6 Factors To Consider While Selecting Linear Encoders

6 main factors to consider while selecting linear encoders include resolution, accuracy, repeatability, maximum speed, environmental resistance, and mounting tolerances. Walker Machinery, a leading distributor of digital encoders and DRO units in Milton, Ontario, explores these 6 factors in detail in this blog.

What Are The Main Features To Consider While Choosing Linear Encoders?

Resolution

Resolution in the context of a linear encoder is the smallest unit of measurement that the encoder can measure. This is display resolution, however, and it is not equal to positioning accuracy.

Accuracy

Accuracy can be considered as the most admissible error during positioning over a defined length of measurement. Accuracy in linear encoders is often measured as µm or µm per meter.

Repeatability

Repeatability in a linear encoder is the consistency with which the encoder reports the same value for the same forward or backward motion.

Maximum Speed

Maximum speed in a linear encoder is the maximum allowable axis speed of the encoder. This is an important measurement as exceeding this speed can result in signal loss or counting errors in the digital encoder.

Environmental Resistance

Environmental resistance here means how resistant the linear encoder is to environmental conditions such as coolants, chips, oil, dust, and vibration, as these can influence the accuracy of the encoders.

Mounting Tolerances

Mounting tolerances such as gap, parallelism, and alignment tolerances can affect the readability of the linear encoder and compromise stability and long-term accuracy. 

Conclusion

To conclude, to choose the right digital encoder, it is important to take accuracy, resolution, repeatability, maximum speed, environmental resistance, and mounting tolerances into consideration.

To learn more about linear encoders, contact us at Walker Machinery today. As one of the biggest distributors of digital encoders, rotary encoders, DRO units, and CNC control systems in Milton, Ontario, we have decades of experience in this field, which is backed by the excellent quality of our products. 

FAQs:

Are magnetic linear encoders right for high vibration environments?

Magnetic linear encoders are right for high vibration environments as they are designed to be durable.

Are open or enclosed linear encoders right for labs?

For lab settings, open linear encoders are the better choice as they offer less friction.