In What Circumstances are Magnetic Linear Encoders Needed

Encoders are sensors that detect mechanical motion and create digital signals as a response to the motion. Linear encoders are also transducers that are paired with a scale. The scale is used on the encoded position to convert it to a digital or an analogue signal. The signal is then decoded into a position, it's all done by a motion controller or a digital readout. A magnetic linear encoder is used in many applications, especially in industrial ones. They are mostly used on machines that require high accuracies, such as high precision machining tools, motion systems and metrology instruments. Let's discuss encoders, the different types that exist and how you can benefit from installing such a great piece of equipment on your machines.

There are two types of encoders that can be broken down into a few different categories. The main types are linear encoders and rotary encoders. They are broken down in absolute and incremental encoders. Linear ones are broken down in optical, magnetic, capacitive, inductive and eddy current encoders. Optical ones are used with a light source, they are highly accurate, but they do require a lot of protection in order to function properly. A magnetic linear encoder, on the other hand, employs magnetised or passive scales and positions are sensed with coils. A capacitive encoder senses the capacitance between the scale and the reader, but they are quite sensitive and this could lead to a lot of mistakes when measuring. Inductive linear encoders are resistant to all contaminants, but their measurements aren't that accurate. They are used in applications where accuracy isn't so important and there are a lot of pollutants in the air. An Eddy current encoder uses the changes in inductance of an AC circuit in order to give out the right measurements.

With encoders, you can greatly improve the efficiency of your company. They have many applications, including assembly machines, packaging, textiles, robotics, labelling and drilling machines, printers, medical equipment and a lot more. The best thing about magnetic linear encoders is that they don't get contaminated easily while keeping their high accuracy. They also don't get affected by physical impacts and shocks. This is because it's a lot harder to disrupt the magnetic field that transfers the information and the magnetic field won't be affected by anything that is in its way. This increases efficiency, as you won't need to replace it with a new encoder because it broke too soon.

Reference: 

http://www.fcrmotion.com.au/encoders-and-tachos/linear-encoders/