Application Examples

The LN digital linear encoder is ideally suited for applications in machine control which demand tough, reliable and accurate position feedback devices.  The inherent strength, durability and corrosion resistance of the LN linear encoder’s design allow it to function in a variety of harsh environments.  The components of the LN series encoder withstand shock, vibration, temperature and industrial contaminates to a much higher degree than many other types of linear encoders.  LN linear encoders are sealed to an IP67 environmental rating, allowing them to ignore dirt, dust, oil, coolant and other debris, without the need for costly air purging and frequent cleaning. They can even operate when fully immersed in liquid!  The LN linear encoder will deliver accurate and repeatable position feedback in even the harshest machine control environment.

Automated processes such as printing, automotive assembly, wood processing, materials handling, food processing and packaging all require positional feedback to effectively manage the operation.  Yet contamination from these processes can cause reliability and accuracy problems with traditional glass-based linear encoders. In contrast, the LN linear encoder is ideal for operating in these hostile environments.  It features an all stainless steel scale and has an industry leading IP67 environmental rating, making it impervious to dirt, dust, and other debris commonly found in manufacturing environments.  Especially suited for processes requiring equipment wash-downs, it operates even when immersed in liquids such as water, detergents or oil.  The LN linear encoder can be installed in almost any position, unlike glass scales which must be installed with their lip seals facing downward to resist contamination.  The LN series encoder has self-aligning mounting adapters for easy installation. A variety of standard electrical interfaces make the LN digital linear encoder fully compatible with standard counters, controllers, and PLCs.

A variety of processes require pick and place operations, such as line transfers, assembly, sorting and packaging.  For these applications, positional feedback devices need to be rugged, very repeatable and the faster they are; the better.  The LN linear encoder has outstanding repeatability, with the ability to return to the same point again and again within ±1 count of resolution. By taking advantage of this impressive repeatability, a system can be error mapped to an accuracy even better than the LN’s standard ± 10µm specification. The encoder’s read head completely surrounds the scale, eliminating the risk of the critical gap between sensor and scale varying with speed.  With onboard digital signal processing (DSP) capability, the LN boasts traverse times of up to 20 meters per second--twice the speed available from most glass or magnetic linear encoders.  Greater speed means shorter production times and higher efficiency. The stainless steel scale, fully potted read head, and IP67 rating help make the LN linear encoder an extremely robust, reliable linear encoder.