Encoders • optical

The latest addition to Balluff’s safety portfolio delivers precise, non-contact position measurement for demanding automation applications. The BML SF2 magnetic safety encoder measures and transmits safe incremental position information to a connected safety control system using a G interface, an analog signal with 1 Vpp (sin/cos). The G interface is certified for applications up to…

Netzer VLP encoders are suitable for OEM applications. Featuring an open frame, 2 plate design, the sensor is lightweight, highly tolerant to temperature, shock, EMI, RFI and magnetic fields. It offers a unique combination of high performance at an economical cost. The VLP-60 is a new member of the VLP series of Electric Encoders, a…

Norstat is now offering a full line of Industrial Sensors for the industrial automation marketplace. Their product line includes Photoelectric Sensors, Proximity Sensors, Ultra-Sonic Sensors, Area Sensors as well as Encoders, and accessories. Photo-Electric Sensors come in either cylindrical, cubic or fork versions with a variety of sizes, sensing distances and switching frequencies including reflector,…

The new, compact AU100-ER two-axis gimbal mount from OES (Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc.) features a full 360 degree continuous rotation of each axis. This compact two-axis gimbal mount handles loads to 10 kg (22 lb) and has a clearance of 300 x 300 mm, (11.8 x 11.8 in.) about the roll axis of the stage. […]

In this contributed piece, Kollmorgen engineers describe environmental factors to watch for that could affect the performance of robot motors, gears, and sensors.

Here we outline leading factors affecting the longevity and performance of industrial robot joints. This feature was  contributed by Kollmorgen engineering staff. Links refer to supporting research listed at the feature conclusion. Recent years have seen continuous demand in numerous industries — automotive manufacturing to computer, communication, and consumer electronics (3C) product fabrication — for […]

Quantum Devices Inc. now offers a new miniaturized commutating/incremental optical encoder option. The new QM22 series of incremental encoders offers a super compact 22-mm diameter and a 12.4-mm thickness. These are suitable for high-volume OEM applications and fit on NEMA 11 BLDC servo motors. The QM22 offers high resolution and a great variety of electrical […]

Sponsored content by Jeff Smoot • V.P. of application engineering and motion control | CUI Inc. When it comes to precision motion control, an encoder is an essential component that translates mechanical motion into electrical signals. Used in many applications such as automation equipment, industrial process control, or robotics, encoders provide data on position, speed,…

Leine Linde’s new ESR digital strain sensor is now available to monitor structural health on equipment where needed. Offered in North America through HEIDENHAIN CORPORATION, it is coupled with an encoder using the digital interface EnDat, and offers significantly higher signal quality, accuracy and robustness when compared with conventional strain gauges. To use, simply mount […]

The compact open aperture HCDS-051-032-013-01-B1-30 and the HCDS-051-032-013-01-B1-01 Voice Coil Stages from Moticont have a footprint of just 2.000 in. (50.8 mm) wide by 5.000 in. (127.0 mm) long and feature positioning resolutions of 30 microns and just 1 micron respectively. These precision stages allow the user to select the level of precision needed for […]

Positioning stages from OES now serve applications involving pitch-and-roll for micromachining, aligning mirrors (in scanning-electron microscopes), rotating objects to precise positions, and measuring angles of objects such as crystals. The stages are also suitable for applications that need to move objects to precise angular positions along an arc — for examining the cutting edges of […]

Force Control Industries presents their Posidyne X Class Clutch Brakes which feature Oil Shear technology that allows rapid and precise stopping, starting, reversing, speed change and positioning – all without adjustment and virtually no maintenance. Well suited for applications with frequent start/stop cycles, these unique motion control devices allow higher cycle rates (as high as […]

This year’s survey of trends in electric motors for motion control and automation revealed several trends and emerging developments in the use of synchronous ac motors; stepper motors, especially in closed-loop offerings; brushless motors of various types; and a smattering of specialty direct-drive offerings just making inroads. Proliferation of synchronous ac motors With construction and […]

