OMRON ZFX-C Vision Sensor in Practical Use

ZFX-C Intelligent Vision Sensor: A Complete Guide from System Integration to Measurement Optimization

In the field of industrial machine vision, the OMRON ZFX-C series controllers provide engineers with a "what you see is what you get" detection experience with their built-in 3.5-inch color LCD touch screen, intuitive icon menu, and powerful processing capabilities. Compared to the previous generation ZFV series, ZFX-C supports up to 2 cameras, up to 128 inspection items per bank (ZFX-C20/C25), and adds advanced features such as graphic search, flexible search, annotation, multi-color detection, and grouping. This article is based on the technical data of ZFX-C series Ver1.61, providing a complete engineering practical guide from system configuration, hardware installation, measurement project setting, position correction, calibration, parallel I/O communication to troubleshooting.

System Overview and Model Selection

The ZFX-C series controller adopts a split architecture of "controller+camera", and its core advantage lies in the built-in 3.5-inch TFT color LCD (320 × 240 pixels) and touch screen. Users can complete image confirmation and parameter settings without connecting to a computer.

1.1 Comparison of Controller Models

Model, number of connected cameras per bank, main functional differences in measurement items

ZFX-C20/C25 supports up to 2 units and up to 128 items, including graphic search, flexible search, annotation, multi-color, grouping, and log monitoring

ZFX-C10H/C15H up to 2 units and up to 32 basic function sets

ZFX-C10/C15 1 set of up to 32 basic functions, no log monitor

Selection suggestion: When detecting complex patterns (such as tilted workpieces), multi-color areas, defect detection, or data trend analysis, choose C20/C25; You can choose C10/C15 for simple detection and position offset detection.

1.2 Camera selection

ZFX-C is compatible with multiple camera types:

Camera model type Field of view setting Distance characteristics

ZFX-SR10 monochrome with lighting 4.9~8.9mm 34~49mm narrow field of view, built-in red LED

ZFX-SR50 monochrome with illumination 9.8~49mm 38~194mm wide field of view, built-in red LED

ZFX-SC10/50/90 color strip illumination 4.9~148mm 31~227mm color detection, white LED

ZFX-S monochrome camera only variable depends on the lens C-mount interface, CCTV lens needs to be optionally selected

ZFX-SC color camera only variable depending on lens C-mount interface, supports external strobe controller

Camera cable: Use ZFX-VS series standard cable (3m/8m) or ZFX-VSR series robot cable (3m). If extension is required, up to two ZFX-XC3A/XC8A extension cables can be connected in series, with a total length of no more than 19m between the controller and camera. After using the ZFX-XEQ01/XEQ02 digital equalizer, the total length can reach 28.4m.

Hardware installation and electrical connection

2.1 Camera Installation

Equipped with illuminated camera:

Determine the set distance and field of view based on the optical chart. For example, when the detection range of ZFX-SR50 is 25mm, the set distance is about 95mm.

Installation fixture: Align the two hooks of the fixture with the two grooves of the camera body, and press until it locks with a "click". Tightening torque: M4 screw 1.2N · m, 1/4 "-20UNC screw 2.6N · m.

Rotate the focus adjustment knob to make the green guide light the thinnest (in focus). Attention: Before adjusting, make sure that the knob is not in the upper or lower limit position, otherwise it may be damaged.

Camera only (C-mount type):

Optional CCTV lens (such as 3Z4S-LE SV series, focal length 3.5~100mm) and extension tube.

In the optical chart, the X-axis represents the detection range L (mm), the Y-axis represents the camera distance A (mm), and the t-value represents the length of the extension tube. For example, when using an SV-2514V lens with a detection range of 40mm and a camera distance of approximately 300mm, a 2mm extension tube is required.

2.2 Controller installation

DIN rail installation:

Hook the card hook on the controller onto the upper edge of the 35mm DIN rail.

Press down until the lower hook locks in place.

When installing other devices side by side, install the accompanying exhaust unit (ZFX-EU) to improve heat dissipation.

Panel installation:

Install the adapter using the ZFX-XPM panel.

Panel opening size: 116 ± 1mm (width) × 168 ± 1mm (height), thickness 1.6~4.8mm.

Insert the controller from the front side of the panel and fix it with installation fixtures with a tightening torque of 1.2N · m.

Heat dissipation requirements:

The controller must be installed vertically (with ventilation holes facing up/down) and cannot be placed horizontally or upside down.

Maintain a minimum distance of the indicated size from other devices, and the ambient temperature should not exceed 50 ℃. When exceeded, a fan or air conditioner needs to be installed.

2.3 Power Wiring

Power supply voltage: 24VDC ± 10% (21.6-26.4V), maximum current consumption of 1.5A (ZFX-C20/C25).

Recommended power supply: S8VS-06024 (24VDC, 2.5A).

Wiring: Use a 0.14-1.5mm ² wire with a stripped length of approximately 10mm, insert the power connector (included) and tighten the screw (torque 0.22-0.25N · m).