Depending on the encoder, resolution is one of the most important calculations to understand.  Accurate print landing, accurate conveyor speed, accurate satellite positioning, accurate elevator control all hinge on the resolution and type of encoder.  Whether the need is for absolute or incremental also plays into this requirement.  Please see below for more information concerning the difference.  So, the bottom line is, your application, your control, your automation process will ultimately determine your resolution requirements.

For instance, if the application is to add a label to a box.  How big is the box and how big is the label?  Can the label generally be within ½ inch of center to be good enough?  Or must it be placed in the exact center.  If the box is 2ft X 2ft X 2ft box, and the label is 2-inch X 2-inch, then most likely the accuracy is not all that important, but this too depends on the application requirement.  Change that box to a 2-inch box, that would now  require very accurate placement.  Additionally, how fast is that box coming past the label machine?  Printing is the same.  Large character box printers may not need high resolution encoders, but very customized branded boxes are a different story.  These are the questions our tech support group would ask the customer as we work through the resolution requirement.  

I love our tech support group.  They offer the kind of care and patience required to work through these issues and deliver the right product the first time.  Like a Crime Scene Investigator, our techs and engineers are trained to get to the bottom of the issue and investigate down to the very last detail to ensure maximum customer satisfaction is acquired.

What communication Protocol options are available for encoders?

More and more customers are requiring communication on their encoders, and there are many different types on the market.  We have managed to provide a great deal of the many types available, with very few exceptions.  With Industry 4.0 and IIoT moving rapidly through factories around the world, Encoder Products Company does our part to provide the customers what they demand.  We will continue to develop our offerings according to customer needs.  Please see here for our list of communication encoders.

When do you choose an Absolute encoder vs. an Incremental encoder?

To simplify the answer, if the application requirement is to know the exact position of movement,  like steering an airplane, then you need an Absolute encoder.  If you just need to know the speed of a moving conveyor, motor, turret, etc., then an Incremental should work.  We have an article on our website that explains this in much more detail.

You will be at Automate 2024, what can a visitor expect to see and learn at the Encoder booth?

A little bit of leftover fanfare from Cinco de Mayo!  Ariba!!  Our newest releases of encoders; A36R Model A36R Absolute Encoder | SSI Interface Encoder | Absolute Encoder and our Ethernet/IP Model A58SE Multi-Turn 58 mm Ethernet Absolute Shaft Encoder

Also, our dedicated sales staff and application engineers who can answer all your application questions.  You’ll also receive the warmest welcome from our Idaho culture and hospitality.  This is truly a family company.  Owned by the same family who founded the company 55 years ago.  This company cares about their customers, employees, suppliers, shareholders, and community.  Without any one of these important corporate components satisfied, the wheel doesn’t turn very smoothly.  Come check out the Encoder Products Company/Family at AUTOMATE in Chicago this year.  You’ll be glad you did!