Magnetic and optical encoders in position at PPMA

Packaging show to feature new range of washdown resistant position feedback encoders.

Renishaw offers a wide range of magnetic and compact optical position feedback encoder systems to meet the diverse requirements of industrial automation.

The latest additions to the range including washdown-resistant encoders will be on show at the PPMA show being held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, UK, from 26th to 28th September 2006.

The PPMA Show is the UK's annual showcase for processing and packaging machinery, from food and pharmaceuticals, through to chemical applications.

Now in its 20th year, the show is jointly owned and managed by the Processing and Packaging Machinery Association (PPMA) and Reed Exhibitions.

Renishaw will be exhibiting on Stand E140.

Visitors to PPMA requiring reliable, low-cost, high-speed rotary encoders to incorporate in their packaging or processing machinery, will see that Renishaw's miniature magnetic rotary encoders provide class-leading performance along with ruggedness and durability.

New for PPMA is the world's first 13bit magnetic sensor, which provides 8192-count positioning resolution and operating speeds to over 30,000rev/min, with availability in chip, chip-onboard, and ready-to-mount packaged versions.

With sealing to IP68, the encoders are particularly suited for use in washdown areas, whilst optional stainless steel housings meet food industry requirements.

The solid-state noncontact magnetic design, eliminates seals, bearings and moving parts for reliable rotary positioning, particularly for motor control and automation systems.

In the processing and packaging industry, applications includes conveyor handling, robotic pick and place, wrapping systems, food processing machinery, checkweighers and labelling machinery.

Especially suited to difficult design and environmental requirements, the magnetic sensors provide -40 to +125C operational temperature range and superior shock and vibration resistance.

Friction-less low-inertia operation enables consistent, wear-free 0.3-degree positioning accuracy at high acceleration/deceleration and rev/min.

The versatile sensors come in models providing absolute, incremental, analogue or digital outputs, and even simultaneous SSI and incremental output.

The simultaneous capability enables the 13bit sensors, like all Renishaw's magnetic product line, to be used for both motor commutation and velocity control at the same time.

Renishaw's rotary magnetic family covers 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and now 13bit sensors, all available in chip, chip-onboard, and visitors to PPMA will also see that packaged/encapsulated versions are available.

This gives designers everything from 64 pulse/rev to 8192 count/rev to fit a wide range of applications.

As well as motor feedback and positioning control, the magnetic encoder products are used for torque sensing, flow control, scanning, and instrumentation, and can be selected for such price-competitive applications as industrial power tools, vending machines, CCTV, and valve positioners.

Chip and chip-onboard models allow the sensors to be engineered and integrated into machinery and equipment designs.

The ability to operate with a gap between the magnetic actuator and encoder chip meets design needs for isolation of moving elements.

The component and modular units allow designers to optimise fit and space efficiency.

Packaged versions enclose the chip and electronics in robust metal cases for "fit and forget" reliability that should outlast the productive lifetime of the host machine.

Enclosed units are widely used in rugged applications and environments, such as agricultural, automotive, elevators, converting, printing, metalworking, industrial automation, avionics, and military defence.

Fully encapsulated versions are waterproof for wash-down processes and even immersible for use on pumps, marine equipment and subsea systems.

Two mounting versions are available, with shaft or with a hole for mounting on a shaft, and a mounting flange fits typical motor enclosures.

With small sizes, starting at just 22mm diameter bodies, ease of installation is ensured.

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