Industrial encoders are a common and popular technology in the industrial sector. Encoders-industrial are used in many ways, but their primary purpose is to detect the direction and speed of motion in one form or another. This is a crucial process that allows all kinds of motions, and it is essential to understand them before using them for a particular application.
Types of Industrial Encoders
Regardless of the type, all encoders use some orientation detection mechanism in motion control.
Optical Encoders
The most common type of encoder is the optical encoder, despite being highly vulnerable to contamination in the environment like dust, vibration, shock, and other environmental conditions, especially in an industrial environment. They can detect motion in angular motion to send motion control information.
Magnetic Encoders
Magnetic encoders-industrial are used in harsh industrial environments because they are less exposed to environmental contamination than optical encoders. However, they are less accurate. Magnetic encoders detect changes in the magnetic field of a rotating disc and convert this information into digital format for a device to read.
Other Types
Encoders are also available in linear or rotatory designs, which are identified based on the direction of motion they detect. They can be classified into light, medium, and heavy-duty based on the extent of the rugged environment that they can withstand. Industrial encoders are classified as either incremental or absolute depending on the usage of location information.
Applications of Industrial Encoders
Encoders can be used in linear measurement, web tensioning, registration mark timing, conveying, backstop gauging, filling, conveying, and many more. However, the primary application for which they are most known is providing feedback on the motion control of electric motors. Almost half of the electricity in the industrial sector goes to electric power motors. The majority of these motors always use some encoders. For example, encoders are often utilized in robotics, mainly in material handling and pick and pack tasks where force sensing and adjustment are critical, just like the precise control of the robotic system.
There are many other uses of encoders in the industrial sector, but the most notable one is the motion control of motors. Encoders-industrial are available in various sizes and shapes, and all of them are capable of detecting the speed and direction of motion in one way or another.
