an axial force and a torque. Select the required components explicitly. Six-component sensing is useful when moments as well as forces affect the test or robot task.
Are the HXF values released specifications?
No. The comparison reuses owner-planned HXF geometry and reference-matching load targets. Unknown mass, resolution, combined-load limits and interface configurations require supplier evidence before a model can be approved.
Can I compare an ATI or Bota sensor directly in this tool?
The tool compares HXF review targets only. Original product names identify engineering reference paths and do not populate HXF performance values. Use the replacement review page with the exact original variant and its drawings for a mechanical, electrical and software comparison.
Does a higher capacity always improve a robot force-control task?
No. Range, resolution, noise, stiffness and usable bandwidth are separate requirements. Ask for noise and error evidence at the intended filter and sample settings. A larger range alone does not demonstrate useful small-force measurement.
How do I keep the candidate models with my request?
Submit a comparison, then choose the shortlist brief or engineering request. The same candidate list is retained in the editable resource builder, printable buyer brief, text download and inquiry email. A primary model can be selected separately without deleting the alternatives.
Does selecting EtherCAT confirm real-time control performance?
No. Confirm the exact electronics, ESI/PDO mapping, acquisition cycle, timestamps, filtering delay and robot/controller integration. ROS2 integration and the hardware communication protocol are separate parts of the system review.
Can I use the comparison without JavaScript?
Yes. The comparison uses a standard web form and returns a server-rendered table. Native buyer-brief preview and text export also work without JavaScript. Use the complete email draft on Contact when online inquiry submission is unavailable.
DEFINE THE COMPLETE LOAD CASE
Send the force. Add the moment arm.
Include your six-channel loads, robot model, space envelope and preferred interface. Request a configuration-specific quotation and STEP drawing.