Encoders are ahead of their class for versatility

28th August 2015
Posted By : Jordan Mulcare
Encoders are ahead of their class for versatility

SICK’s AHS36 (single turn) and AHM36 (multi-turn) encoders are ahead of their class for versatility, compatibility and diagnostics for almost any application including industrial automation duties. The SICK AHS36/AHM36 features a 270o rotatable electrical connection for either M12 connector or cable termination, making cable positioning and installation easy, even in tight spaces. Simple replacement of existing encoders is ensured by a choice of hollow or solid shaft models in a large number of diametres, combined with face and servo mount flanges.

The versatility of the AHS/AHM36 isn’t just limited to its mechanical characteristics. Both SSI and CANopen designs are available as fully-programmable variants, allowing the user to programme both the resolution and the code that the encoder produces as its output. The number of turns can also be programmed to a non-integer value, thus removing the risk of accumulation errors and reducing processing load on the PLC. This is particularly relevant for rotary axis applications, e.g. turntable positioning.

The CANopen-compatible models offer a choice of device profiles, CIA406 (V32/33) and application specific profiles on request. CANopen variants also provide speed information. This is teamed with advanced diagnostics which enable remote monitoring of parameters, such as operating temperature, maximum speed, length of on-time and length of motion-time to facilitate maintenance scheduling of the machinery. 

The all-magnetic operation of the AHS36/AHM36 minimises vibration problems that affect optical-based encoders. The temperature range is -40 to +85oC (CANopen) and +100oC (SSI), ensuring wide-ranging interior and exterior applications no matter what the environment. Despite its compact dimensions, the AHS/AHM36 uses a geared pick up technology for long term reliability, eliminating the need to rely on a battery-buffered memory to store turn information.

The SICK AHS36/AHM36 encoders are suitable for a wide range of applications where monitoring shaft rotation is essential for maintenance or automation control purposes. SICK expects they will quickly find applications for industrial automation duties where their consistency and reliability under difficult high vibration conditions ensure long life.

“The AHS36/AHM36 encoders are SICK’s new entry into the 36mm size market,” says Darren Pratt, Encoder Specialist, SICK (UK). “They now set the benchmark way beyond what has been previously available in an SSI and CANopen-compatible encoder. That’s why the SICK AHS36/AHM36 won the prestigious 2014 RedDot design award.

“Users can benefit from the class leading features of the AHS36/AHM36 without the need for design changes to their OEM machinery. Uniquely versatile for easy installation almost anywhere, it can replace almost any competitive model on the market. This means that you only have to stock one model for rapid replacement of many encoders.”

“The AHS36/AHM36 encoders have IP66 or IP67 environmental protection and a wide temperature range that enable them to record high reliability rotation data under challenging industrial environments,” adds Pratt. “SICK has moved the game on with the AHS36/AHM36 encoders, offering new standards of reliability to help machinery developers achieve new levels of performance.”


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