4 Factors To Consider When Choosing Encoders For Servo Motors

Be it robotics or industrial manufacturing, servo motors are used extensively. The major reason behind their widespread use is their ability to generate a lot of torque in the short term. Feedback plays a huge role in the accuracy and repeatability of servo motors. This is where digital encoders come in. To elaborate further, Walker Machinery, a major distributor of digital encoders and innovative control solutions, explores 4 factors to consider when choosing an encoder for these motors.

How To Select Encoders For Servo Motors?

Environmental Conditions

Environmental conditions encompass a lot of different variables, including shocks and vibrations, changes in temperature, moisture, and more. With these in mind, it is also key to consider that some encoders, such as a linear encoder, have glass scales inside that are delicate in nature. Thus, a digital encoder must be robust enough to withstand these conditions. In this case, a sealed encoder or even an inductive encoder can be effective as the latter is contactless in nature.

Physical Configuration

Physical configuration in this context refers to the type of encoder and how it is mounted to the servo motor. For instance, while some digital encoders can be mounted to the motor by means of a shaft and coupling, this same configuration can isolate the sensing element of the encoder from the drive unit. Therefore, this also has to be taken into consideration.

Sensitivity To Recalibration

Recalibration refers to resetting the encoder after a particular setup or application. An incremental encoder falls under this category. So even if it is suitable in terms of environmental conditions, if recalibration can damage the operation or slow productivity, then it is still not a good fit. On the contrary, if the application is simple, such as speed control, then incremental encoders can work just as well as long as sensitivity to recalibration is not a deciding factor.

Electrical Requirements

A small but undeniable factor is the electrical requirements of the servo motor and the system. Based on the type of encoder, such as incremental or absolute, the type of wiring will change, as it is vital to establish a clear line of contact between the digital encoder and the readout unit.

Want to know which type of digital encoder is best-suited for your application? Contact Walker Machinery in Milton, Ontario, today. As one of the leading distributors of linear encoders, rotary encoders, angle encoders, and more,  we also offer innovative control solutions, touch probes, DRO units, and much more. Call us at 905-876-0890 today to learn more.