The new QDH20 encoder from Quantum Devices, Inc. provides an improved feedback solution in applications typically using a standard size 20 package. The QDH20 provides encoder feedback in standard industrial mounting configurations with superb mechanical and environmental protection. Outputs consist of a quadrature A & B with reference pulse Z as a standard feature. The […]

The new AY110-300 motorized rotary stage from Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES) features a large 180 mm (7.087 in.) open aperture. This precision, large open aperture (hollow core), low profile rotary stage is just 65 mm (2.559 in.) high and its foot print is 303 mm by 319 mm (11.929 in. by 12.559 in.) not […]

Master Electronics, a global distributor of electromechanical, interconnect and passive components, has added Grayhill to its line card. Grayhill states its Core Purpose as – being instrumental to their customers’ success by delivering intuitive human interface solutions that make life simpler, safer and more efficient. Master Electronics’ Director – Product Development, Paul Aspiras, stated, “I…

TTI, Inc. has just published a handy Sensors Application Guide which – for the first time – is split by market sectors rather than by franchise or device type. Sections include Smart Building; Smart Appliances; HVAC; Renewable Energy; Robotics and Factory Automation; Materials Handling; EV and Automotive; Medical; Wearables; Drones and Unmanned Vehicles. Explains Ros […]

Grayhill Inc. highlights the availability of the series 62AG, 62NG and 62SG optical encoders, which feature optical switching technology for exceptionally high operational life, and provide excellent tactile feedback to the user. The Series 62AG, 62NG and 62SG encoders deliver significant advantages over other switch technologies in healthcare electronics, communication systems, navigation devices, precision test […]

The new QM35 and QML35 modular incremental optical encoders from Quantum Devices are high-performance, low-profile modular designed encoders. These encoder models are suited for high volume QEM applications and priced competitively for all size servo motors and other precision motion control positioning systems. Available in 14 standard precision line counts up to 13 bits or […]

The new AU300-AER three-axis gimbal mount from OES (Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc.) features full 360˚ rotation of each axis. This three-axis gimbal mount handles loads to 10 kg (22.5 lb) and has a clearance of 300 x 300 mm, (11.8 in. x 11.8 in.) around the roll axis stage. The azimuth stage rotary table is […]

POSITAL FRABA encoders for closed-loop motor feedback allow upgrades to existing motion control applications. The mechanical drop-in replacement encoders have the same footprints as US Digital’s E5 models and Broadcom’s (Avago) HEDS-5500 models. POSITAL kit encoders provide absolute position feedback — to give controls complete information on the physical position of the mechanical components they’re […]

A new Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES) AU300-AER three-axis gimbal mount features full 360° rotation of each axis. This three-axis gimbal mount handles loads to 10 kg (22.5 lb) and has a clearance of 300 mm x 300 mm, (11.8 in. x 11.8 in.) around the roll axis stage. The azimuth stage rotary table mounts […]

POSITAL’s IXARC new magnetic absolute encoders with CANopen interfaces are now available with an optional “connection cap” that makes device configuration and troubleshooting simpler and more intuitive. For previous generation IXARC magnetic encoders with CANopen interfaces, device setup was accomplished by updating software parameters, requiring special tools and expertise. The connection cap contains three rotary […]

We asked encoder manufacturers to weigh in on the trends they’re seeing in their industries. Here’s what they had to say. What new design trends are you seeing in areas such as robotics, battery powered designs, automated vehicles, and safety in motion control designs? Jonathan Dougherty Product Specialist HEIDENHAIN HEIDENHAIN rotary encoders are critical components […]

PI (Physik Instrumente) will show its latest rotary air bearing stage series at this year’s LAM/LME (Laser Additive Manufacturing / Laser’s for Manufacturing Event) show on March 27/8 in the Schaumburg Convention Center. PI’s new A-635/A-637 PIglide low-profile stages have no rolling or sliding elements and deliver frictionless, non-contact motion, resulting in negligible reversal error, […]