A complete guide to incremental encoders: Explained

The incremental encoder is a powerful electro-mechanical device that proficiently transforms the angular position or motion of a shaft into a pulse or digital signal by using a high-quality optical disk. The pulses are produced per revolution & corresponding to the resolution, every pulse or signal is an increment. These encoders can only measure the angular position & they come with a very compact design. As compared to absolute encoders, incremental encoders are less complex and budget-friendly. They also come with high noise immunity. These rotary encoders are extensively used in feedback-based applications such as industrial, servo, heavy-duty, etc. In this article, we are going to discuss a complete buying guide to an incremental encoder and its applications.

 

Advantages of incremental encoder

 

The key benefits of incremental encoder include.

 

·         Very easy to manufacture.

·         It determines speed and direction accurately

·         Less expensive

·         Simple hardware

·         Easy to use

·         Proficient speed control

·         Flexible scaling functionality

·         Highly compact and robust structure

 

How to choose the best incremental encoder?

 

While choosing this encoder for a particular industrial application, there are different factors that you have to consider properly. Factors include:

 

·         Outer diameter

·         Shaft type

·         Cable length and the outlet way

·         Voltage supply

·         Output signal type 

·         Pulse count

·         Output signal technique

 

Applications:

 

An incremental rotary encoder is accurately engineered to be customizable & versatile to fit a wide range of applications. They are mainly used to measure the speed of a mechanical system to monitor several purposes & determine the angular position in a diverse range of heavy-duty industries such as machine tools, automation, packaging, printing, and more. Apart from that, these encoders can also be used for drive-based applications. They can efficiently change the angular motion or position of a shaft into the digital or analog code to calculate the motion or position seamlessly. Major applications of these encoders include the following.

 

·         Cut to length control

·         Railroad car jacks 

·         Bottle labeling application

·         Printing applications 

·         Elevator positioning applications 

·         Automated lines assembly

·         Packaging machines

 

Incremental encoders are extensively used in many industries & they are suited to a number of applications in many areas such as;

 

·         Robotics

·         Motorsport

·         Factory applications 

·         Drink technology

·         Cranes & Construction

·         Heavy-duty industrial applications 

·         Automation 

·         Machine building

·         Quality control

·         Food industry

 

Incremental rotary encoders use

 

Well, this is an extension of the previous point. Basically, the applications for incremental rotary encoders change depending on the industrial environment. The 3 major categories of applications depending on the environment include:

 

Heavy-duty environment: This is a common industrial environment having a high probability of moisture & contaminants, higher temperature, vibration, and shock. This is mostly found in pulp, steel plants, paper factories, and wood mills. 

 

Industrial-duty environment: This is a factory operating environment that has standard IP ratings, moderate vibration, shock, & temperature. This is common in food and beverage industries, textile industries, automation plants, etc. 

 

Light duty or servo environment: This is a controlled environment with temperature and high accuracy requirements. Light-duty environments are common in electronics, robotics, and semiconductor industries. 

 

Final words

The incremental rotary encoder is known for its excellent speed & distance feedback functionality. This is compact, and robust and delivers a long-lasting performance every time. Looking for intelligent incremental encoders? Contact Gordy’s Sensors today. They offer a broad range of monitoring, sensing, and measuring items & accessories for several industries. All products are finely tested & accurately designed to deliver top-notch performance for a long time. As the leading company, Gordy’s Sensors has built a solid reputation by delivering the best quality products at the lowest price.