Application Note AN-101

Thru-Bore Encoder Replaces Measuring Wheel and Bracket

The Company
A well-known manufacturer of high quality industrial lifting, positioning, and transfer products.

The Problem
Their traditional method of mounting encoders using a measuring wheel and supporting bracket was causing problems in the field since fork lifts and other machinery could easily bump into the assembly, damaging the bracket or the encoder, and causing system failures.

The Solution
EPC proposed that a 260 be substituted for this company's traditional method. Since the 260, when configured as a through bore encoder, could mount directly over the drive shaft, this method eliminated both the measuring wheel and the external bracket. Moreover, the 260's smaller footprint allowed the company to easily build a protective housing that better protected the new assembly.

The Model 260 also proved to be much less expensive than the encoder, measuring wheel, and bracket it replaced. A pleasant surprise for the company. Even when cost of the protective housing was added in, the overall system cost went down considerably, since, due to the fact that the new solution virtually eliminated this type of field failures, the savings in after sales service more than offset any additional cost. Moreover, the benefits of the improved customer relations, with the potential for increased sales, have been nothing but positive.

EPC Product(s) Used

General Purpose - Model 260 This series provides the thinnest thru shaft encoder available with bearings. Even with its thin profile, commutation signals and high temperature operation is no problem.