For those needing Functional-Safety-rated (FS) contamination-resistant encoders for machine feedback, AMO (a HEIDENHAIN brand) introduces FS absolute angle and linear encoders. While Functional Safety-rated machines are a standard requirement in the European Union, machine manufacturers outside the EU are now seeing the benefit of including FS in their machines. With these encoders in use on FS-certified machines, userS can confidently operate in the area of this machinery knowing extra safety measures are in place for their benefit. 
Possible FS-machine applications include robotic shuttles, pick-and-place machines, AGVs and both CNC and manual mills, lathes and grinders, among others. These FS AMO absolute encoders are available in the WMKA 2010 angle encoder and both the LMKA 2010 (non-guided) and LMKA 3010 (guided) linear encoders.
These AMO FS encoders are available with either EnDat 2.2 or DRIVE-CLiQ interfaces. In conjunction with a safe control, they can be used as single-encoder systems in applications with control category SIL 2 (as per EN 61508) and with performance level “d” (as per EN ISO 13849). (DRIVE-CLiQ is a registered trademark of SIEMENS AG.)
Existing non-FS interfaces for AMO encoders include Fanuc, SSI with 1Vpp, BiSS/C, Mitsubishi, and EnDat (without FS). All these AMO encoders have an IP67 rating and can be ordered now.
For more information, visit www.heidenhain.us.