The encoder is not just a rotary encoder. It is part of the automation system, thanks to which it is possible to determine the efficiency of various types of machines. With proper knowledge of encoder functionality and the ability to use them, it is possible to increase the company's productivity - in other words, encoders save time and money and improve company results.

The encoder allows to control the movement, drive, and operation of individual machine components, and then - most importantly from a business perspective - to optimize operations. Without supervision provided by the encoder, motion optimization would not be possible.

BEPC encoders increasingly becoming the basic elements of automation systems due to the wide applicability but also the effects of their use. They are used, among others, in:

-          Machine building

-          Robotics

-          Automation and sorting

-          Aerospace

-          Food & Beverage

-          Printing

-          Material Handling

-          Mobile equipment, etc.

British Encoders Company offers two major types of encoders, linear measurement encoders, as the TR1 Tru-Trac™ or The Model LCX Draw Wire Encoder, and rotary encoders like the Model A58HE or A58SE which are an EtherCAT or PROFINET-ready.  Linear encoders have a read head and track, where the read head will slide along the track with a predetermined scale. This will produce an output for distance travelled typically in pulses per inch (PPI). A rotary encoder converts the angular movement of a rotational device and will have an output for rotation about the fixed axis typically in pulses per revolution (PPR). Within linear or rotary encoders there are two basic types of electrical output formats; incremental or absolute. Absolute encoders have a unique digitally coded output or address for every distinct position of the encoder. Incremental encoders will output a count or pulse at periodic predetermined intervals and are the most used encoders.

Linear Measurement Solutions

As the term implies, rotary encoders generally provide feedback for rotary motion. However, with the addition of a measuring wheel, gear, or cable-draw assembly, a rotary encoder can also provide feedback for linear displacement or measurement. BEPC offers a line of integrated linear measurement solutions. They’re easy to install and deliver reliable, accurate feedback for applications such as cut-to-length, spooling, length measurement and print registration.

The TR1 Tru-Trac™ is a versatile solution for tracking velocity, position, or distance over a wide variety of surfaces in almost any application.  An integrated encoder and spring-loaded measuring wheel assembly available in one, the TR1 is both easy-to-use and compact.  Its spring-loaded torsion arm offers adjustable torsion load, allowing the TR1 to be mounted in almost any orientation — even upside-down.  The threaded shaft on the pivot axis is field reversible providing mounting access from either side.  The TR1 housing is a durable, conductive composite material that minimizes static build-up.  With operating speeds up to 3000 feet per minute and a wide ¬variety of configuration options, it’s easy to see the TR1 Tru-Trac™ is the ideal solution for countless applications.

The TR3 Heavy Duty Tru-Trac™ is an integrated heavy-duty encoder and spring-loaded measuring wheel assembly all in one, easy-to-use, compact unit.  Available in both single and optional dual-wheel format, the TR3 Heavy Duty Tru-Trac™ is a versatile solution for tracking velocity, position, or distance over a wide variety of surfaces in many industrial applications. The TR3 Heavy Duty Tru-Trac™ housing is an all-metal workhorse, specifically designed to take on your toughest application environments at operating speeds up to 3000 feet per minute.

Draw wire solution
Model LCX

Available in wire lengths from one meter to 42.5 meters, the Model LCX Draw Wire is compatible with the following 58 mm shafted encoders with clamping flange: absolute encoder Model A58SE,which offers EtherCAT® and PROFINET® communication protocols; Model 758, a high-performance incremental encoder; and the Model 858S, a stainless steel incremental encoder. Choose the right encoder and wire length for your application.

PROFINET/ETHERCAT

Profinet is a universal communication network based on the Industrial Ethernet standard. The Profinet network can be used in practically every area of industrial automation and enables communication at all levels of the implemented network structure.
Ready for Industry 4.0 and for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), data exchange between the Model A58HE and other applications has no influence on the control loop. The Model A58HE is non-reactive and can work independently from the PLC or master, transferring data through network gateways to other automation networks and sites, and up to the cloud for analysis.

Various mechanical variants of the A58SE and A58HE-series encoders with PROFINET-IRT are available. The required variant is determined by the need for a bus cover, the flange design and the shaft type (solid or hollow). The size is specified as 58 mm by the diameter at the flange. The following figure shows examples of A58SE/HE-series encoders with PROFINET IRT:

The solid or hollow shaft is connected to the rotating component whose angular position or rotational speed is to be measured. Cable or plug outlets create the interface for connection to the PROFINET network. The status LEDs mounted in the cover signal the various encoder states during operation. They assist with configuration of the encoder and troubleshooting in the field. The flange holes or supplied spring sheets are used for attachment to the machine and during the respective application.

The Models A58HE and A58SE are an EtherCAT or PROFINET-ready, multi-turn absolute encoders designed for harsh factory and plant environments. They are particularly suited to applications where Ethernet-based connectivity is required, and the encoder must retain position information after power-off events. Easily designed into a wide variety of system applications, the Models A58SE

and A58HE plugs directly into the network with minimal provisioning for rapid deployment, facilitating data exchange among myriad networked devices. They can work in various configurations, including bus, ring, and star configurations that can continue communication in event of a line break. These reliable encoders retain absolute position information even after a power loss, facilitating speedy system recovery at start-up without the need for system rehoming.

Encoders are indispensable wherever precise measurement and supervision of speed, direction of travel, distance travelled, and position of mechanical elements or number of rotations performed is necessary. In any case, the encoder invariably affects the proper and efficient functioning of machines and systems. It is therefore a small investment in great profits of enterprises.

Whether it’s a feedback solution for a small stepper motor, a rugged shaft encoder with 95 lbs bearing loads, or a precision measuring wheel, BEPC has a variety of products to meet your needs.