Oct. 10, 2026
In our previous guide, we introduced sensor installation and commissioning for the FOUK FD Series Cylindrical Floating Compensation Unit, including the function of each pneumatic port.
This guide focuses on the FOUK F Series XYZ Floating Compensation Unit and explains how to correctly install, adjust, and commission its position sensors.
Following these procedures helps ensure accurate floating compensation, reliable sensor detection, and stable robot operation in industrial automation applications.
In This Guide You'll Learn
l F Series pneumatic circuit design
l Functions of all pneumatic ports
l XY-axis sensor installation
l Z-axis sensor installation
l Sensor adjustment procedures
l Final commissioning checklist
The FOUK F Series XYZ Floating Compensation Unit is designed with an integrated pneumatic circuit that controls the floating and locking functions of both the XY-axis and Z-axis.
The upper side of the unit is connected to the robot, while the lower side is connected to the end-of-arm tool (EOAT).
Compared with the FOUK FD Series, the F Series adds Z-axis floating compensation, providing greater flexibility for applications that require compensation in three axes.
The F Series includes four pneumatic ports:
l XY-axis Lock Port
l XY-axis Unlock Port
l Z-axis Lock Port
l XY-axis Position Memory Port
Each pneumatic port performs a specific function during robot operation and sensor commissioning. Understanding the purpose of each port is essential before installing or adjusting the sensors.
The pneumatic circuit controls the floating and locking states of the compensation unit.
Supply compressed air to the XY-axis Unlock Port to release the XY-axis locking mechanism.
When the unlock port is pressurized, the floating compensation unit enters the free floating state, allowing movement in the XY direction for position compensation.
Switch the pneumatic circuit to the XY-axis Lock Port to lock the compensation mechanism.
Once the lock port is pressurized, the floating body can no longer move freely. The mechanism returns to its centered position and remains locked until the unlock port is activated again.
The Z-axis Lock Port controls movement along the Z-axis.
When this port is not pressurized, the module can move downward under an external load, providing Z-axis floating compensation.
When compressed air is supplied to the Z-axis Lock Port, the Z-axis is locked. Pressing downward on the module will no longer produce floating movement, indicating that the Z-axis has been successfully locked.
The XY-axis Position Memory Port allows the floating compensation unit to store its current XY position.
When the module is in the floating state, supplying compressed air to this port stores the current XY position, allowing the compensation unit to maintain that position without movement.
After understanding the pneumatic circuit and the function of each pneumatic port, you can begin installing and commissioning the position sensors for the FOUK F Series XYZ Floating Compensation Unit.
The XY-axis Lock Sensor detects whether the FOUK F Series XYZ Floating Compensation Unit is in the locked state.
Correct installation and adjustment ensure reliable feedback to the robot controller and stable operation during automatic production.
As shown in the figure, the compensation unit includes dedicated sensor slots for the XY-axis Lock Sensor and XY-axis Unlock Sensor. Before beginning the installation, identify the correct slot for the lock sensor.
After the sensor is correctly adjusted:
l When the XY-axis is locked, the sensor indicator remains ON.
l When the XY-axis is unlocked and the compensation unit is in the free floating state, the sensor indicator turns OFF.
If these two conditions are met consistently, the lock sensor has been installed correctly.
Adjust the mounting plate so that the sensor is approximately centered within its adjustment range.
Insert the sensor into the designated sensing slot without fully tightening it, leaving enough movement for fine adjustment.
Supply compressed air to the XY-axis Lock Port so that the floating compensation unit enters the locked state.
If the sensor indicator is OFF, continue with the adjustment until the indicator turns ON.
Move the sensing face as close to the sensing slot as possible.
Rotate the sensor counterclockwise to make fine adjustments.
Begin by rotating the sensor one full turn counterclockwise.
If the indicator still does not illuminate, continue rotating one additional full turn counterclockwise until the indicator remains steadily ON.
Note: Keep the sensing face as close to the sensing slot as possible during adjustment to achieve stable and reliable detection.
Switch the pneumatic circuit from Lock to Unlock.
The sensor indicator should immediately turn OFF, indicating that the compensation unit has entered the free floating state.
Repeatedly switch the pneumatic circuit between the Lock and Unlock states.
Confirm that the sensor consistently displays:
l Indicator ON when locked
l Indicator OFF when unlocked
l Continue testing until the sensor response is stable during each switching cycle.
Once the sensor operates consistently, tighten the mounting hardware to secure it in position.
After tightening, repeat the lock/unlock switching test to confirm that the sensor status remains stable and accurate.
When the sensor consistently detects both operating states after final tightening, the XY-axis Lock Sensor installation is complete.
Before proceeding to the next sensor, confirm the following:
Item | Expected Result |
Compensation unit locked | Sensor indicator ON |
Compensation unit unlocked | Sensor indicator OFF |
Multiple lock/unlock cycles | Stable and repeatable detection |
After final tightening | Sensor status remains unchanged |
If all four conditions are satisfied, the XY-axis Lock Sensor has been successfully installed and commissioned.
The XY-axis Unlock Sensor detects whether the FOUK F Series XYZ Floating Compensation Unit is in the unlocked state. Correct adjustment ensures that the controller can accurately identify when the compensation unit is free to move in the XY direction.
After installing the XY-axis Lock Sensor, proceed with the installation of the XY-axis Unlock Sensor using the dedicated sensor slot shown in the figure.
After the sensor has been correctly adjusted:
l When the XY-axis is unlocked, the sensor indicator should remain ON.
l When the XY-axis is locked, the sensor indicator should turn OFF.
If the sensor does not switch between these two states reliably, additional fine adjustment is required.
