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Industrial encoders and hand-wheels
World Encoders
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World Encoders has been manufacturing reliable, durable and cost-effective encoders and handheld pendants for many years. The wide range of products includes absolute and incremental encoders, hollow shaft encoders, draw-wire transducers, measuring wheels, handwheels and handheld pendants. All devices comply with UL (USA and Canada) and CE standards. In addition, all encoders have a reinforced die cast aluminum or stainless-steel cap and are available in IP54 or IP66 protection as standard. World Encoders products are used by many companies worldwide for angle control, precision measurement and position sensing in machine tools, packaging machinery, medical, automation and robotics.
What is a rotary encoder?
Rotary encoders, also referred to as shaft encoders, are electromechanical devices that convert angular position or motion of a shaft to analog or digital output signals.
How do rotary encoders work?
Rotary encoders track motor shaft rotation to generate digital position and motion information. They translate mechanical rotational motion into an electronic signal.
When should you use a rotary encoder?
Rotary encoders can and should be used in any application that requires precise motion control. These applications can include servo motor feedback, robotics, and factory automation.
What’s the difference between absolute and incremental rotary encoders?
Incremental Encoders
A device that generates electrical signals by means of a rotating disk that passes between a light source and photo detectors. Incremental encoders have two output signals, or channels, commonly referred to as channel A and B. The A and B outputs are nominally 90º out of phase with each other and are interpreted by a motion controller to determine position/velocity information. The lead/lag relationship between the A and B channels provides directional information.
It is important to understand that each mechanical position is not uniquely defined. When the incremental encoder is powered on, the position of an incremental encoder is not known, since the output signals are not unique to any singular position. Incremental encoders often provide a third output that pulses once per revolution of the disk. This is typically called the Index, or Z-channel, and is commonly used for homing/reference moves.
Absolute Encoders
Absolute encoders have a unique value (voltage, binary count, etc.) for each mechanical position.
When an absolute encoder is powered on, the position is known. Absolute encoders most commonly provide digital data in a parallel or serial format to the motion controller which is used to determine position/velocity information.
Since they provide absolute position information when powered on, they eliminate the need for a homing/reference move in a motion system.
