Heidenhain Launches Dual Encoder for Robots
September 14, 2021
Heidenhain has launched its new KCI 120 Dplus rotary encoder, designed to fill two critical needs via a single component in high accuracy robots. The unique absolute encoder provides both reliable feedback to a robot’s motor and accurate position measurement to its controller to enable safe and accurate motion.
The extremely compact KCI 120 Dplus consists of one scanning head and two different types of rotor units, all connectable to a controller/drive via a single cable. Only 20 mm in height, the small footprint and light weight make it useful for installation in tight spaces, the company said.
The rigid design of the new two-in-one encoder permits high vibration loads of up to 400 meters/seconds-squared on the stator, and 600 meters/second-squared on the rotor, Heidenhain said. With its robust inductive scanning method, the KCI 120 Dplus rotary encoder is resistant to contamination and magnetic fields.
The company said the encoder is available with functional safety capability, and with measures in the control, can achieve SIL 3 safety rating. This lets manufacturers minimize malfunctions and facilitate the safe operation of its associated machines and automated systems, it added.
Heidenhain develops and supports motion control feedback solutions for the machine tool, semiconductor, electronics assembly and test, metrology, automation, medical, energy and biotechnology markets. The company is headquartered in Germany, with its North American subsidiary located in Schaumburg, Illinois, and San Jose, Calif. For more details on the company, visit the Heidenhain website here.