Supply compressed air to the XY-axis Unlock Port so that the floating compensation unit enters the unlocked (free floating) state.
Install the sensor into the designated sensing slot.
Repeat the same installation procedure used for the XY-axis Lock Sensor, positioning the sensing face close to the sensing slot before making fine adjustments.
Switch the pneumatic circuit to the XY-axis Lock Port.
The sensor indicator should turn OFF.
If the indicator remains ON, continue adjusting the sensor until it switches OFF correctly in the locked state.
Move the sensing face slightly farther away from the sensing slot.
Rotate the sensor clockwise by approximately one full turn.
If the sensor remains OFF in the unlock state, continue making fine adjustments in half-turn increments. If necessary, rotate the sensor counterclockwise by half a turn until the indicator turns ON in the unlock state.
Repeat the lock/unlock switching test until the sensor consistently displays the correct ON/OFF status.
Once stable operation has been achieved, tighten the sensor securely.
Before continuing to the Z-axis sensor installation, verify the following operating conditions:
Operating Condition | Expected Sensor Status |
XY-axis unlocked | Indicator ON |
XY-axis locked | Indicator OFF |
Repeated lock/unlock switching | Stable and repeatable detection |
After tightening | Sensor status remains unchanged |
When all conditions are satisfied, the XY-axis Unlock Sensor has been successfully installed and commissioned.
The FOUK F Series XYZ Floating Compensation Unit uses two sensors to monitor the operating status of the Z-axis.
Because the Z-axis compensation mechanism is subjected to a relatively large force, manually pressing the module may not achieve the full stroke required for accurate adjustment. Therefore, a pressing device should be used during sensor commissioning.
The Z-axis includes two dedicated sensor slots:
l Upper Sensor — Detects the initial (fully extended) Z-axis position.
l Lower Sensor — Detects the Z-axis travel limit position.
These two sensors work together to identify the operating status of the Z-axis throughout its stroke.
Ensure that the Z-axis is fully extended before beginning sensor adjustment.
Adjust the upper sensor until its indicator remains steadily ON while the Z-axis is in the fully extended position.
Using the pressing device, gradually press the floating compensation unit downward.
As the module moves away from its initial position, the upper sensor indicator should turn OFF.
Continue pressing the module until it reaches the end of its travel.
At the travel limit, the lower sensor should detect the limit position, and its indicator should turn ON.
When the Z-axis is positioned between the fully extended position and the travel limit, neither sensor should be active.
Under this condition:
l Upper sensor: OFF
l Lower sensor: OFF
·
This indicates that the Z-axis is operating within its normal travel range.
If both sensor indicators are ON simultaneously, make fine adjustments to the sensor positions.
Continue adjusting until both indicators remain OFF when the Z-axis is in the intermediate position.
Once the correct switching sequence is achieved throughout the entire stroke, the Z-axis sensor installation is complete.
Confirm the following sensor responses:
Z-Axis Position | Upper Sensor | Lower Sensor |
Fully extended | ON | OFF |
Intermediate position | OFF | OFF |
Travel limit | OFF | ON |
If the sensor indicators match these conditions consistently, the Z-axis Position Sensors have been correctly installed and adjusted.
After all sensors have been installed, perform a final functional check to verify that the FOUK F Series XYZ Floating Compensation Unit operates correctly and that every sensor provides stable and reliable feedback.
The commissioning process should confirm the operating status of the XY-axis Lock Sensor, XY-axis Unlock Sensor, and Z-axis Position Sensors before the compensation unit is put into service. This final verification helps ensure consistent performance during industrial automation applications.
Cycle the pneumatic circuit several times between the Lock and Unlock states.
During each switching cycle, verify the following sensor responses:
Operating Condition | Lock Sensor | Unlock Sensor |
XY-axis Locked | ON | OFF |
XY-axis Unlocked | OFF | ON |
Repeat the switching process several times to ensure both sensors operate consistently and reliably. After the sensor positions have been secured, repeat the test to confirm that tightening the mounting hardware has not affected the detection results.
Use a pressing device to move the Z-axis through its complete operating stroke and verify the sensor status at each position.
The expected operating sequence is shown below.
Z-Axis Position | Upper Sensor | Lower Sensor |
Fully Extended | ON | OFF |
Intermediate Position | OFF | OFF |
Travel Limit | OFF | ON |
If the sensor status does not match the expected sequence, make fine adjustments until all three operating positions are detected correctly.
Before completing the commissioning process, verify the following items:
l The XY-axis Lock Sensor switches correctly between the locked and unlocked states.
l The XY-axis Unlock Sensor switches correctly between the unlocked and locked states.
l The Upper Z-axis Sensor accurately detects the fully extended position.
l The Lower Z-axis Sensor accurately detects the travel limit position.
l Both Z-axis sensors remain OFF when the compensation unit is in the intermediate position.
l All sensors operate consistently after final tightening.
l The pneumatic circuit switches smoothly between each operating state.
l The floating compensation unit functions normally during repeated operation.
l When all of the above checks have been completed successfully, the sensor installation and commissioning process is complete.
Proper installation and commissioning of the FOUK F Series XYZ Floating Compensation Unit sensors are essential for achieving accurate position detection and reliable floating compensation.
By following the procedures in this guide, you can correctly configure the pneumatic circuit, install and adjust the XY-axis Lock Sensor, XY-axis Unlock Sensor, and Z-axis Position Sensors, and verify their operation before the equipment enters production.
After completing all adjustments, perform multiple operating cycles to confirm stable sensor detection and reliable compensation performance. A thorough final inspection helps ensure safe operation, repeatable positioning, and long-term reliability in industrial au