The updated Gemco 956 eBlok linear position sensor from AMETEK Factory Automation is a Rod & Barrell style package that can help simplify installation and serviceability and improve on performance and price without affecting quality. The Gemco 956 eBlok is a high-performance, cost-effective linear position sensor designed for applications that often would choose traditional linear […]
Encoders + sensors (linear) + I/O
New sealed linear encoders for metrology applications
RSF Elektronik’s newly designed sealed linear encoder series are suitable for high-end metrology applications. Offered through parent company HEIDENHAIN CORPORATION in North America, these MSA 7xx/8xx model encoders offer high quality and easy mounting that are well suited for use on CMMs, optical comparators, video measuring machines, among other types of measuring equipment. The MSA […]
How is an LVDT similar to a resolver?
Both LVDTs (linear variable differential transformers) and resolvers are measuring devices that convert displacement into an electrical signal. As its name implies, an LVDT is used for linear measurement, while a resolver is used to measure rotary, or angular, displacement. In terms of construction and operation, the most significant similarity between an LVDT and a […]
Ultrasonic sensors for linear position and distance measuring
In nature, some animals — such as bats and dolphins — analyze the echo of a sound or call (a process known as echolocation) to navigate or to find prey. In industrial applications, ultrasonic sensors use the analysis of echos from ultrasonic waves to determine the presence, position, or distance of an object. Ultrasonic waves are […]
What are capacitive sensors and where are they used?
Linear position feedback devices — also referred to as linear encoders — typically measure travel distances ranging from a few dozen millimeters to several meters. But when a positioning system has a very short travel — a few millimeters or less — traditional linear encoders are often too bulky or don’t provide the required measuring resolution. […]
HEIDENHAIN expands popular kit encoder series for better motion control
HEIDENHAIN is proud to introduce a new high accuracy motion feedback encoder that can now be used for absolute positioning in machines in the semiconductor, metrology and robotic industries. This new LIC 3100 absolute kit encoder is an additional offering that fits between HEIDENHAIN’s already successful LIC 4100 and 2100 series. It is expected to be […]
Renishaw launches the FORTiS range of next-generation enclosed linear absolute encoders
Renishaw, the global metrology specialist, launches the innovative FORTiS enclosed linear absolute encoder series, for use in harsh environments such as machine tools. The FORTiS design is built upon industry-proven RESOLUTE encoder technology and provides high resistance to the ingress of liquids and solid debris contaminants. It features an extruded enclosure with longitudinally attached interlocking […]
When is encoder resolution specified in bits, and what does that tell us?
Absolute encoders — whether rotary or linear — track the position of an axis by assigning a unique value to each position on the encoder, so that no matter where the axis being measured is located, its exact position can be determined. And because each position is uniquely identified, this holds true even if the […]
What’s the difference between minimum incremental motion (MIM) and resolution?
When we talk about the positioning capabilities of a linear motion system, we typically talk about accuracy and repeatability, and in some applications — especially those driven by stepper motors — we may also be concerned with resolution. But accuracy and repeatability define a system’s ability to reach its commanded position and to do so over […]
What are the differences between incremental and sine-cosine encoders?
Encoders that provide incremental position measurements (whether rotary or linear) output two signals, or channels, typically termed “A” and “B,” to provide position and direction information. These output signals can be in the form of analog sine and cosine waves or in the form of digital square waves. Those that produce digital output signals are typically […]
